Leeds United sticking to Javi Gracia plan as risk lurks - Graham Smyth's Brighton draw Verdict

Javi Gracia is keeping Leeds United in games in order to keep them in the Premier League.
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The Spaniard's approach has kept the Whites within close proximity of at least a point in each of his three top flight outings, winning one, losing one by a single goal and drawing the most recent, 2-2, with Brighton.

Balance was what he prioritised when he arrived and it's clear now that what he meant by that was putting players in a structure that might protect them from the kind of chances opponents were previously all-too-easily creating and concessions fans were all-too-sick of seeing. It's not all-out defence, nor is it totally risk-averse but the aim is to minimise risk.

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How that played out against Brighton was not entirely to Elland Road's satisfaction because it manifested in such an unfamiliar manner. Under Roberto De Zerbi the Seagulls take their sweet time at the back, centre-backs and goalkeeper Jason Steele practically walking the ball out and seeking to tempt attackers into a poorly timed or executed press before playing it precisely into any space duly gifted them.

Under Gracia's plan, the returning Patrick Bamford and second striker Brenden Aaronson stood off, poised, waiting for a forward pass they could intercept or a heavy touch that would trigger their press.

For fans so used to seeing white shirts chasing down the ball like greyhounds after a hare, it was alien and any perceived lack of urgency, at a time in the season when it is most needed, was always going to test patience. So not only did Gracia's attackers have to fight the by-now instinctual urge to press with aggression, they had to resist a crowd urging them forward, hold their nerve and stick to the plan they had been given, one that sought to minimise the risk of Brighton taking full advantage of them.

"I know what happens when you go to press the keeper, when you press this team, I've seen many games, I know what happens,” Gracia said afterwards.

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It wasn't a plan without its own risk though, because Leeds pressed high in practically every position, going man to man with their full-backs in wide areas and sending centre-backs with Brighton's forwards when they dropped deep.

HUGE GOAL - Jack Harrison was a surprise inclusion in Javi Gracia's Leeds United line-up but ended the afternoon with an assist and a goal that secured a point. Pic: Tony JohnsonHUGE GOAL - Jack Harrison was a surprise inclusion in Javi Gracia's Leeds United line-up but ended the afternoon with an assist and a goal that secured a point. Pic: Tony Johnson
HUGE GOAL - Jack Harrison was a surprise inclusion in Javi Gracia's Leeds United line-up but ended the afternoon with an assist and a goal that secured a point. Pic: Tony Johnson

It wasn't a foolproof plan either, because Brighton are incredibly good at playing out and still managed to find passes down the middle of the pitch. Leeds could not nullify their visitors and were dominated for spells. Luke Ayling struggled to get anywhere near Kaoru Mitoma, while Robin Koch and Max Wober found it difficult to prevent Evan Ferguson from playing an effective targetman role and no one really ever got to grips with Alexis Mac Allister.

As the first half developed Brighton were the more dangerous side, enjoying the most control and the lion's share of the half chances, so their opener on 32 minutes was of no real surprise.

Pascal Groß found himself facing Marc Roca on the right side of the area, deceived the midfielder with a turn and crossed to the back post where Mitoma towered over Ayling and sent the ball to an unmarked Mac Allister for the simplest of headed finishes.

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