Leeds United have struggled to hit previous heights since their draw at Watford back in March
Sky Sports commentator Don Goodman says the March international break ‘absolutely destroyed’ Leeds United’s automatic promotion challenge by disrupting their rhythm, something the club have failed to regain in the run-in. Leeds went into the March break with a run of 12 wins and one draw from their 13 Championship games, but stuttered towards the finishing line over the following two months.
Returning from a two week break at Watford, Daniel Farke’s men drew at Vicarage Road thanks to a late Mateo Joseph goal, and while they were victorious three days later at home to Hull City it was a far from convincing display in what proved to be just one of two wins in their last nine matches.
Asked about Leeds’ chances of promotion and their recent form, Goodman told olbg.com; “The March international break absolutely destroyed Leeds United’s season. It’s as simple as that.
“Leeds travelled to Vicarage Road to face Watford after keeping 10 clean sheets in 13 games, but the international break halted their momentum. For some of their players, this was their third game in six days. They switched Ethan Ampadu from defence to midfield out of necessity that night, and Watford wore them down.
“The noticeable difference after then is that they began to concede goals. They surrendered 15 goals in the season’s final eight games. They had previously conceded three in thirteen games. How could this be explained? How does this happen?
“The only consolation for Leeds is that the other three teams are also struggling with their form. There are eight sides that scored more points than the teams in the play-offs across the final eight matches of the season.”
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