

Leeds United slumped to their second consecutive 4-1 defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday. It was a bitter result for a team who didn’t exactly play all that bad but was undone by some sharp counter-attacking and use of set-plays by the opposition. And here, at The 4th Official, we will take a look at three key takeaways from Leeds United’s defeat to Crystal Palace this past weekend.
Rodrigo & Hernandez Were Missed
As we had predicted heading into this game, Leeds United are going to miss the services of Rodrigo Moreno heavily in this fixture and just as much was clear from their lack of creativity in the final third.
While the likes of Jack Harrison and Helder Costa tried to create opportunities in the final third, the Whites missed the dynamic and technical nature of Rodrigo. The Spaniard could have provided some much-needed support for Patrick Bamford inside the box while his ingenuity and ability to act in tight spaces could have been useful in breaching the Palace backline.
As for Pablo Hernandez, his ability to act as a ball-carrier could have improved Leeds United’s transition game in the final third. It could have also offered the creative essence that was lacking as Marcelo Bielsa started with three fullbacks.

Mateusz Klich Better In The Advanced Role
On Monday, Bielsa opted for a massive risk by deploying Mateusz Klich in the defensive midfield role, in the absence of Kalvin Phillips. The move failed miserably, and the Argentine was quick to revert that change by bringing Pascal Struijk back into the starting lineup.
It evidently improved the Pole’s performance as the midfielder worked tirelessly and often found himself on the end of loose balls in the middle of the park. With Rodrigo and Hernandez missing, Klich also took it upon himself to turn into a creator-in-chief for Leeds United, notably providing the assist to Bamford’s goal.
Klich is, no doubt, best suited in the advanced midfield role, where his aggression and work-rate make his team stronger in the first line of press. Bielsa, therefore, should stick with the same despite the apparent absence of the injured Phillips.
Poor Defensive Performance Once Again
While the absence of Rodrigo and Hernandez were critical behind Leeds United’s chance creation in the final third, the return of Liam Cooper clearly hasn’t improved the club’s defensive solidity. In fact, the club captain has appeared quite sloppy at the back, often coming second best in duels while also failing to keep check of his markers.
It has coincided with Robin Koch’s poor run of form, ultimately resulting in Leeds United conceding as many as eight goals in their last two matches. So a rapid improvement is indeed needed if the Whites are to have any hopes of bouncing back to winning form after the international break.
- Leeds United Among Clubs Interested In Former Premier League Defender: A Good Fit For Bielsa? - January 24, 2021
- Tierney And Smith Rowe Returns | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Arsenal Lineup Vs Southampton - January 24, 2021
- Llorente And Phillips Set To Return | Predicted 4-1-4-1 Leeds United Lineup Vs Newcastle United - January 24, 2021
more recommended stories
Leeds United Among Clubs Interested In Former Premier League Defender: A Good Fit For Bielsa?
According to Foot01, Leeds United have.
Antonio To Spearhead Moyes’ Attack | 4-2-3-1 West Ham United Predicted Lineup Vs Crystal Palace
West Ham United will face off.
Llorente And Phillips Set To Return | Predicted 4-1-4-1 Leeds United Lineup Vs Newcastle United
Leeds United are searching for their.
Krafth And Clark To Return | 4-4-2 Newcastle United Predicted Lineup Vs Leeds United
Newcastle United will entertain Leeds United.
Leeds United Urged To Sign This Ligue 1 Forward By Bent: Should Bielsa Sanction A Deal Here?
During an interview with Football Insider,.
Celtic Eye Double Swoop To Resolve The Ongoing Crisis: Why Lennon Must Get The Deals Done
Things are getting from bad to.
Leeds United Cool Interest In Serie A Midfielder: Here Are A Few Alternatives They Could Target
According to Tuttomercatoweb, Leeds United have.
Leeds United Set To Face Defeat In Pursuit Of Bundesliga Striker: A Massive Blow For Bielsa?
According to Talksport, Leeds United are.
Three Players Marcelo Bielsa Must Sign In This January Transfer Window To Improve Leeds United
Following a busy summer transfer window,.
Leeds United Ready To Splash €25 Million To Sign Serie A Star: Can He Break Into The Starting XI?
According to Calciomercato, Leeds United have.
Howdy very nice blog!! Man .. Excellent .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your site and take the feeds also…I am glad to seek out so many helpful info here within the put up, we need develop more strategies on this regard, thank you for sharing.
Hi, Neat post. There is a problem with your web site in internet explorer, would check this… IE still is the market leader and a huge portion of people will miss your excellent writing because of this problem.
With havin so much content do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright violation? My blog has a lot of unique content I’ve either created myself or outsourced but it looks like a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my permission. Do you know any solutions to help stop content from being stolen? I’d really appreciate it.
Wow! This can be one particular of the most useful blogs We’ve ever arrive across on this subject. Basically Great. I am also an expert in this topic so I can understand your hard work.
I’ve been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this blog. Thank you, I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your site?
Great write-up, I am normal visitor of one?¦s blog, maintain up the nice operate, and It’s going to be a regular visitor for a long time.
Excellent web site. Plenty of useful information here. I’m sending it to a few buddies ans also sharing in delicious. And certainly, thank you to your sweat!
Great write-up, I?¦m normal visitor of one?¦s web site, maintain up the excellent operate, and It is going to be a regular visitor for a long time.
Keep working ,splendid job!
I am no longer sure the place you are getting your info, however good topic. I must spend some time studying more or figuring out more. Thank you for great information I used to be in search of this information for my mission.
I am pleased that I detected this web site, precisely the right info that I was searching for! .
Nice design, really loved the website theme. The content is very helpful and unique. keep sharing
niagara taxi service
Great website! I am loving it!! Will be back later to read some more. I am bookmarking your feeds also.
You could certainly see your enthusiasm in the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. Always follow your heart.
naturally like your web-site but you have to test the spelling on quite a few of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling issues and I in finding it very bothersome to inform the truth then again I will definitely come again again.
Of course, what a magnificent blog and illuminating posts, I surely will bookmark your blog.Best Regards!