De volta ao trabalho. O Botafogo se reapresentou na tarde desta terça-feira e iniciou a semana de treinamentos visando as partidas contra Ceilândia, pela Copa do Brasil, e Fortaleza, no Brasileirão. Os jogos serão no Estádio Nilton Santos e o time passará os próximos dias no Rio de Janeiro.
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A equipe ganhou folga na segunda-feira após a vitória sobre o Flamengo, no domingo, no Campeonato Brasileiro. O time chegou à Cidade Maravilhosa ainda no domingo, via voo fretado.
A equipe se reapresentou e fez trabalhos físicos nesta terça-feira no Espaço Lonier. O time volta a treinar na manhã desta quarta-feira novamente no futuro CT do clube. As atividades são voltadas para uma parte mais técnica e tática.
+ VEJA A TABELA DO BRASILEIRÃO
A tendência é que Luís Castro ‘rode’ a equipe e poupe alguns titulares na partida contra o Ceilândia, na quinta-feira. Com a classificação bem encaminhada após uma vitória por 3 a 0 no jogo de ida, o técnico já pensa no planejamento para ter o elenco no auge físico contra o Fortaleza, no domingo.
Tottenham Hotspur are now battling their Premier League rivals for the signature of an “excellent” new goalkeeper, according to a report.
Tottenham in need of a goalkeeper
Ever since Guglielmo Vicario was ruled out for the foreseeable future with a fractured ankle, there have been question marks over Fraser Forster, particularly in light of his most recent performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Englishman received scathing criticism for his performance, which played a part in Spurs’ winless run being extended to three games.
When Vicario first picked up his injury, Ange Postecoglou made it clear that signing a new goalkeeper in the January transfer window would not be an option, saying: “We will NOT sign a new goalkeeper in January. We trust Fraser Forster”.
Tottenham’s upcoming Premier League fixtures
Date
Newcastle United (h)
January 4th
Arsenal (a)
January 15th
Everton (a)
January 19th
Leicester City (h)
January 26th
Brentford (a)
February 2nd
However, Forster’s recent performances may have caused Postecoglou to change his stance, and Tottenham are now being linked with moves for a number of goalkeepers. Burnley’s James Trafford has been considered as a potential option, although that could prove to be a costly operation, with the Championship side set to demand a fee of around £30m for his services.
As such, the Lilywhites have now started looking at other options, and a report from The Sun has revealed that Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson is now an option. Spurs are now battling Premier League rivals Wolves for Patterson, so there is set to be competition for his signature, but Forster’s poor performances could force Postecoglou’s hand.
However, much like Trafford, the Sunderland keeper would not come cheap, as he signed a new long-term deal at the Stadium of Light last September.
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Injury crisis at N17 forcing January activity
Tottenham find themselves in an injury crisis at the moment, with a number of first-team players out injured, and Vicario’s absence has hit them particularly hard, with Forster failing to hit the heights expected of him in recent weeks.
As such, it would make sense if Postecoglou wants to bring in a new back-up goalkeeper this winter, particularly considering Forster is now 36-years-old.
Patterson could be a real upgrade for Spurs, having been lauded by Sunderland teammate Simon Moore, who said: “I’ve followed him for a while even before I came here and he’s class, he pulls off some unbelievable saves.
“He’s underrated with the ball at his feet as well, calm and composed. His handling is excellent, he can without a shadow of a doubt play at the top.”
However, it may be difficult for Tottenham to get a deal done this January, as Sunderland are unlikely to sanction their first-choice goalkeeper’s departure for a reasonable price while they are in a promotion race.
Instead, it may be wise for Postecoglou to hold out for Vicario’s return, considering his recovery is going well, and persist with Forster for a little while longer.
Leeds United have invested brilliantly in recent years, signing players for competitive fees and either making a fortune or setting themselves up for a huge windfall down the line.
