"It had been a game to reflect the tyranny of analytics-based football, when thought and expression are abandoned for the playbook, where set pieces rule, and long throws become key events. For Brentford's Michael Kayode, read Leeds' Ethan Ampadu, both taking an age before hurling the ball into a mass of bodies, and the ball being headed away. As it stands, scoring a goal from open play remains a valid tactic,"
"Two teams both looking over their shoulders must now look to festive fixtures to pull them away from danger. Having looked nailed on to avoid any semblance of a relegation battle, Brentford's recent form has endangered them, the gap to Leeds at kick-off just four points, as it remained at full time. In mid-November, Daniel Farke's chances of making Christmas were akin to those of a prime turkey only for his team to deliver high-amped performances and four points from a daunting triple header."
"Had such endeavours drained Leeds? Their performance did not meet those high standards. They were immediately subjected to the aerial barrage of Kayode's long throws and Brentford's attempts to reach their forward line with direct, long passes. Rescuing a draw at home to Liverpool last weekend had required launching the kitchen sink at their opponents but Farke's team are playing circumspect football in seeking safety, going against his attacking instincts."
Analytics and direct play dominated as long throws and set pieces shaped a tense match. Rich moments of open play produced the only goals: Rico Henry set up Jordan Henderson, his first English goal since 2021 via a deflection, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin equalised from Wilfried Gnonto's cross. Substitutes Henry and Gnonto added much-needed quality to a previously stifled contest. Both clubs remain precarious in the table, the gap unchanged at full time. Brentford's recent dip has endangered their safety, while Leeds have adopted circumspect tactics and endured sustained aerial pressure.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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