'Substance over style' - how Leeds proved they can adapt to win
For much of this season, Leeds United have employed possession-based tactics, but after Middlesbrough won the arm wrestle for the ball in a crazy first half at the Riverside Stadium on Monday, Daniel Farke's tactics changed.
“We said at half-time we don't want to be in a basketball game the whole match," striker Patrick Bamford said after the game.
"So it's like taking control - without the ball... and then we know we're one of the best counter-attacking teams in the league. Win any way possible."
Without a victory in three matches, United had been accused of being predictable and of having trouble breaking teams down that sit back against them.
But on Monday, the Peacocks showed a different way to win, and their efficiency improved as well - 62% of their shots were on target, up from an average of 17% over the previous two games.
It was substance over style and perhaps a glimpse at how Farke might set this team up in the Premier League – and after Monday's performance they can dream of promotion again.
It was a perfectly timed, resounding return to form as Leeds proved they can adapt to win.
Adonis Storr can be found at The Roaring Peacock
