Portsmouth FC 1 Leeds United 0 – off the pace. Leeds lost to an in form Portsmouth who hustled Leeds exposing defensive frailties. Portsmouth’s keeper, Schmid, pulled off fine saves that highlighted Leeds flatness in front of goal.
Leeds have now picked up one point in the last two matches. Is this a dip in form? Leeds last lost a match in November 2024 to Blackburn Rovers so a defeat in itself not a cause for alarm. There is concern that the players maybe tiring – they certainly struggled with Portsmouth’s pressing and pace. Farke’s unwillingness to rotate fails to take advantage of his squad depth. There is also an argument for dropping Aaronson as his poor form does not justify keeping his place.
All three teams below Leeds won the day before to close the gap on Leeds, who, whilst, still in first place, only on goal difference. When Leeds plateaued last March it had the hallmarks of a young inexperienced team not ready for promotion. Farke must be hoping he can motivate his players to overcome this blip.
After a random three-all draw with Portsmouth FC at the beginning of the season Portsmouth have drifted towards the relegation zone. But they are battlers with a good home record. With an annoying 12 Noon start on a Sunday with Leeds fans had a long, long journey to Portsmouth on the south coast. Early kick-offs seem to be unpredictable.
Right from the off this proved to be a high octane match with both sides looking to break quickly. That pace never slackened – Leeds were not able to settle on the ball and dominate possession. Twice, Tanaka was dispossessed in front of his own goal.
Portsmouth focused on crosses from the wings that Rodon and Meslier mostly dealt with but a few balls were not picked up. Leeds also worked the wings with James and Bogle, and, Solomon and Firpo often facing a packed defence as they tried to cut the ball back to Piroe.
Portsmouth defended deep preventing Leeds from having a shot on target till just before half time when Solomon forced a save then Piroe tried to score from the loose ball forcing a double save from Schmid at close range. Farke’s plan was not working.
In the second half Piroe again received a cut back but skied it. Portsmouth then put Leeds under pressure and were rewarded with a goal as their pace caught Struijk out of position, Portsmouth managed what Leeds coufd not – a lob over the keeper to score.
Leeds then should have equalised as Firpo had two quick chances, first put on a one-on-one with Schmid and then a header that hits the cross bar only for James to kick wide. Attacking substitutes didn’t make the necessary impact with Joseph and Ramazani looking rusty. Almost the last touch of the match was a superb header by Byram that Schmid saved who made three key saves.
Leeds have had their big moments but Farke will be annoyed they were wasted. An early penalty call with James kicked hard also came to nothing.
Man of the match: Solomon did enough to create the chances Leeds needed to score.
