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Blackburn Rovers boss says Leeds United have ‘best defence in the league’
Leeds United defeated Blackburn Rovers in the Championship yesterday to remain third in the table going into the international break. It was another strong performance from Marcelo Bielsa’s men, who have now gone five games unbeaten in the league.
Once again, Leeds can be disappointed with some aspects of their game which have become a continuing problem throughout the season. Leeds again conceded from a set-piece, there defensive Achilles heel this season, whilst they should have also killed the game off at a more comfortable scoreline with numerous chances.
But their opposing manager, Tony Mowbray, was high in his praise for the Leeds United team. In particular, when speaking about the Leeds United defence. , the Scot believes Leeds have the best defence in the league.
“Leeds are a very good team. I don’t want to say we deserve this and that, we spent a lot of time out of possession today because they’re so good with the ball…
“They’ve got the best defence in the league, I think they’re an amazing team at pressing the ball, closing you down and not allowing you to build up slowly.”
TBR’s View
The stats would 100 percent back up Mowbray’s assessment. After 16 games Leeds have conceded only nine goals. Only Leicester Cty (8) have conceded fewer in England’s top four leagues.
But it is not just the defenders, as Mowbray alludes to. It is the whole style of Leeds’ play which makes them so efficient in the defensive charts.
The Whites close down all over the pitch and the result is a team that is extremely hard to break down.
If Leeds continue in this vein, it will be hard to stop them in their quest for promotion back to the Premier League.