Leeds United’s play-off semi-final with Norwich City remains all to play for after today’s first leg.
The Whites were able to come away with a 0-0 draw from Carrow Road in an extremely cagey affair which conjured up just three shots on target for both sides.
With home advantage in the return fixture at Elland Road on Thursday, Leeds will be feeling the happier of the two teams, though a much better performance will be needed.
Georginio Rutter was among those who really struggled, with his position having been changed by Daniel Farke today as he moved up front to lead the line.
That saw Archie Gray come into midfield as the number 10, but based on the amount Leeds actually created, the jury remains out on whether it actually worked.
BBC journalist shares what Farke was telling Archie Gray post-match
As mentioned, Farke’s tactical change this afternoon leaves more questions than answers ahead of Thursday night and it would not be a surprise if he reverts back to what he’s done all season.
Leeds had little to no creativity all afternoon with very little in the way of clear-cut chances, and so who Farke names in his central attacking pairing will be key.
Gray really struggled to get on the ball in any sort of dangerous areas, making just 10 passes, failing to complete a single dribble and losing possession 15 times.
Speaking on BBC Radio Leeds after the match, journalist Jonathan Buchan says Farke was giving Gray a real taking to at full-time, pointing to areas of the pitch he wanted to see more of the 18-year-old in.
He said: “As Daniel Farke does, immediately after the game, he will pass on some wisdom, this time it’s Archie Gray who gets some words of wisdom. They are pointing to an area of the pitch where clearly he wanted Archie to do something that he didn’t necessarily do.”
Farke will need to be braver on Thursday
It is understandable why Farke went a little more conservative in a first leg tie away from home, as he clearly wanted to go back to Elland Road without a disadvantage.
However, the onus will be on Leeds to be the dominant force on home soil and that is likely to require a change in that position.
Rutter is the most likely to move back into the number 10 role after struggling up front, meaning one of Joel Piroe or Mateo Joseph has to come in to lead the line.
