SIMON Whites’ foot on the pedal

Our voice of the North

THERE’S a strange problem at Leeds United that gives hope, and also concern.

Plenty of aggression is on display on and off the pitch.

For as long as they can sustain it, there’s intensity, effort, bustle and tenacity all over the pitch. And on the terraces.

So how are they so deep in a relegation battle with eight games to go?

When a club is in trouble, as Leeds are, one of the first things to crumble is the effervescence on show. There’s usually a lethargy on display, a collective disinterest. Talent stifled by the weight of pressure and frequent defeats.

But Leeds can still muster a fight. The legacy of Marcelo Bielsa’s promotion squad and their brutal, high-energy style of play is still evident.

That was evident last week for 40 very good minutes against Crystal Palace, when they took the lead… but then crumbled to a 5-1 defeat.

They face Liverpool tomorrow night. Games against Leicester and Bournemouth at the end of the month, or West Ham in May, could decide their fate.

The problem is Leeds have not evolved enough. They remain a team of high-energy scufflers, who lack a bit of top-level class and the ability to change the tempo of a game.

Jesse Marsch identified the issue when he was in charge. He once explained that he was trying to get his stars to go from top gear to third gear and still control a game.

That’s because at 100mph, in top gear, Leeds are difficult to face, especially with Elland Road baying for blood.

When the inevitable dip comes, can they take a rest period from the pressing and scrambling, and not concede?

During the Palace defeat, the visitors had 34 “successful dribbles” as Leeds became a spent force.

Then there were set-pieces. Leeds’ defence couldn’t defend a cross.

There’s life in Leeds yet, and there are probably three worse teams in the Premier League, but maybe not.

The last word...

THE “Heed” are heading to Wembley. The “other” Tyneside giant, fifth-tier Gateshead, have reached the FA Trophy final for the first time in their history.

Player-manager Mike Williamson is one of the most intelligent coaches around, and his man-management is founded on a detailed knowledge of psychology.

They take on Halifax on May 21 and will have a big Geordie following, as it doesn’t clash with Newcastle v Leicester the day before.