Leeds United outdoing Newcastle United, Wolves and Leicester with trend that suggests promotion

Dominance at Leeds United under Daniel Farke has often been measured through the vast possession and territory they have in matches. Their stout defence is expected to underpin any promotion push this season, which has been emphasised by the manager.

The German has said, more than once, the Championship’s best defence is almost always promoted in May and he wants that to be one of his side’s big aims this term. They have conceded nine goals in 15 games up to now, bettered only by Burnley (six) and Sheffield United (seven).

No goalkeeper has more clean sheets than Illan Meslier’s nine either, though Michael Cooper is matching that at Bramall Lane from two fewer appearances. What is arguably the most telling statistic about United’s defence is how few shots they have actually faced this season.

READ MORE: Leeds United's new Adidas deal addressed amid 49ers Enterprises 'Premier League bonus' claim

READ MORE: 'Would cause uproar' - Leeds United transfer verdict delivered as January window approaches

Mistakes can happen, wonder goals can be scored and clean sheets can be wiped out, but the actual quantity of efforts being allowed on goal says everything about how secure a team is when they are out of possession. Opta statistician Jonny Cooper pulled out the follow numbers following Saturday’s fixtures.

Leeds have faced 96 shots this season. That is the fewest shots faced by a Championship team after 15 games since records for that statistic began in 2013/14.

Middlesbrough are second, also from this season, on 117, then Reading in 15/16 on 122, West Bromwich Albion in 21/22 on 123 and Bournemouth in 21/22 on 128. From that top five, the Cherries conceded the fewest goals with eight, one better than United’s nine.

Bournemouth also took the most points from that impressive defence, with an outstanding 37 from 45 available in that year they finished second in the table behind Fulham. Leeds have converted that solid defence into 29 points from 45 and sit third in the current table.

Newcastle United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester City have all been dominant winners of the Championship title since this statistic began being recorded, but none of them restricted their opponents to as few shots as Leeds in their opening 15 matches.

What’s even more impressive about how little they are letting the opposition see their goal is the fact Leeds have had to chop and change their midfield pair, a crucial shield in front of the backline. Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell have ensured there has been no drop-off in solidity since the long-term injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev.

While midfield has proved a puzzle Farke had to solve, his backline has been readily available for him on a regular basis. Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon have started every league game together, while Jayden Bogle and Junior Firpo have only missed three league games between them through suspension.

If Leeds can continue being this stingy with their opponents, their clean sheets will only rise and their goals conceded will only slow.