Liam Cooper has described Middlesbrough as a very good team, but stressed that Leeds United were the only side that was going to win Friday’s contest in the second-half.

Leeds were held to a goalless draw on Friday against Boro, with Tony Pulis’ side becoming the first side to prevent the Whites scoring in the Sky Bet Championship this season.

The Teessiders have kept five consecutive clean sheets in the Championship now, matching Leeds’ record of 14 points from the opening six fixtures of the season.

Discussing Boro with Leeds’ official website, Cooper, 27, described them as a very good side, but stressed that the Whites were the only side looking like winning the game: “Middlesbrough are a very good team, they came and had a game plan, but I think there was only one team who was going to win in the second half.

“They put men behind the ball and I think we are going to get that a lot this season at Elland Road and we have to overcome it.”

Leeds and Boro take a break from Championship action this weekend, with international football taking centre stage until September 15^th.

When they return to league action Leeds face a difficult trip to The Den to face Millwall, who completed the double over the Whites last season.

Middlesbrough are also on the road again, with Pulis’ side taking on Norwich City at Carrow Road.

The Verdict

Cooper’s comments are interesting and will surely divide opinion, as Boro were pushing for a winner on Friday, just as Leeds were.

It was an evenly matched contest, with a draw probably a fair result over the 90 minutes.

Overall, both should be happy with the point they picked up, particularly when you consider both have an identical record at this early stage of the season.

Thoughts? Let us know!

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