Nottingham Forest 0 vs Leeds United 2 – the return of Poveda in the second half showed that a player can be loaned out and return making an impact. His crossing on the left and then a well placed goal makes a welcome return to the squad. At the third time of asking (against two Premier League and a Champions League European team) Leeds United succeeded.
Matches between these two teams were tight affairs in the premier league last season. Leeds are now stripped of key players so another challenging pre season friendly. The Leeds set up reflects that with AS Monaco with everyone given an opportunity.
Nottingham Forest and Leeds United both play from the back and press each other so we Leeds playing a more possession based patient style, largely better than last at keeping the ball. Meslier is slowly improving at playing out from the back.
Leeds United counter attacked route one very quick on the break. First opportunity of the match with Sinisterra hitting the goal post in the first minute. As with last season Nottingham Forest defend in numbers from the back and then counter attack looking to catch Leeds out with all their players forward. It’s a one trick pony.
In the first half Ampadu excelled, appearing where the ball was in the defence and then creating opportunities in the Forest penalty box. James and Sinisterra were both dangerous on the wings but Bamford and Gelhardt rarely saw the ball. Ampadu and Sinisterra our best players in the first half controlling the midfield. Ayling struggled to make an impression.
The first half ends 0-0 with Leeds more than matching Forest. Neither side with a clear scoring opportunity.
Leeds start the second half the more likely to score. Poveda makes a great impression on the right getting some dangerous crosses in. Leeds again don’t take their chances – at one point James crossed on the floor through a busy Forest penalty box passing three Leeds players.
Just past the hour Bamford broke the deadlock. A pass back to the Forest keeper is picked up by Bamford who calmly and coolly tricks the keeper and scores. The only opportunity either team have had.
Cresswell is growing into a solid defender making important tackles. Rutter and Gnonto not yet looking match sharp. After another raft of substitutions Leeds grew back into the match having most of the possession.
In the last five minutes Poveda made it two for Leeds. Gray passed to Rutter who found Poveda in space to hammer into the corner. It may only be a friendly but Farke’s tactics are beginning to show – safe defending, swift counter attacking, playing wide and through the middle.
