As one of the Newcastle coaching staff described it post-match: ‘If that was on in my back garden, I’d have pulled up the curtains.’
This was that kind of game where neither Leeds or Newcastle could find that killer edge in front of goal – the combined expected goals (1.01) of both sides was the lowest in the Premier League since January.
But for Leeds, this was ultimately a step in the right direction with a battling performance after a grim week which saw questions of both their tactical approach and their recruitment strategy.
Ultimately, four points in three games – with two against Champions League sides – makes for a solid start and the fact they are yet to concede at home spoke volumes of just how well they have set up at Elland Road and how tough they will be to beat.
‘I don’t think anyone in the stands or journalists can say that we don’t play with confidence or that we are scared,’ said Ilia Gruev. ‘We played with courage and self-belief,’ he added.
By the time Leeds next play at home, it will be over a year since Daniel Farke’s side lost a league game at Elland Road.
Ilia Gruev hailed Leeds’ performance as they were able to hold Newcastle to a goalless draw
Clear chances proved hard to come by for both teams during Saturday’s clash at Elland Road
Daniel Farke admitted his side could benefit from more options going forward in order to avoid the drop
‘They will be competitive (this season),’ admitted Newcastle boss Eddie Howe. ‘All three clubs have recruited very well, which is the key. There’s been a lot of money spent this year to bridge the gap. But coming here is never easy, regardless of the time of year or the situation Leeds are in and we knew that,’ Howe added.
Talking about recruitment, Leeds have made nine signings, spending just shy of £100M and Farke is content with his keeper, defence and midfield for now.
But across these 90 minutes and the games against Everton and Arsenal, his side have scored just once and that came from the penalty spot. With less than 48 hours before the window closes, that quality up top is fundamentally what Leeds need more of, with Farke admitting it will be ‘difficult’ to stay up if they don’t.
‘It’s not a concern,’ he said, when asked by Daily Mail Sport. ‘But yes, in the dominant periods we have to be a bit more effective. This comes with quality players. I’m happy with our approach and how we dominate games at times but it’s important that we reward ourselves during these periods. For that, you need quality and players who score goals and assist at this level and that’s why we’re speaking about adding this quality. It’s not a concern but it’s something we’re aware of as a club,’ Farke added.
The likes of Lukas Nmecha, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor have all come in from an attacking perspective, but it is no secret that Leeds have missed out on a number of targets, with Igor Paixao choosing Marseille and Facundo Buonanotte opting for Chelsea at the last minute. Names like Bilal El Khannouss, Dilane Bakwa and Eduard Spertsyan are all on the radar and for the Leeds hierarchy, adding at least one more attacking player is the priority before the window shuts.
For all their grit on Saturday, the closest they came to scoring was when Dominic Calvert-Lewin tested Nick Pope late on but his effort was straight at Nick Pope. Calvert-Lewin must be wondering how he hasn’t opened his Leeds account yet but if he can get firing and stay fit then that particular gamble will be justified. It’s a big if.
Lukas Nmecha got the nod ahead of Joel Piroe to start up top and put in a shift but Leeds simply didn’t create enough openings to test Pope. Farke substituting Dan James and Willy Gnonto on the wing for Jack Harrison and Brenden Aaronson on the hour mark was telling, to say the least.
‘It was the second to last pass that was a little bit missing and we need to be more mature but this will come, especially if we win the ball high up. This will come. I have no doubt.’ Gruev stressed.
Leeds don’t face a team that finished in the top eight from last season until November now. How they fare over these next two months will be pivotal in terms of their survival hopes. But in the here and now, these next two days are all that matters. Come Monday, they desperately need to invest in some more quality up top.
