Leeds United’s stat guru, Chris Taylor (@LUFCDATA), has looked at Thomas Christiansen’s game plan from Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Middlesbrough, highlighting where the Whites targeted Garry Monk’s side.

@LUFCDATA’s latest graphic shows that Leeds targeted George Friend, Boro’s left-back, with Christiansen’s side attempting 12 of their 16 crosses from that side of the pitch.

Ezgjan Alioski was one of Leeds’ most impressive performers from the right wing, with the Macedonian international playing a part in Pablo Hernandez’s opening goal, before doubling Leeds’ lead during the second-half with an emphatic back-post finish.

The 25-year-old caused Friend numerous problems, and as @LUFCDATA has highlighted, it was clearly one of Christiansen’s key tactics to put pressure on Friend, 30, who was eventually substituted in the 65^th minutes, as Monk’s side pushed to find a route back into the contest.

A controversial Britt Assombalonga penalty did get Boro back into the game following Friend’s substitution, but Leeds held on to pick up a vital three points and move back within touching distance of the top-six.

Christiansen’s side are now back in action on Wednesday evening when they travel to Molineux to face Championship leaders, Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Verdict

This reveal highlights just how well Christiansen’s tactics worked on Sunday, with Friend struggling to deal with Alioski and Saiz, who would often pull out onto the right side of midfield.

Friend is not a bad defender, and could possibly be described as one of the best left-backs in the Championship, however, he struggled to deal with Leeds’ dangerous attacking players.

It will be interesting to see what tactics Christiansen turns to at Molineux on Wednesday, as Leeds once again aim to claim a big Championship scalp.

Leeds fans… Let us know your thoughts!