Leeds United have made themselves very difficult to play against in the Premier League, and their defence has been very well coached by Daniel Farke so far.
Daniel Farke knew that his possession-heavy total control of matches in the Championship would have to shift to a certain degree upon promotion to the Premier League.
Recruitment indicated that change from Leeds to become much harder to play against, after two years of newly promoted teams being whipping boys every week.
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Revealed: Leeds United 6th in the Premier League for xG conceded
Leeds sit 15th in the Premier League after a mixed fixture list thus far, playing three of the current top four and sitting on eight points. A fairly respectable start.
What has most impressed neutrals watching on has been how Leeds have become a much sterner test for their opposition, adopting an aggressive press and very stubborn defensive structure.
Farke’s fine work is reflected in the numbers too, as Fotmob’s standings for xG conceded this season have Leeds sixth in the Premier League:
The goals conceded column leaves something to be admired, shipping 11 actual goals. However, the habits Leeds are showing outside of that five-goal drubbing at Arsenal bode very well, which accounts for 2.88 (36%) of their total.
That is in stark contrast to some of the league’s most porous defences, two of them up next for United: Burnley (A), and West Ham (H). Meanwhile, Manchester United are demonstrating the defensive quality befitting of a relegation battle as the fourth-worst in the league.
Nuno Espirito Santo will be looking to shore up his Irons defence over this break, having conceded 3.5xG in his two games in charge thus far. That said, there’s little shame in shipping 2.77 of that against this Arsenal side though.
Leeds United need to keep up their very strong defensive showings
Leeds conceding 11 this season does not show the whole story, as very few teams have actually cut this side open for regular chances.
Arsenal were struggling until their set-piece dominance opened the game up, while Spurs are perhaps the only side to get United really stretched.
The fact we’ve faced some of the best sides in the league already and have this defensive record bodes so well.
Farke’s task is maintaining this heading into really winnable games after this international break.
Read more: Injury boost for Leeds United this week with two players expected back soon