Ao Tanaka is just one example within the current first team at Elland Road, taking the Championship by storm with his performances in recent weeks.
The Japanese international has taken advantage of the injury situation at the heart of the side, starting 14 games in a row – now looking like a player worth well more than the £3.5m paid for his services in the summer.
He’s played a crucial role in their recent success, operating as a ball-winning player who can start transitions, which was demonstrated by the third goal in the recent clash with Middlesbrough.
Tanaka is evidence that you can sign a talent on a budget, not necessarily having to spend the big bucks to land players who can make a positive impact on the club.
Speaking of which, those big-money buys haven’t always been the best of investments at Elland Road…
Leeds’ most expensive signings in their history
In January 2023, Leeds broke their club record by forking out £35.5m for the services of Frenchman Georginio Rutter, with the hope of the attacker transforming their attack in the second half of the campaign.
He was unable to make a huge impact in the Premier League, failing to score and registering just one assist in his 11 appearances during the second half of the 2022/23 season.
Georginio Rutter
However, it would be his form last year that caught the eye, scoring six and registering 15 assists, leading the Whites to the play-off final before joining Brighton for £40m in the summer.
Brendan Aaronson is another forward who cost Leeds a huge sum, joining for £24.7m from RB Salzburg in the summer of 2022 – but like Rutter, failing to make a real impact in England’s top-flight.
He only produced four goal contributions, before leaving on loan last season, before returning to play a leading role in the current promotion push under Daniel Farke.
However, one other big-money addition has been superb in the Championship of late, playing a huge role in the club’s recent success at Elland Road.
The Leeds star who’s now coming good under Farke
Winger Daniel James was a player who was on the radar of Leeds for many years, involved in an infamous deal that saw him think he completed a deal, only for it to fall through at the eleventh hour.
Daniel James could stay at Elland Road.
However, the Whites finally got their man in the summer of 2021 under former boss Marcelo Bielsa, costing a mammoth £30m from Manchester United.
The Welshman was dubbed “special” by the Argentine after arriving in Yorkshire, but would only score four times during his debut year with his new side.
Leeds’ relegation to the Championship a couple of years ago has given the 27-year-old a fresh opportunity to kickstart his career, taking his chance with both hands under Farke’s guidance.
Games played
14
Goals scored
4
Assists
2
Chances created
16
Dribbles completed
46%
Successful crosses
11
Shots taken
27
James, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by journalist Harri Burton, registered 13 goals in England’s second tier last campaign, but it wasn’t enough to secure an immediate return to the Premier League.
He’s since demonstrated his quality once again this time around, producing four goals and two assists to date, including an incredible strike in the recent game against Middlesbrough.
If the Whites are to end their wait for top-flight football come the end of May, there’s no denying that James will have a huge role to play in any potential success.
His pace and direct dribbling are a problem for any opposition defender, constantly creating chances in the final third for himself and his Leeds teammates.
He’s already proven in recent months he’s a consistent performer at this level, starting to look like the ‘special’ player they forked out £30m for a number of years ago.
Leeds need to brutally sell £23.4m problem who Bielsa said was "special"
The Leeds United ace hasn’t hit the heights since Marcelo Bielsa’s departure from Elland Road.
