Leeds United dropped the first points of the season against newly relegated Swansea last night, but remain unbeaten after a hard fought 2-2 draw for the Yorkshire club.
Leeds lost Cooper in the warm up which handed Shackleton a starting roll. Without a recognised centre back on the pitch, it was always going to be tough for Leeds.
For the first time this season, Leeds were second best for the first twenty minutes with Swansea playing the Whites at their own game. Closing down fast and moving the ball quickly and it was no surprise when they opened the scoring through Leeds fan, McBurnie on 24 minutes. It was enough for Bielsa who took no time to make changes, bringing on Lewis Baker for Phillips who was struggling in the centre and received an early booking.
The change worked. Leeds got a foothold in the game and started to look like the side that has impressed the critics in their opening games. The equaliser came on 40 minutes with Shackleton dashing down the wing, firing a low cross across goal to the waiting Roofe.
1-1 at half time.
The second half started like the first. Swansea playing with passion however Leeds did not roll over as quick this time. With the game looking even, it was swansea that took their chance on 51 minutes. McBurnie again punishing Leeds for failing to clear the ball.
The goal spurred Leeds on, who dominated possession in the second half, although Swansea always looked a threat on the break. Perseverance paid off and on 79 minutes, Hernandez met with a low ball drilled across by Bamford to fire home.
In the last ten minutes, the game could have gone either way. Swansea continued to break well and forcing a good save from Peacock-Farrell in the Leeds goal, but it finished 2-2. A result that saw Leeds move top on goal difference.
Leeds were never going to walk the league as comfortably as they started the campaign. Teams are working out how we play and starting to prepare tactics against us, but two positives from last night;
Leeds lost Cooper in the warm up which handed Shackleton a starting roll. Without a recognised centre back on the pitch, it was always going to be tough for Leeds.
For the first time this season, Leeds were second best for the first twenty minutes with Swansea playing the Whites at their own game. Closing down fast and moving the ball quickly and it was no surprise when they opened the scoring through Leeds fan, McBurnie on 24 minutes. It was enough for Bielsa who took no time to make changes, bringing on Lewis Baker for Phillips who was struggling in the centre and received an early booking.
The change worked. Leeds got a foothold in the game and started to look like the side that has impressed the critics in their opening games. The equaliser came on 40 minutes with Shackleton dashing down the wing, firing a low cross across goal to the waiting Roofe.
1-1 at half time.
The second half started like the first. Swansea playing with passion however Leeds did not roll over as quick this time. With the game looking even, it was swansea that took their chance on 51 minutes. McBurnie again punishing Leeds for failing to clear the ball.
The goal spurred Leeds on, who dominated possession in the second half, although Swansea always looked a threat on the break. Perseverance paid off and on 79 minutes, Hernandez met with a low ball drilled across by Bamford to fire home.
In the last ten minutes, the game could have gone either way. Swansea continued to break well and forcing a good save from Peacock-Farrell in the Leeds goal, but it finished 2-2. A result that saw Leeds move top on goal difference.
Leeds were never going to walk the league as comfortably as they started the campaign. Teams are working out how we play and starting to prepare tactics against us, but two positives from last night;
- We have a manager who can read a game and make changes (early is necessary) that influence how we are playing.
- Swansea played as good as they have in a long time, and it was our worst performance so far, so to pick up points, away from home is a good result.
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