Leeds United frustrated at Ashton Gate

Bristol City frustrated Leeds United as the sides played out a largely uneventful 0-0 draw at Ashton Gate.

Whilst the Whites undoubtedly had the better chances throughout the game, they could not convert the few golden opportunities that they eventually mustered up before the game fizzled out and there became a real lack of quality from both sides.

First half: James has to score!

United’s first real chance of the game came in the 13th minute when Joe Rothwell volleyed wide of the left post after the ball fell to him in the box.

After this, the hosts grew into the game and had a spell where they were causing Leeds some trouble midway through the half.

An acrobatic effort by Luke McNally was too close for comfort after the defender had stayed in Leeds’ penalty area following a corner kick.

Just moments later Yu Hirakawa had another opportunity for Bristol City as he chopped the ball onto his left foot to avoid the incoming challenge from Ao Tanaka, before unleashing a shot that left Illan Meslier rooted to the spot after the ball deflected off the hip of Joe Rodon and could’ve ended up anywhere.

Luckily for Leeds the ball span behind for a corner but the warning signs were there.

After this Leeds were able to wrestle some momentum back of their own as they ended the first half in the ascendancy.

Sam Byram’s cross in the 34th minute was put into a dangerous area and was met by his opposite fullback at the far post, but Bogle could only find the side netting with his effort.

It was no coincidence that Leeds’ best spell of the game came when Willy Gnonto was heavily involved.

Just three minutes later, Rothwell took a short corner to Gnonto who was afforded room to set himself and try his luck from just outside the area, but the curling shot was saved well by Max O’Leary.

With just over five minutes left until the break, Leeds found themselves with an opportunity to hit Bristol City on the break.

Gnonto was involved again as he drove at the defence before providing an inch-perfect pass to put Daniel James through on goal.

O’Leary was quick off his line and forced James to take the shot first time and the winger was unable to lift the ball over the ‘keeper and the game went into half-time level.

Second half: Off the line…

Leeds came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 52nd minute when Bogle’s ball down the right channel sent Dan James away once again.

James was able to get to the byline and pull the ball back into the path of Gnonto who was on hand to roll his left-footed effort past O’Leary in the City goal, one small problem, Zak Vyner had anticipated the danger well and was able to get into a position to clear the ball off the line.

Just a minute later, Brendan Aaronson had a shot at goal that whistled just wide of the near post as he attempted to sneak the ball in from an acute angle.

Chances after this became somewhat of a collector's item and despite the apparent need for some substitutions, Daniel Farke held off until the 70th minute before sending on Mateo Joseph and Manor Solomon to replace Joel Piroe and James.

Joseph had a chance immediately after coming on when Byram flicked a ball into the young Spaniard, but he was unable to direct his header on target in what would prove to be the last opening of the game as tired legs began to show and Leeds had appeared to run out of ideas.

Takeaways: Frustrating, but not the worst point in the world

Whilst we all would’ve loved to see another three points today; the draw means Leeds’ unbeaten record away from home this season is still intact, and they come out of a period of three games in eight days with seven points.

This is more impressive when you take the injury situation into account, meaning the likes of Rothwell and Tanaka are expected to play multiple games with little to no options to come off the bench in certain positions.

The Whites now have a week to prepare for the Plymouth Argyle fixture at Elland Road and that is an ideal opportunity for Leeds to get back to winning ways.