Black Caps carry 135-run lead into final day against Sussex as rain looms large again
ESPNcricinfo staff22-May-2022New Zealand’s bowlers had their day in the sun at Hove to keep their side in front heading into the final day of their pre-Test-series warm-up against Sussex.Jacob Duffy, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry and Ajaz Patel claimed two wickets each to bowl the home side out for 247, still 95 runs adrift. Duffy did what he could to press his claim for a Test debut when the Black Caps face England next month as arguably the pick of the visiting bowlers with 2 for 17 from 12 overs, while Kyle Jamieson bowled with good pace but went unrewarded, conceding just 37 runs from his 14 overs.New Zealand openers Tom Latham and Will Young then guided their side to stumps without loss in their second innings, both closing unbeaten on 20 and no doubt hoping for some more time in the middle on Monday, although a return of the rain which washed out the opening day could have yet more influence on this match.Related
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New Zealand declared on their overnight score of 342 for 3, built on half-centuries to Latham, Young, Michael Bracewell and Tom Blundell.Ali Orr, the 21-year-old Sussex opener, reached his half-century, including twin sixes down the ground off one Patel over and another carbon copy, again off Patel, a little while later. Left-hander Orr shared a 56-run stand with Tom Haines, who was on 41 when he fell to de Grandhomme, caught at first slip by Young.It was the first of a clutch of wickets to fall as Sussex lost three for nine in the space of three overs as Duffy had Tom Alsop caught behind and then trapped Tom Clark lbw, both departing for a duck.Orr finally fell lbw to Henry before Fynn Hudson-Prentice, the bowling allrounder making his way back from a stress fracture in his back and therefore playing as a batter in this friendly match, added a confidence-boosting 34 from 64 deliveries, including six fours, before providing de Grandhomme’s second scalp, falling to a gem that ripped out middle stump.Oli Carter and Danial Ibrahim put on 49 runs for the sixth wicket and the hosts were 181 for 5 when Rachin Ravindra entered the attack on the cusp of the tea break.Ravindra dragged his first ball down short and Carter duly smacked it towards midwicket but only managed to get two for it. His second ball was a short one down the leg side which Carter pulled for four, but Ravidra broke through with his fourth ball of the over, bowling Ibrahim round his legs with a full delivery.Carter followed for 31 shortly after the post-tea resumption when Henry sent his off-stump cartwheeling.Patel picked up the wickets of Delray Rawlins and Jamie Atkins but Ollie Robinson – who after being overlooked for the first two Tests against New Zealand amid concerns over his fitness managed 18, albeit wicketless, overs during the visitors’ first innings – compiled an entertaining knock of 36 from just 23 balls.Robinson struck Patel twice over mid-on and then through midwicket for three fours in four balls and collected two more in four deliveries from off the left-arm spinner, swept through fine leg and cut towards point, before he was the last man out, caught by Duffy off Bracewell.With Haines off the field late in the evening session, Robinson assumed captaincy duties and is yet to bowl in New Zealand’s second innings.Henry said he and his team-mates enjoyed the hit-out and he praised the efforts of fellow seamer Duffy.”It was important for us to get that time in the legs and adapt to the conditions and the ball here so I think the guys would be really happy with that,” Henry said. “Just getting that competitive edge, getting going, and I think everyone enjoyed that, getting in the fight out there. It’s very different to being in the nets, the time on the feet, getting used to multiple spells was really good.”He [Duffy] has done a great job for a long time really at home and I think there’s no surprise that he would suit the English conditions as well, that beautiful outswinger he’s got, so it was really good for him today to get the opportunity to just test where he’s at and he did a great job.”
Aston Villa and Unai Emery have been handed a blow as it has emerged that one of their top January targets has now picked up another injury and won’t be available for multiple months, throwing any potential deal into doubt.
Villa looking to strengthen in attack
It had been an excellent start to the season for Aston Villa, but four consecutive losses in their most recent outings have tempered the feel-good factor in the Midlands somewhat.
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A shock loss to Club Brugge, courtesy of a controversial handball decision on defender Tyrone Mings, ended Emery’s 100% start to the Champions League with the Villans, though three wins at the halfway mark of the league stage still puts them well on course for progression into the knockout rounds.
In the Premier League, losses to fellow top four hopefuls Tottenham and Premier League leaders Liverpool have left the Villans sitting in ninth place, though given the congested nature of the early running they remain just a point behind third placed Chelsea, and they will be hoping that the international break will act as a reset to prevent their blip in form turning into a full downturn in performances and results.
They are expected to be active in the January transfer window as they look to re-qualify for the Champions League with a top four finish, but now doubt has been cast on a potential move.
