What on earth is going on at Leeds United?
At one point this season they looked nigh on unbeatable, they conceded just 10 goals in their first 20 games, and earlier this term they went on an incredible seven-game winning streak.
However, they’ve won just two of their last nine league outings, and they’re in danger of undoing all the good work they did at the start of the campaign.
So what’s changed? Why have Leeds gone from being a dominant force in this division to looking vulnerable every time they step onto the pitch?
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Change in shape
One of the most glaringly obvious things that has changed since Leeds’ incredible run of form is the formation the team have been lining up with.
Five out of their seven wins in that brilliant stretch came while playing a 3-3-3-1 formation, but we’ve only seen that system used once in United’s last nine games, and unsurprisingly they won while using it, with a 5-4 victory over Birmingham City.
Why on earth would you ditch a tactic that has proven so successful throughout the season?
Leeds haven’t lost a single game this term when they’ve lined up with three at the back, winning seven and drawing one, so why haven’t we seen it much lately? Perhaps it’s time for Bielsa to revert back.
Change in mentality
Leeds’ last convincing win was against Hull City as they beat the Tigers 2-0 in December.
The Whites have won since then, but they’ve both been ropey affairs, a blockbuster 5-4 win over Birmingham City and a 3-2 victory over Millwall in which Leeds were 2-0 down at half time.
After the Hull game, Phil Hay caught up with Liam Cooper who gave an insight into the dressing room atmosphere, and it seemed as if there was a lot of doubt within the squad after last season’s capitulation.
That doubt won’t have been alleviated in their next game – the Whites threw away a 3-0 lead against Cardiff in a clash that ended 3-3.
Since then there have been plenty of issues, Kalvin Phillips admitted that he let his emotions get the better of him against QPR after being sent off for a rash challenge. Marcelo Bielsa then stated there was confusion and panic during the Millwall game.
It appears as if the squad is bereft of confidence at the moment, and they need to rediscover their mojo or else they could be out of the promotion picture very soon.
In other news, Leeds fans have been buzzing after one club tweet.