On May 11, 2019, Derby County faced Leeds United in the first leg of the EFL Championship playoff semi-finals at Pride Park Stadium. Leeds United secured a 1-0 victory, gaining a crucial advantage ahead of the second leg.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Derby County: 0
- Leeds United: 1 (Kemal Roofe 55′)
- Possession:
- Leeds United had 53% possession, while Derby County had 47%. Leeds’ ability to control possession allowed them to dictate the tempo and create more opportunities throughout the match.
- Shots:
- Leeds United registered 12 shots, with 3 on target, reflecting their efforts to press Derby’s defense. Derby County managed 11 shots, with 2 on target, indicating their struggle to convert chances into goals.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Leeds displayed a passing accuracy of 76%, completing 338 passes out of 445 attempts. Derby had a slightly lower passing accuracy at 73%, completing 298 passes out of 410 attempts. The close passing accuracy statistics showed a balanced game in terms of ball distribution.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Leeds made 20 tackles compared to Derby’s 18, highlighting the intense and competitive nature of the match. Both teams committed 14 fouls each, reflecting the physicality and determination on display.
- Set Pieces:
- No goals came directly from set pieces in this match. Leeds’ winning goal came from open play, with a well-executed move leading to Kemal Roofe’s finish.
- Individual Performances:
- Kemal Roofe was the standout player for Leeds United, scoring the decisive goal and constantly threatening Derby’s defense. Leeds’ goalkeeper Kiko Casilla made key saves to maintain the clean sheet. For Derby, Mason Mount and Harry Wilson were active in midfield but could not break through Leeds’ solid defense.
- Tactical Overview:
- Leeds United employed a 4-1-4-1 formation, focusing on maintaining possession and pressing high. Derby County used a 4-3-3 formation, aiming to exploit the wings and counter-attack. Leeds’ tactical discipline and effective pressing limited Derby’s attacking opportunities.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw two yellow cards, one for each team: Scott Malone for Derby County (87′) and Mateusz Klich for Leeds United (70′). These fouls were mostly tactical, aimed at breaking up play and preventing counter-attacks.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Leeds United won 6 corners compared to Derby’s 5, indicating their sustained offensive pressure. Both teams were caught offside twice, showing disciplined defensive lines and attempts to find gaps in the opposition’s defense.
Summary
Leeds United’s 1-0 victory over Derby County in the first leg of the EFL Championship playoff semi-finals was characterized by a solid team performance and tactical discipline.
Kemal Roofe’s goal early in the second half gave Leeds a crucial advantage, allowing them to manage the game and limit Derby’s attacking threats. Leeds’ control of possession and high pressing disrupted Derby’s rhythm, while key saves from Kiko Casilla ensured the clean sheet. Derby, despite their efforts, struggled to create clear chances and break down Leeds’ defense. The result set up an intriguing second leg at Elland Road, with Leeds holding a narrow lead but Derby still very much in the tie.