Injury throws Aston Villa transfer into doubt
That comes as Sporting CP forward Pedro Goncalves has picked up yet another injury, which is set to keep him sidelined until the start of 2025. The Portuguese forward has been a revelation under Ruben Amorim, enjoying the best form of his career under the now-Manchester United boss, who dubbed him a “very intelligent” player who could play for “any team in the world”.
He has reportedly been a long term target for Aston Villa and Sport Witness had previously relayed reports that Villa were even preparing an offer to sign the 26-year-old forward in either the January transfer window or next summer.
Pedro Goncalves under Ruben Amorim
Appearances
190
Goals
81
Assists
61
Yellow Cards
32
Minutes per goal/assist
103.5
“He can play in any team in the world and with any player, because he is a great player,” Amorim said. “I could take him anywhere. He is very funny, which improves the personal relationship. But he is also very intelligent, but he also has to focus on Sporting because we have to be champions this year. But he could play in any team in the world.”
Pedro Goncalves of Sporting CP
However, with Goncalves now injured for the rest of 2024, it is claimed that his injury-prone nature is a “red flag” for Villa, who don’t “want to invest a major amount on an injury prone player, regardless of how good he can be”.
With Amorim having also revealed he won’t plunder his former side in January, Goncalves may be forced to wait until the summer for a move out of Portugal, though with three years left still to run on his £38,000 a week deal and Sporting top of the Portuguese league, that may well have proved the case anyway.
Lauren Winfield-Hill will open batting despite indifferent form, confirms England’s Australian coach
Valkerie Baynes03-Mar-2022Lisa Keightley is more than happy for Australia to carry the “extra pressure” of being favourites into the World Cup as her side prepares to defend their title, starting against their arch rivals on Saturday.Keightley, England’s head coach, was part of the Australian teams which won the trophy in 1997 and 2005 and was Player of the Series when New Zealand triumphed on home soil in 2000. She believes that England have what it takes to win the World Cup five years on from defeating India in the final at Lord’s, despite their comprehensive defeat in the Ashes.A day after opener Tammy Beaumont said that England had been “written off” unfairly before the tournament, Keightley cited New Zealand’s nine-wicket warm-up win over Australia as a chance for a team to build momentum at the right time.”I’m happy to be where we are and Australia be favourites, that’s for sure,” Keightley said. “I think that becomes an extra pressure. If Australia look at it that way, I’m not too sure, but we know they’ve played pretty consistent cricket over the last two years. So, to be honest, they probably are favourites. They mightn’t say it but I think we all know that they probably are favourites.”In saying that, I think there’s a number of teams that, if you play well on your day and you take your chances, you can win a game of cricket. If that’s against Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa, we’ve got to be playing good cricket, I do know that much for sure, and sometimes you’ve just got to get over the line and get the points.”Related
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Keightley confirmed that Lauren Winfield-Hill would join Beaumont at the top of the order after her half-century in England’s first warm-up match with Bangladesh. Winfield-Hill hasn’t scored an ODI fifty since November 2016, well before she and Beaumont opened together in England’s last fifty-over World Cup campaign.”It’s definitely going to be Lauren and Tammy,” Keightley said. “As an opening combination, they’ve got a lot of experience. They really enjoy batting together. Lauren, in the last 12 matches, is averaging 28 and I expect her to improve that and dominate. The thing that they’ve done really well throughout the time they’ve got back together opening is how we start.”Usually they give us a pretty good foundation and it’s up to, as an opening bat for both players, to get big runs for us and extend a partnership as big as they can. I think in our group at the minute we’ve prepped for them to open for this World Cup, and we’re backing both girls in to get us off to good starts and cash in when they can.”Keightley said England’s entire batting line-up was “going in the right direction” following the disappointment of the Ashes, in which they were bowled out three times for modest totals as Australia swept the one-day leg of the series 3-0.”We’ve seen over the last 18 months that our batters can score