Wolverhampton Wanderers – Leeds United: Leeds In Chaotic Comeback (2-3)
Leeds brought a high tempo approach to the game, and their pressing made Wolves uncomfortable in the early stages. A couple of forced substitutions and a goal for Wolves helped the home side gain more stability midway through the half, and they eventually went in 2-0 up. Things spiralled out of control for them in the second half though as Raúl Jiménez was dismissed, which was the catalyst for a dramatic Leeds comeback.
Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.
Wolves came into this match in eighth place in the Premier League, within touching distance of European places and with a comfortable ten-point gap between themselves and ninth placed Aston Villa. They also boasted the best defensive record in the league outside of big hitters Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea.
In contrast, Leeds arrived at Molineux Stadium with the worst defensive record in the league. Recent managerial appointee Jesse Marsch was able to pick up his first win last time out, as Leeds won at home to Norwich, but an away trip to Wolves promised to be a much harder match on paper.
The home side lined up in a 3-5-2 system, with a defensive trio of Willy Boly, Conor Coady and Romain Saïss flanked by wing-backs Jonny and Rayan Aït-Nouri. Leander Dendoncker, Rúben Neves and João Moutinho made up the midfield, while Daniel Podence played up front alongside Raúl Jiménez.
Meanwhile for Leeds there was a 4-2-3-1 shape, with a back four of Luke Ayling, Diego Llorente, Pascal Struijk and Stuart Dallas. Mateusz Klich and Adam Forshaw partnered in midfield, while Dan James, Rodrigo and Jack . . .
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