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Opinion

Daniel Farke must learn from past meeting with Bristol City if Leeds United are to clinch Championship title

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Simply put, Leeds United cannot afford another slip-up as they chase down the Championship title.

With Premier League promotion already secured, the Championship title is now the sole focus, and two crucial games stand in their way, starting with a pivotal clash against Bristol City.

The memory of their previous frustrating 0-0 stalemate against the Robins serves as a stark warning as the tense title race with Burnley heads into its final stretch.

Position Team Played MP Won W Drawn D Lost L For GF Against GA Diff GD Points Pts
1 LeedsLeeds44 27 13 4 89 29 60 94
2 BurnleyBurnley44 26 16 2 61 15 46 94
3 Sheff UtdSheffield Utd44 27 7 10 60 35 25 86
4 SunderlandSunderland44 21 13 10 58 41 17 76
5 Bristol CityBristol City44 17 16 11 57 49 8 67
6 CoventryCoventry44 19 9 16 62 57 5 66

Just a hair’s breadth separates the top two, and with Burnley breathing down their necks, eager to capitalise on any Leeds misstep.

The Clarets are breathing down Leeds’ necks, eager to capitalise on any misstep, despite Leeds doing one thing ‘miles’ better than Burnley.

Victory against a comfortable fifth-place Bristol City becomes a non-negotiable step toward ensuring Leeds’ title destiny remains in their own hands during this exhilarating finale.

Leeds United FC v Watford FC - Sky Bet Championship
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images

Leeds were “wasteful” last time they faced Bristol City

To understand the pressure on Leeds to secure a win, we need to look back at their previous encounter with the Robins.

Last time out, Leeds United squandered a golden opportunity to leapfrog Sunderland at the Championship summit, drawing 0-0 away to Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

Despite carving out several clear chances, including Wilfried Gnonto’s efforts being denied and Dan James’ shot saved by Max O’Leary, Leeds couldn’t find the decisive goal.

Adding to their frustration, Zak Vyner’s goal-line clearance ensured the points were shared.

Post-match, Daniel Farke spoke of his side’s “wastefulness” in front of goal.

“We always play to win, rather than avoid losing, and we did more than enough to win this game.

“But we were not at our very best and were wasteful in front of goal.

StatLeeds vs Bristol City (October 2024)
Total shots17
Shots on target5
Big chances4
Big chances missed4
Accurate passes523
Data via FotMob

“It was a very solid away performance, but we had so many good situations to score.

“If we had got one, it would have opened things up and I am sure more would have followed.

“But we are respectful of Bristol City, who have started the season well and are a very good side.”

Leeds recorded 17 shots, 5 on target, and 4 big chances that were unfortunately missed, enough to frustrate any manager.

Whereas Bristol City had 4 shots, 0 on target, and 0 big chances, yet still came away with a point.

Leeds United FC v Stoke City FC - Sky Bet Championship
Photo by MB Media/Getty Images

Leeds’ attacking improvements since Bristol draw

During the frustrating 0-0, Leeds were not short on shots, but actually getting them into the back of the net proved tricky.

Joe Rothwell had 3 shots, but none were on target. Brenden Aaronson had 3 shots, but only one was on target.

Wilfried Gnonto had 2 shots, and both were on target.

The list of missed “big chances” that day included Wilfried Gnonto, Jayden Bogle, Dan James, and Mateo Joseph.

Compared to their most recent game against Stoke City, which they won 6-0 and secured their Premier League status for next season, there is a significant change.

StatLeeds vs Stoke (April 2025)
Total shots18
Shots on target11
Big chances8
Big chances missed2
Accurate passes648
Data via FotMob.

Despite Stoke being in a much lower position in the Championship, it’s clear to see Leeds’ attacking woes are behind them.

Against Stoke, they had 18 total shots, 11 on target, 8 big chances, and missed 2.

Joel Piroe scored four goals with four perfect shots on target.

Wilfried Gnonto scored 1 goal from his 4 shots, 2 of which were on target whilst Junior Firpo scored 1 goal from his 2 shots on target.

Manor Solomon, who Leeds are looking to permanently sign from Tottenham, and Jayden Bogle both had two shots without scoring.

However, the overall attacking statistics from the Stoke game clearly indicate that Leeds’ attacking prowess has improved, with a variety of players being presented with more fruitful goal-scoring opportunities.