The Championships Saturday lunchtime kick off saw Middlesbrough almost complete a perfect bounce-back victory after FA Cup disappointment against League Two Newport County. Leeds, however, had something to say about it as their goal deep into injury time rescued a point.
The game was on course to be a classic ‘Pulis-ian’ victory after Boro had grabbed the lead early in the second half through Lewis Wing. They were denied all three points, though, by an emphatic header from United midfield Kalvin Phillips in the 101st minute of the game.
Leeds, as usual, dominated possession seeing 69% of the ball. While they managed to hit 17 shots at the Middlesbrough goal, only four of these were on target. Boro themselves managed nine shots with three on target.
The point for Leeds meant they snuck into first place in the Championship, although they slipped back into second after Norwich’s victory over Ipswich on Sunday. Middlesbrough, meanwhile, will shoot a worrying glance over their shoulders after a Derby win put the Rams just one point behind them.
The setups
Middlesbrough went with a back three on Saturday as they have done for most of the season. The variant of it they played in this match was 3-4-2-1, with Jonny Howson and Lewis Wing behind Jordan Hugill leading the line. A more direct approach was often was favoured by the hosts, forcing Leeds’ centre-backs into making 18 headed clearances between them.
John Obi Mikel was present again in central midfield for Boro, after making his first appearance for the club last weekend in a 3-2 win against West Brom. The former Chelsea enforcer, who played in the World Cup last summer, has been a major coup for Tony Pulis in the January transfer window.
Leeds went with their 4-1-4-1 formation that has been a hallmark of their season so far. Kalvin Phillips was back in the deep midfield pivot role for United after the struggles of Adam Forshaw in that position in their last outing against Norwich. He completed 44 passes, the second highest amount on the pitch.
Kemar Roofe was pushed back into an attacking midfield position with Patrick Bamford taking up the centre forward role. While Bamford is a highly capable striker, it was a somewhat surprising selection seeing as Roofe has led the line in the Bielsa press so effectively this season. Indeed, he made two tackles from his withdrawn position while Bamford made none.
