Plenty has made about the attacking riches Jesse Marsch has at his disposal in recent days. The five goals Leeds scored against Cardiff City on Wednesday night were enough to leave supporters purring about the ability of individuals and the addition of club record signing Georginio Rutter only served to strengthen the Whites’ forward ranks.
However, it was Marsch’s defence that picked up the plaudits after the club’s 0-0 draw with Brentford at Elland Road on Sunday. It’s something that hasn’t always been said about Leeds this season, with the Bees stalemate being just the fourth clean sheet they have kept in all competitions, but they were resolute, determined, smart and clear-headed.
Ivan Toney, who bagged a hat-trick in the reverse fixture last September, was hardly given a sniff, while the attacking talents of Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa struggled for any sort of joy whatsoever. In fact, Illan Meslier didn’t have a shot on target to save in the game, according to the stats, which simply goes to show the dominance Leeds’ backline had over the opposition in West Yorkshire.
