Leeds United 2 Aston Villa 0: Steve Bruce’s Unbeated Run Ends

Villa’s visit to Leeds United looked promising for significant stretches of time Saturday, but Steve Bruce’s men will travel home empty-handed. Villa controlled the first half for the most part, but chances were few and far between. Villa’s best opportunities fell to Jonathan Kodjia and Gary Gardner who were both unable to convert. Leeds had the best opportunity of the half as defender Pontes Jansson headed over the bar from point-blank range.

After the restart, Albert Adomah found himself alone with Leeds goalkeeper Rob Green but was denied by the former England international. Jack Grealish replaced Gary Gardner shortly thereafter, but it was Leeds who opened the scoring when Pierluigi Gollini found himself in no mans’ land, giving Leeds striker Kemar Roofe his first goal for the club. Steve Bruce then introduced Jordan Ayew and Gabby Agbonlahor in hopes of finding an equalizer as Albert Adomah and Rudy Gestede departed.

Villa pressed Leeds in the final minutes of the game but were unable to find an equalizing goal. Instead, as Villa threw numbers forward, Leeds struck on the counterattack in extra time through Chris Wood. After Saturday’s defeat, Steve Bruce’s unbeaten run to start his term in charge of Villa ended at 7 matches. The scoreline does not completely reflect Villa’s overall performance, but the mistakes Villa made to present Leeds with clear opportunities will need to be eradicated should Villa make a push for the top 6 this season.