It is seven home wins in a row now for Leeds United at ‘Boretress Elland Road’. The Peacocks have conceded just one goal in that run and now sit top for goal difference among the 92 professional clubs in the English game.
At home, Daniel Farke has created an efficient winning machine capable of breaching even the most stubborn of defences.
One of Leeds’ vulnerabilities since Pablo Hernandez left the club has been an ability to break down teams who defend deep.
Many players have been tried in the number 10 role since then and despite Pablo coming on a free and his replacements costing millions, no one has neared the levels the Spaniard reached.
But Farke knows that playing against the low block is key to success when you’re one of the favourites for the Championship.
“More than 50% of teams change to five at the back against us, sometimes six,” the Leeds boss said after the 2-0 win against Derby. “It’s always difficult to open them up.”
In the same interview, Farke admitted that in his last few seasons in the Championship, the majority of his training sessions are focused on breaking down low-blocks.
Leeds’ success this season of scoring against sides that park the bus has kept some criticism away from current number 10 Brenden Aaronson.
The American is a frustrating watch at times. It is now six games without a goal or assist and he has struggled to find any chemistry with team-mates.
He can slow a counter attack by holding onto the ball too long, falls far too easily and simple passes can go awfully wayward.
Should Leeds’ goals dry up, focus would turn once more to the number 10. To keep the critics away, Leeds must continue to break through the parked buses.
Find more from Adonis Storr at The Roaring Peacock.