Jesse Marsch's Leeds United optimism justified by January figures

Jesse Marsch's Leeds United are currently 15th in the Premier League, but the statistics from January show that the Whites are playing much better than their position in the table.

Speaking after their 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on January 13, Marsch was surprisingly upbeat about the loss.

"It was the most complete performance we have had since I've been here. It is a really positive sign for me. It hurts to lose but a really positive performance," said the Leeds manager.

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"I've tried hard to create a process and understanding of how we want to play football. I am really satisfied to now see it start to come together."

The Whites are without a win in the Premier League since November, yet the recent performances from Marsch's side have left the American hopeful for the rest of the season. And the statistics behind Leeds' displays back him up.

In January, Leeds have the fifth highest expected goals per game (1.65), the fifth lowest expected goals against them per game (0.97), the fifth highest expected goals difference per game (0.68) and the fifth highest expected points per game (1.73) in the Premier League in January.

Although both Marsch and Leeds supporters would undoubtedly exchange the statistics for points - the recent trend shows that the Whites may well be heading in the right direction under their head coach. After a bumper January transfer window that saw four new signings arrive at Elland Road - there appears to be cause for optimism within the club once again.

A visit to Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon is next on the Leeds United fixture list.

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