Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow sees flip side of the coin as he salutes 'steel' after Brentford draw
Leeds United’s attacking shortcomings came under scrutiny after their goalless draw with Brentford – but goalkeeper Karl Darlow saw the flip side of the coin.
The goalkeeper could only watch as the Whites struggled to break down a compact and resolute Brentford defence at Elland Road last night (March 21).
It marked the club’s fourth consecutive league game without a goal and understandably heightened concerns among the fanbase.
Darlow, however, was keen to highlight a different set of figures. Farke’s men have kept back-to-back clean sheets in the Premier League and leaked just three goals across five games.
Karl Darlow hails defensive unit
He said: “I think the way we defended as a team, and it's not just the defenders, I think right from the front we’ve managed to nullify any sort of shots on target and that's a real positive.
"Now, all we have to do is find the net at the other end. But it's positive that we're defending so well, especially in a league where you've got Igor Thiago, who's got 19 goals in the Premier League.
"I think that shows just how good a job we're doing defensively.”
Compliment from Brentford
Brentford sit seventh in the Premier League yet set up with defensive solidity a priority against the relegation-threatened Whites.
Darlow said: “It shows the respect that they've shown us. I think coming to Elland Road, they knew it was going to be a tough game and they've adapted to a five at the back.
“[We are] slightly frustrated that we didn't come out with all three points, but [with] where they are in the league, I think a point has to be respected and it's another step in the right direction for us.
“I think sometimes you have these sort of runs, especially in the Premier League, we just need a scruffy one to go in and then we're back on our way.
"But it shows we've got the steel to keep coming out with points and grinding out 0-0s when we need to, it's better than losing. So, we take a point and move on.
“We were frustrated and a bit disappointed, but again, it was obviously respectful of their position in the league. They are where they are for a reason.”