Brighton and Hove Albion 0 Leeds United 0: Lucky Draw

After the frustrating loss to Spurs last week, being ahead at half time, taking on Brighton and Hove Albion has become more of a must-win, a relegation battle. Another missed opportunity but Leeds break a jinx and manage a lucky draw.

A few positives. Raphinha and Rodrigo are back in the team. A huge confidence boost. Firpo also back from injury takes on the left back role from a high performing Struijk. James, after the goal last week James is awarded striker role again, with Bamford still injured.

We have a jinx against Brighton, losing our last five away games without scoring one goal. It is a worrying statistic that needs breaking today. Brighton coach Graham Potter knows how to nullify our game. We need that Raphinha magic today.

The players came out in Remembering Gary Speed tops. I remember the golden era with Gary Speed, he was part of a special team. It’s great that the club remember players from another era.

The bench has Struijk and Gelhard so there is strength to push the game late on – Leeds have uncharateristically lost games from winning positions this season.

Leeds finally return to a back four with Phillips sitting in front. Hopefully this line up will see a more confident Leeds. It is a windy Brighton that could lead to mistakes with crosses.

Brighton started the brighter of the two sides with Leeds defence left wanting and Firpo picking up yellow card in the fourth minute. Leeds passing was dreadful at the start. On seven minutes Maupay was left unmarked and missed an open net.

Despite the awful start the Leeds fans dominated the singing, with Gary Speed remembered.

Leeds finally get into the game after 14 minutes through Raphinha, getting into the box but sandwiched to the ground.

Firpo is having a dangerous game, dragging a Brighton player back and then a long cross to Raphinha at the other end wasted, followed by another wasted cross. Lampty for Brighton is leaving Firpo for dust. And he is on a yellow card.

Brighton again test Leeds in the first twenty minutes with Trossard hitting the post. Leeds finally on 25 minutes have a chance on goal through a Raphinha free kick that James almost connects with. James not getting the service in this game yet.

Brighton playing one touch football on the park and Leeds playing long crosses which are all going astray in the wind. Not a strategy that is working for Raphinha.

Another worrying moment with Lampty leaving Firpo and crossing into the box only for Maupey to miss again.

Another attack that leave Raphinha frustrated with his defence. Brighton have put two players on marking Raphinha out of the game.

It is down to how badly Brighton are finishing that they are not a goal ahead at half time.

Changes for the second half

After a poor first half Firpo was rightfully subbed for Struijk at the start of the second half. Dallas takes on the job of chasing Lampty with Struijk in midfield. More ominously Phillips was replaced by Shackleton. Leeds play better with Phillips so it is worrying if he has an injury.

Brighton again start the brighter in the second half. Dallas being the one early moment with a superb shot on target. Rodrigo and Raphinha reduced to playing deep. Harrison busy on the left but Raphinha not getting much of a look in. James not getting much service.

Roberts again used as an attacking sub quickly getting a shot on goal. A switch put Raphinha on the left to see if they can get him into the game.

An improved defensive line nullified the Brighton attack in particular Lamptey. But no signs of Leeds getting Raphinha and James in the attack. Quality from Leeds to the attackers has been poor.
So many passes not reaching their player.

Being second best for so long when Leeds do tackle and pass short they can get Roberts into the box. Final nervous ten minutes. It took the eightieth minute for Leeds to play their best football with Roberts picking up a loose defensive ball and having two shots on goal with the keeper stretched.

For the second time in the match Brighton hit the post. Both sides looking for that late goal.

Leeds were poor today. Raphinha misfiring. Roberts gave Leeds some hope at the end. A positive result nonetheless as Leeds keep an away clean sheet and take a point means they have broken their jinx with Brighton.

Man of the match: Tyler Roberts