Leeds United actually conceded their first goals from open play in the calendar year of 2024 in last night’s draw with Watford.
The Whites found an equaliser five minutes from time through Mateo Joseph to salvage a 2-2 draw at Vicarage Road, in a performance not quite at the standard seen before the break.
Daniel Farke had found a really settled look to his starting XI but was forced to change things around due to injuries picked up on international duty by Willy Gnonto and Ilia Gruev, as well as the late return of Junior Firpo.
With that saw the breaking up of Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu’s partnership at centre-back, which has formed the bedrock of Leeds’ incredible run of form in 2024.
They had conceded just three goals in 12 matches playing alongside one another, none of which had come from open play, showing the level of understanding they have built.
BBC pundit says Leeds look a much better team when £600k player is not starting
Aside from a moment of brilliance from Crysencio Summerville, Leeds just never got going at all in the first half and were deservedly trailing at the break.
Watford’s opening goal came as a result of Sam Byram losing the ball in midfield, while their second was predominantly down to some really cumbersome defending by Liam Cooper.
Cooper was starting for the first time in the league since New Year’s Day and unfortunately, it is no coincidence that Leeds all of a sudden looked leaky at the back after his inclusion.
Speaking on BBC Radio Leeds post-match, pundit Jon Newsome says it is now obvious Leeds look a better side when he is not in the starting XI.
He said: “It’s a little bit easy with hindsight but I think Liam Cooper has played a couple of times now and got caught. I don’t think he was great for the second goal and I think we look a better team when Ethan Ampadu is at the back with Joe Rodon.
“We dominate possession, move the ball quicker. He has been a great servant to the football club but unfortunately there becomes a time where you hit your sell-by-date.”
Cooper likely to be in final few weeks as a Leeds player
Cooper has been an excellent servant and captain to Leeds in his 10 years at the club, and for just £600,000 he has certainly provided value for money.
However, it is difficult to argue against Newsome’s comments in that he is now past his ‘sell-by-date’, as he just seems a yard slower than the majority of his teammates around him.
The 32-year-old will be desperate to contribute in Leeds’ promotion run-in, as it is likely to be his final few weeks at Elland Road, with the club unlikely to offer him a new deal.
However, perhaps the best role he can now play is as a leader in the dressing room, having already been through the experience of getting this club promoted.
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