Pressing. Intensity. Man-to-man marking. Rapid turnovers. Hunting in packs. Running the legs off the rest of the division. Leeds United’s identity has been clear for the past four-and-a-half years under Marcelo Bielsa and Jesse Marsch.
It was entirely natural then for the Elland Road faithful to feel a little uneasy and fractious as they watched their attackers stand by as Brighton & Hove Albion defenders passed the ball between themselves last weekend. It required a lot of patience and understanding not only from the supporters, but from a group of players conditioned to do anything but stand off and be passive.
In isolation, taking a point from a team within reaching distance of Champions League qualification is an excellent outcome for a club second from bottom. Bournemouth, of course, had put greater urgency on the afternoon with their lunchtime surprise.
