The beginning of August is always a time when I am filled with nervous optimism. But the strong preseason schedule had strengthened my optimism as we started the season, and it turned out to be well-deserved as Leeds went undefeated in the month… a stark contrast to August 2016.

August Results

Bolton Wanderers 2–3 Leeds United

I always find the opening fixture an interesting spectacle.

The match is usually a game of attacking football, as most teams are still trying to figure out their playing pattern. The game did not disappoint in that regard as Leeds came out of the blocks on the front foot and led the game 3–1 at half time.

The game ended 3–2 after a second half where Bolton had a real go.

After just one match, we all expected that the trip to Bolton would be typical of what we’d see in United’s 2017/18 season: Leeds attacking and scoring goals but also conceding, similar to the Grayson era.

The game highlighted the changes that Thomas Christiansen had implemented since his arrival. I noticed the attacking mindset of Christiansen in comparison to Garry Monk’s defensiveness.

Leeds United 4–1 Port Vale

Leeds’ second game of the season was at home in the League Cup against Port Vale. It was the moment that we all realised the quality of Alioski and Saiz. Up until that point, we hadn’t seen what both men could do, but the game was the sign of what would become the norm for the month.

Leeds United 0–0 Preston North End

The Preston game was the only poor performance we had in August. The lads struggled to find any real rhythm and could not cope with the physicality of the Preston team, finishing without any goals but with their first clean sheet in Pontus Jansson’s return to the pitch.

However, I do think that Preston gave the new lads the lesson they needed on how the Championship can be, and I think they took that on board into the rest of August.

Leeds United 0–0 Fulham

The second home game in four days came against Fulham. In my opinion, Fulham are one of the best footballing teams in the division. After a slow start we soon took control of the game, and if Chris Wood had not been so focused on his move to Burnley, we would have most likely won.

For me, it was the first indication of the strength the team has in abundance. We did only draw the game but we matched/bettered Fulham in every area, and that is a big contrast from when we played Fulham last season.

Sunderland AFC 0–2 Leeds United

The away trip to Sunderland was a wonderful away performance; the lads were able to soak up the Sunderland threat and create chances on the break. Every one of them seemed really forced even after Chris Wood pulled a Charlie Taylor and decided not to play in the game while under contract.

The most interesting thing I took from the Sunderland game was that the movement and interchanging on and off the ball was so much more fluid without the target man Chris Wood. I think we relied so much on Wood that, when he was not there, the team started to express themselves more.

Leeds United 5–1 Newport County

The Newport game was a dominating win, but it also gave us some food for thought. The team was a much changed line up as is the norm in the League Cup. However, the lads who were given their chance did struggle at the start. Newport came to Elland Road with a game plan of giving everything for 60 minutes and hoping they had something to hold onto for the latter stages.

We did get past that stage in the lead and the fitness and difference in quality meant we finished the game in full control and won 5–1… to set up a September game against Chris Wood and Charlie Taylor at Burnley.

Nottingham Forest 0–2 Leeds United

The Forest game was the perfect way to finish the month. If we needed anything to further increase our optimism before the first international break, the Forest game gave it to us.

In my opinion, it was one of the best all-around performances from a Leeds team I have seen in the last few years. The teams ability to nullify a strong Nottingham Forest attacking presence and look so comfortable for the whole game is testament to the Christiansen philosophy.

Transfers

Cameron Borthwick-Jackson arrives

The downfall of the game against Bolton was the injuries to Pennington and Berardi which highlighted the need for further defensive cover. Leeds addressed the issue by signing Manchester United left back Cameron Borthwick-Jackson on a season long loan, and he has played well in limited action so far.

Chris Wood to Burnley

The confirmation of Chris Wood’s transfer to Burnley for an initial £15 million (rising to £18 million) was announced. I have no issue with players wanting to play in the Premier League… my issue was the fact that he chose to do this apart from Leeds United, letting us down by not playing while still under contract and not wanting to be our hero by earning promotion in May.

I honestly believe most of the Leeds fan-base would have thanked him and wished him the best if he had gone about his business in the proper fashion.

Jay-Roy Grot towers into Elland Road

Leeds confirmed the signing of Jay-Roy Grot from Nijmegen Eendracht Combinatie for a fee of £1.5 million. Like I mentioned in the first part of my transfer window review, the big lad does offer something and will be difficult for the defenders to deal with, but I think we will have wait and see if he will be effective long term.

Further attacking reinforcements on Deadline Day

Pawel Cibicki and Pierre-Michel Lasogga were added to the squad. Both men look like they will add something to the team… but only time will tell. They’ll likely get starts early in September.

Club

Andrea sets out his stall and continues to put his faith in the young players.

Before the season, Mr. Radrizzani gave an interview outlining his expectations this season. He spoke about an improvement on last season: he didn’t promise and demand the world, he just stated the need for sustained improvement over the next few years. We all have our own personal expectations but it was nice to see Mr. Radrizzani use a measured approach for his expectations.

The same day, the club confirmed that both Kelvin Phillips and Tyler Denton had agreed contract extensions. Andrea has put the long term future of the club as a priority and giving contracts to key players is an indication that he is going about it in the correct way.

Berardi, Cooper, and O’Kane sign on the dotted line too

The news we all wanted to see surprised some, as the club ensured Berardi will not be leaving the club for the foreseeable future. His passion and commitment to the shirt is something we need in the squad if we are going to continue to fight for promotion.

Liam Cooper became the next man to extend his stay at Elland Road. I think it benefitted everyone involved: Cooper has been a revelation this season and has shown us all his leadership skills now that he has the confidence of the coaching staff.

What I thought was going to be a difficult season for Cooper is now a season I can’t see without him.

And O’Kane signed as well. I was confused why we did not see much of O’Kane last season. After he arrived, he added a forward thinking impetus that we did not have last season. However, that was last season. This season has seen Eunan claim the central midfield as his own and deservedly earn himself a new contract.

Dallas staying

When the transfer window rumour started about Dallas’ departure, I personally was a little worried. For me, Dallas has a big role to play in the squad, he adds some technical knowledge that I don’t think the others have. I don’t see him being involved massively but he definitely has a role to play and well done to him and the board for coming to an agreement.

Overall, August was pleasing for numerous things: the team have hit the ground running and look like a real threat. However, I think I am most impressed with the club ensuring the core of the side are signed up for the long term.

We now move on to a difficult September but I believe this team will rise to the challenge. MOT