runs against good bowling attacks, which has given us confidence, and then we saw in the Ashes, moments of our batters taking it to the Australian bowlers and putting them under pressure.”A couple of times throughout that Ashes we were in positions to win and that’s what you need to do. “The disappointing thing that we all had was we didn’t take those moments. It was tough in the last two games.”Lisa Keightley looks on during England’s final warm-up match•ICC/Getty ImagesKeightley also said Tash Farrant had recovered from a bout of food poisoning which forced her from the field mid-over during the Bangladesh match and it was hoped she could regain her strength sufficiently to be available for selection ahead of Saturday’s match in Hamilton.Fellow seam bowlers Katherine Brunt and Anya Shrubsole are “in a good place”, Keightley added, with the veteran pair continuing to have their workloads managed, as was the case through the Ashes. Pitches and conditions will dictate whether Charlie Dean, who made her international debut in the home series against New Zealand last year, joins Sophie Ecclestone as a second spinner.Christchurch is expected to throw up a fast, seam-friendly surface for England’s sixth match, against Pakistan on March 24, which could see Dean left out, but Keightley looked forward to the possibility of Brunt and Shrubsole bowling in tandem. Brunt was the leading wicket-taker in the Ashes with 11 from four matches at an average of 13.45 while Shrubsole took three wickets from four matches.”They both know their bodies really well,” Keightley said. “We’ll obviously look to see how they’re travelling throughout the tournament because we definitely want them at the back end.”We don’t want to show all our cards but we know if they’re opening together, our powerplay is usually pretty good, so if we’re fully fit and play our strongest side, there’s definitely that combination that we like to get together as much as we can. But we’ll wait and see on match-ups and pitches and we’ll go from there.”
Newcastle United are believed to be eyeing a move for a “super” player in the January transfer window, according to a new update from The Athletic.
Newcastle transfer news
The next window is now only just over a month away from opening, meaning the Magpies are being linked with plenty of potential new signings. Motherwell teenager Lennon Miller is reportedly a target, with the 18-year-old a midfielder who could have a massive future in the game.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo has been mentioned as a front-runner to come in and bolster Newcastle’s quality on the right wing. The 24-year-old has scored four goals in 12 appearances in the Premier League so far this season.
On the flip side, some Newcastle players are being linked with moves away from St James’ Park, not least star striker Alexander Isak. The Swede is wanted by the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal, although £115m may be needed to prise him away from the Magpies.
Miguel Almiron’s exit from Newcastle also looks increasingly likely in January, with the 30-year-old not a big part of Eddie Howe’s plans anymore, hence the need for a player of Semenyo’s ilk. The player himself is keen on a new challenge at this point in his career, so it would arguably be a surprise if he was still at St James’ during the second half of the season.
Newcastle eyeing January move for "super" player
According to a new report from The Athletic, relayed by The 72, Newcastle are eyeing a move for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney in the next window.
A January move for the 22-year-old is mooted, with the update stating that he is being “watched” by the Magpies, as they contemplate new signings midway through the season.
England youth international Hayden Hackney.
Hackney may not be the world-renowned player that many Newcastle fans want to come in, but he is an excellent young footballer who can be seen as an exciting option for the long-term future.
Still only 22 years of age, the Englishman has become a key player for Boro, starting 14 matches in the Championship this season, scoring twice in that time. Meanwhile, Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has lauded him in the past, saying:
“I’ve watched Hayden Hackney from afar, seeing his career flourish. There’s no better teacher for him than Michael, and he’ll enjoy the way Middlesbrough play. He’s a super player, and Morris is a good player in there too.”
Hackney may not be arriving at Newcastle as a key player, but he could be a brilliant squad option for Howe, having won seven caps for England’s Under-21s in the past, as well as being capped for Scotland’s Under-21s and England’s Under-15s in the past.
