Leeds United had a tough day at St. Mary’s despite coming out with a point on the road. The whites blew a two-goal lead well into the second half.
Jesse Marsch’s group played a solid first half and controlled much of the possession while having a goal chipped in by Rodrigo.
Rodrigo was able to contribute another goal to make the score 2-0 at 60 minutes and the match seemed over, clearly. Southampton seemed frustrated and showed no signs of life. Rodrigo had another solid opportunity for the hat-trick but settled with three goals in two matches to start the campaign.
To the credit of Southampton, they fought back with a tactical change by manager, Ralph Hasenhuttl.
The heat was clearly changing the tide of the match and Leeds were on their heels for most of the half. Having used one substitution in the first half for injured Patrick Bamford, Marsch had four left.
Once Southampton had cashed in on the tying goal, it was too late to make changes that would defend the lead. Marsch brought on the subs, but not much changed for the remainder of the match.
🙌 After his two goals at the weekend, Rodrigo has been named in the @PremierLeague’s Team of the Week! pic.twitter.com/J58ixiUHv1
— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 17, 2022
Leeds fans must be happy with the start of the season
In the first week against the Wolves, Marsch knew just when to pull the trigger on the substitutions and it paid off in a big way. Unfortunately, this week Marsch waited about 10 minutes too long to make the moves necessary to secure the victory.
Although it is a point that felt like a defeat for many Leeds fans, it is still a point earned on the road. Last season, Leeds drew against Wolves at Elland Road and were defeated at St. Mary’s.
This season has started with four points in the first two matches and worse could be had. Although Bamford and Gelhardt have injuries, it does not appear to be extended time off the pitch.
It may have been the perfect timing for the injuries and the result to remind the board of the depth needed before the window closes.
All in all, it is a point, and a lot of the season and window remain. The next match is against Chelsea at Elland Road. All signs are pointing to Gelhardt and Bamford being fit for the match.