Burnley FC 0 Leeds United 0 – stalemate at Turf Moor. Leeds stay top of the league as they edge Burnley FC on possession and goal chances. As both teams cancelled each other out the wintry weather of cold wind and rain was probably the only unpredictable factor in the match.
This was probably the most boring Leeds match I have watch since Leeds ground out a bore draw with West Brom FC at the beginning of the season. Whilst that match was a deliberate attempt to stabilise the team during a rocky period, this match had all the hallmarks of two teams happy to share the spoils.
Both teams had a similar style of play – patient, keep possession, stay solid in defence. But the cost of this was that it was a slow match, opportunities to break down defence were rare, and creativity was at a premium. Add to that the swirling wind which which made long balls and corners go awry.
This felt like the biggest match of the season so far for Leeds but turned out to be a bit of a dud. Neither team has lost since November. It was First versus third with both teams joining Sheffield United as the top three teams likely to be fighting for the two promotion places at the end of the season. Scott Parker is just as experienced as Daniel Farke in getting teams promoted to the premier league. In the end both teams largely cancelled each other out.
Burnley have the best defence conceding only 9 goals and undefeated at Turf Moor so far this season. Their keeper, Trafford, is undeniably strong in the Burnley goal but the opposition do get many chances at shots on goal. Burnley did beat Leeds earlier in the season despite Leeds dominating possession with a fluke goal.
Leeds had the edge in the first half with James, Bogle, Byram and Solomon marauding down the wings, whilst Burnley tried to stretch Leeds with crossfield passes. But most of these attacks came to nothing as both teams erred on showing each other too much respect.
Whilst Leeds had more of the possession in the first half Piroe had to rely on scraps. Ultimately, it was a quiet first half as both sides probed without really testing the keepers.
In the second half Burnley closed Leeds down on the wings – when Solomon managed to get hold of the ball he was able to pass into their penalty box but their defence held firm. It was not until late on when Bogle (from a Solomon cross) and then James tested Trafford in front of goal.
The referee was a little inconsistent with two Leeds players yellow carded for dissent as the referee refused Leeds clear fouls.
The match ended as a stalemate with Leeds fans singing “we’re top of the league” because the draw worked better for Leeds than Burnley. Ampadu said he was disappointed not to win.
Man of the match: Solomon who was dangerous when he could run with the ball.