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Planning for the future is always important, rather than simply signing players who can immediately be stars for Newcastle, and the fact that Hackney is a homegrown talent can only be a good thing, in terms of the English quota within the squad, making this one to watch.
A “terrific” player has admitted that he would love to re-join Arsenal in a “fantastic” transfer for him, despite only recently leaving north London.
Arsenal players who look set to be sold next year
Manager Mikel Arteta is thought to have deemed a few members of his squad surplus to requirements, with left-back Kieran Tierney topping his list of candidates to leave the Emirates Stadium next year.
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The Scotland international hasn’t featured since Euro 2024, where he picked up a hamstring injury which has kept him on the sidelines, and it is believed Arsenal are ready to offload Tierney in January with the prospect of a loan deal very realistic.
Arsenal’s next five Premier League games
Date
Bournemouth (away)
October 19
Liverpool (home)
October 27
Newcastle United (away)
November 2
Chelsea (away)
November 10
Nottingham Forest (home)
November 23
Sporting director Edu Gaspar and the Gunners recruitment team will also be looking for buyers when it comes to Jakub Kiwior. The signing of Riccardo Calafiori in a £42 million deal from Bologna this summer has pushed the Poland international further down Arteta’s pecking order, and it is believed Kiwior is expected to depart Arsenal in January alongside Tierney.
Both Thomas Partey and Jorginho could leave next summer following the expiration of their contracts as well, with Arteta at risk of losing both men for free. Meanwhile, links are surrounding a potential Arsenal exit for Gabriel Jesus, as the Gunners reportedly target new strikers for next year.
“Gabriel Jesus is clearly struggling for confidence right now,” said journalist Charles Watts this week.
“You can see that by the way he’s playing. He’s thinking about things too much and taking too many touches when he’s in possession. When Jesus is at his best he does things off the cuff. He creates chaos with his movement and his work rate. But right now he’s bringing more confusion than chaos with his play. I think there’s certainly a chance this could be his final season at the club, but obviously that is a decision that will be taken in the summer should any suitable offers arrive.”
Mika Biereth open to re-joining Arsenal in future
Interestingly, a player who only just departed in the summer window, striker Sturm Graz striker Mika Biereth, already has his eyes on a future return to N5.
Speaking to Sport TV 2, Biereth admitted he would love to re-join Arsenal, saying it would be a “fantastic” move for him. However, the Dane also moved to clarify that he is also focused on his current surroundings at Sturm Graz right now.
“He is still a young lad. He has come from a big club and is undoubtedly a talent,” said former Ross County boss Stuart Kettlewell.
“But it’s really important that I put the right pieces in place to get him back playing.
“I’ve been in touch with him, and he has been terrific over the last eight or nine weeks. We’ve also been in contact with Arsenal, so we think we are now in a good place. And we’ll get to measure (his readiness) over the next couple of days.”
Barcelona and Chelsea have reportedly reached an agreement for the transfer of Keira Walsh as the Lionesses star closes in on a return to the WSL.
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Walsh eyeing return to Women's Super League
Barcelona and Chelsea agree to transfer fee
Catalan side could be active late in the window
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Walsh joined Barcelona in the summer of 2022 for a then-world-record fee from Manchester City. The Lionesses midfielder quickly became a major part of the Catalan side as they achieved back-to-back Champions League and Liga Femeni titles. However, Walsh has been eyeing a return to the Women’s Super League with her contract at Barcelona set to expire in the summer.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Chelsea has been touted as Walsh’s chosen club for a return to England and the Blues had opened talks with Barcelona over a January transfer. The WSL champions saw their first offer rejected by the Catalan side, however, Spanish journalist Angel Perez has now revealed that the two sides have reached an agreement on the transfer, which is set to be completed before the WSL’s winter transfer deadline day with only a few minor details left to be ironed out. According to BBC Sport's Emma Sanders, Barca have accepted an £800,000 bid, plus add-ons from Chelsea.
