Here is your Leeds United morning digest for Monday, November 23.
Agbonlahor praises ‘refreshing’ Leeds after Arsenal draw
Gabby Agbonlahor has lauded the “phenomenal energy” of Leeds ’ players in Sunday’s goalless draw against Arsenal.
The Whites were the better side throughout but couldn’t find a breakthrough as the 10-man visitors held on for a point.
But Agbonlahor was impressed once again by the approach of Marcelo Bielsa’s team.
“Listen, that whole team has caught my eye. I do like the way they play, it’s refreshing to see a team come to the Premier League and not park the bus against teams,” he told Football Insider.
“It’s nice they’ve come up and they’ve attacked teams. I mean when you’re watching the Liverpool game and the Man City game it was like: ‘Wow, these are flying forward.’
“Even against Aston Villa, they were 3-0 up and I’m seeing like seven, eight players flying forward into the Villa box and I’m just like: ‘Wow, the phenomenal energy they’ve got, and just the way they played is refreshing.’”
Neville admits it’s ‘difficult to criticise’ Leeds
Gary Neville has claimed it is “difficult to criticise” Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds team because of the manner in which they play.
The Whites put in an eye-catching display at Elland Road on Saturday despite being held to a 0-0 draw.
And Neville, in his co-commentary for Sky Sports, was complimentary of Leeds.
“I think every time you watch Leeds, even if they're getting beat, you marvel that they have players out on the pitch that trust each other on the ball," the former Manchester United defender said.
“They play, get the ball quickly, they go to tackle, there's no real caution, they have courage both in and out of possession.
“I find it difficult to criticise them because they play with courage in possession and out of possession. They stick to their principles and believe in what they do.
“I think they're the type of team where if you're up against them you'd never feel confident. They make you run, they take the ball, they press in numbers.”
Raphinha shows promise in first Leeds start
Raphinha was one of the standout performers on his first start for Leeds following a summer move from Rennes.
The Brazilian, who started on the right of Leeds’ midfield against Arsenal, had several attempts on goal and might have scored the winner with seconds remaining, slamming a shot against the outside of the post from close range.
Raphinha had been forced to wait for his first inclusion in the starting XI, making three appearances as a substitute in the weeks after his arrival.
But his display on Sunday suggests he could become an influential figure in Bielsa’ side.
