Leeds United extended their lead at the top of the Championship on Monday evening but not to the extent Daniel Farke will have ultimately hoped.

The goalless draw with Burnley means United edge two points clear at the top of the table and three points from the play-off places. In a game of few chances, United came closest late on when Daniel James forced a save from James Trafford.

At the other end, the defence recorded another clean sheet - their third in the league and fourth overall. Here is what Farke and United supporters can take from the match.

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An opportunity missed?

Not according to Farke. He said he was happy with the point against opposition that has the best defensive record in the division.

United still stretched their lead at the summit and remain top of the table. Farke sees it as a point gained rather than two points dropped.

Speaking at full-time, the United boss said: “A good result for us, a good point on the road. Two of the best sides in the league against each other. They are on a massive unbeaten run so if you come away with a point it's always a good result.”

Gruev decision pays off

Ilia Gruev was given the nod to start ahead of Joe Rothwell by Farke, his first start for four months. The Bulgarian had not begun a match since September, shortly after which he had an operation on his knee injury.

It appeared Farke was mindful about protecting a defence that was missing Pascal Struijk, with Ethan Ampadu continuing to form the ‘Welsh wall’ alongside Joe Rodon. Gruev - and Ao Tanaka - were seen dropping back into a back three when in possession, allowing Sam Byram to push forward on the inside.

He also got his foot in when required and showed great control when under pressure. Gruev is by no means at top tilt yet but this was a promising performance for someone who was playing his first game for months against tough opposition.

Midfield creativity

Brenden Aaronson has been lacking end product of late but the onus cannot all be on him. Gruev and Tanaka protected well but there were few defence-splitting passes from the midfield duo.

Perhaps that wasn’t their primary concern - but the lack of a cutting ball was evident and Joel Piroe didn’t have much to feed off. There is a general point here too.

The wingers have shown to be productive in recent matches but not much has come through the centre, with most goals from the central region coming from distance. Much improvement needed in this regard.

Rodon excellent

Rodon was a magnificent blockade for Leeds throughout the night, letting hardly anything past him and playing the ball forward encouragingly multiple times. There had been questions about United’s defensive solidarity against a top-four rival with Struijk out.

Alongside Ampadu, the 'Welsh wall' has built up some good momentum. However, Rodon was the key man to mop up the threatening balls when Burnley looked as though they had found a breakthrough.

The centre-back has begun every Championship match this season but doesn’t look fatigued at all. His experience showed tonight and his longevity was praised by Farke after full-time.