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DID YOU KNOW?
Barcelona are also said to be bracing for the departure of Norwegian midfielder Ingrid Engen in this window and could therefore make their own late moves before the transfer market closes in Spain on Friday, January 31.
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WHAT NEXT FOR WALSH?
With just over 12 hours left until the WSL transfer window shuts, Chelsea will be working hard to seal the deal for Walsh as soon as possible as the Blues will be keen to avoid any late drama on deadline day. The Lionesses midfielder could potentially make her debut under Sonia Bompastor in Chelsea's next WSL clash against Aston Villa on Sunday, January 2.
It certainly wasn’t a thriller, but on the bright side, Leeds United made it seven games on the trot without defeat in the Championship, after being held to a goalless draw away to Bristol City.
There will undoubtedly be a sense that it’s two points dropped for the Yorkshire side, yet having been hampered by a litany of injuries – with the likes of Largie Ramazani and Junior Firpo both absent down the left flank – Daniel Farke may well be happy to settle for a stalemate as the push for promotion continues.
That said, the German tactician may also feel slightly disappointed that his side weren’t able to truly test Max O’Leary in the opposition goal, with the best chance of the game falling the way of the lively Wilfried Gnonto, who saw his goalbound effort denied.
While selection options are limited at present due to the number of absentees, the trip to Aston Gate will have provided Farke with a few things to ponder, following what was a mixed bag of performances from his side.
Leeds United's best performers vs Bristol City
Everything good about the Elland Road side seemingly came through that man Gnonto, with the diminutive Italian having been the one looking to create that bit of magic for the visitors.
Indeed, not only did the 20-year-old come close to getting on the scoresheet himself, but he also beautifully slid in the returning Daniel James just before the break, albeit with the Welshman failing to beat the onrushing O’Leary.
In total, the former FC Zurich starlet provided three key passes on the day, with that tally only bettered by teammate Joe Rothwell who chipped in with four, with the on-loan playmaker again looking sharp in midfield.
Stat
Player
Most touches
Sam Byram & Joe Rodon (112)
Most key passes
Joe Rothwell (4)
Highest pass accuracy
Joe Rodon (92%)
Most duels won
Brenden Aaronson (9)
Most tackles
Brenden Aaronson (8)
Possession lost (highest)
Jayden Bogle (27)
It was also an encouraging display from Jayden Bogle down the right flank, as he regularly sought to get forward, albeit with the rampaging full-back somewhat lacking with regard to his end product, having given away the ball on 27 occasions.
As can be seen, there will be positives to take from the outing for Farke and co, although one man, in particular, may have played himself out of the side moving forward.
Leeds' worst performer vs Bristol City
On a rather serene and steady day for many in yellow, the man who stood out – for all the wrong reasons – was Joel Piroe, with the former Swansea City simply going missing in attack.
That’s also the verdict of Leeds Live’s Beren Cross, who awarded the Dutchman a 5/10 match rating, while writing that it was an ‘anonymous performance’ from the towering centre-forward.
Farke does boast options on the bench in the form of Mateo Joseph and Patrick Bamford, and on the evidence of this afternoon’s outing, one of those men will surely be leading the line next time out.
Piroe, it must be said, was something of a passenger to proceedings as the likes of Gnonto and Brendan Aaronson fluttered about around him, with the 25-year-old notably making just 28 touches in all – fewer than even teammate Illan Meslier (48).
The one-time PSV Eindhoven ace – who also only made 13 passes – lost the ball eight times and won just two of his six ground duels, having been unable to offer the physical presence that was needed at the top end of the pitch.
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It begs the question really as to why Farke took until the 70th minute to replace Piroe with the exciting Joseph, having hardly shown a real desire to go and grab the three points.
With Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle next on the agenda at Elland Road, the Whites will hope their attacking unit – with or without Piroe – can click into gear once again.
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