Leeds United’s first six-pointer against a direct relegation rival yielded a crucial and convincing victory versus Wolves, in which Daniel Farke’s side demonstrated efficiency at both ends.
Wolves away has always been a chaotic fixture for Leeds filled with goals, and the first 45 minutes on Saturday were no different.
Having been pegged back through a smartly crafted move from Vitor Pereira’s side, Leeds responded brilliantly to come back for a deserved three points.
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Wolves 1-3 Leeds United: Daniel Farke’s men see out victory with deep block in second half
An emphatic response from three of United’s new summer signings saw Leeds head into half-time with a 3-1 cushion at Molineux.
Having finally shown ruthlessness in the final third, the question was then posed of Leeds’ out of possession structure. Could they see out a much-needed win against a direct rival?
If you looked at the stats alone, you’d probably think Leeds were second best against Wolves. However, that wasn’t the case despite the away side sitting deeper on average than the hosts:
Sofascore: Average positions in Wolves v Leeds United.
Leeds’ first half was about their composed reaction to going behind, while showing killer instinct in the final third. Their second half was more of resolute defensive work, sitting deep and frustrating Wolves as they launched hopeful crosses into the box.
(Second half stats)
Daniel Farke: Leeds United belong in the Premier League
For Farke, it’s more proof of concept that United are in the Premier League and have seven points from five on pure merit.
This result came in spite of three crucial first team players being ruled out through injury. As a result, it leaves Farke very happy with his start, and content with Leeds being a competitive entity this season.
“I would have preferred to dominate the second half a bit more but if necessary to show steel is also important,” he said, per the YEP. “We’ve shown many clean sheets last season and really good defensive behaviours in every game except Arsenal. I think the first five game days proved we belong in this league, we can win games on this level.
“In four out of five games we’ve had a chance to win, we definitely weren’t the worst side in those games. It’s important to show consistency. Today we missed offensive options, we’re a bit thin anyway. It’s not easy for us but to score three goals is pretty good for the whole feeling.”
Leeds United, Burnley and Sunderland all showing they’re looking to stay up this season
Leeds took the game to Wolves in that first half and despite going behind, were deserving of a 3-1 scoreline, as Farke said. The second half was more about how Leeds soaked up pressure, and they did that superbly.
Wolves tried to get back into the game, but we didn’t really look that troubled despite inviting them on. At the end of the day, we asked the question of Wolves to break us down, and they couldn’t.
That’s a testament to our defensive structure and a testament to Farke’s focus on that part of our game so far.
Looking at Sunderland and Burnley too, there’s more than enough evidence to suggest all three “belong” in the league. Definitely a more deserving status than previous promoted teams since we’ve been gone.
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