Bristol City found it extremely difficult to play through Leeds’ intense press when in possession, and they were frequently exposed inside their own half, especially by Crystal Summerville.
However, Leeds also looked quite at ease playing around Bristol City, as Illan Meslier, Joe Rodon, and Ethan Ampadu frequently kept the ball between themselves to wear down their frontmen.
And after the game, expert Jon Newsome praised Leslier’s distribution in particular, saying it was far better than it has been in recent weeks on BBC Radio Leeds.
Newsome praises Meslier decision making
According to him, Mehmeti’s run in behind Rodon and successful attack was the finest opportunity they had entire game. Meslier made a fantastic stop.
“He has had his critics this season and pulls a good save off. His distribution was better, he recognised the high press and his decision to go long was better than it has been. It set us up for some good attacking play.”
Over the past few weeks, Meslier has faced criticism for a handful of his performances, one of which was directed at Newsome, particularly with reference to his distribution.
Although Aidy White, a former Leeds defender, feels that he hasn’t played as well as he could have lately, he should be encouraged by what happened last night for several reasons.
Meslier, with very little to do, made a crucial save in the second half to thwart the game’s lone serious chance for Bristol City. Those are the kinds of weekly contributions that are required of him.
In related news:
Leeds United injury news: Doctor issues update on Stuart Dallas
Stuart Dallas, a midfielder for Leeds United, is still anticipated to remain sidelined for weeks because he hasn’t fully recovered, according to injury expert Dr. Rajpal Brar.
Since fracturing his femur against Manchester City in the Premier League at the beginning of 2022, the Northern Irishman has not been seen on the pitch.
If everything had gone according to plan, Brar thinks he might have been back by January. When he does return, he will require a lot of games to get back into game shape.
Physical therapist and sports scientist Brar, who spoke exclusively to MOT Leeds News, stated the following about Dallas:
“Based on how long he has been in individual training, I imagine the club will give him numerous bounce matches and small doses of minutes to gauge his recovery.
“He still looks weeks away from returning and it’s hard to state what stage of his rehab is ongoing at this moment.“
Leeds injury woes
It is unclear what will happen to the 32-year-old after his contract at Elland Road expires at the end of the current campaign.
After Dallas has been a major behind-the-scenes force for the past few years, clubs are anticipated to extend their policy of allowing players to remain on the pitch until they have fully recovered.
If all goes well, hopefully, he will continue to play professional football, either at Leeds or somewhere else, and his career won’t end as a result.