Leeds lets two-goal lead slip away in draw at Southampton

Marsch’s side weren’t able to close this one out

Leeds have mostly started the season well, with four points from two games a better pace than last season’s nervy last-gasp escape from the relegation zone.

On Saturday, they followed up a confident win in their opening game with a 2-2 draw at Southampton, ensuring that they’ll end the second round of Premier League fixtures in the top six. After losing Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips in the summer, it’s a very solid start.

It’s just the nature of how they got that 2-2 draw that might sting. Jesse Marsch’s side, with both U.S. men’s national team midfielders going the full 90 minutes, lead 2-0 thanks to a brace from Rodrigo, who scored both of his goals in the opening minutes of the second half.

For a few minutes, a Leeds team coached by an American, who replaced their biggest departures with Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams, were on course to be tied with Manchester City and Arsenal at the top of the table.

Only for a few minutes though. Southampton substitute Joe Aribo pulled one back in the 72nd minute, and Kyle Walker-Peters pulled the home team level nine minutes later.

Marsch, while frustrated, did find a silver lining in seeing a road draw as a disappointing result.

“It’s a terrible feeling to play well and walk away with what feels like less than one point,” Marsch told reporters following the match. “But that’s also progress for us, to be disappointed with a point.”

Marsch had to make an early substitution after striker Patrick Bamford had to come off with what was reportedly tightness in his adductor. According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, the move may have been simply precautionary, with Marsch saying they think he’ll be able to train this week.

Leeds will hope their performance during the first hour is what they can bring for a full match next weekend, as they host Chelsea at Elland Road on Sunday.

Check out the goals from Leeds vs. Southampton

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