The Christmas period has felt more demanding this season than in previous ones. I am not sure if this is because of the standard of football we have seen from Leeds or if I have just forgotten just how many games English teams play during this time. I understand these are professional athletes, but both teams looked tired, and it made for a flat game throughout.

We did, however, play better football than we did against Birmingham City. Still, it was under par, and certain errors made for a poor and frustrating game of football to watch.

Even though the game was lacking in parts, it did give us a few things to ponder. Here are my three talking points from the game.

1) No flexibility in the formation left strikers isolated

As a starting point, I do think 4–2–3–1 is an effective formation. However, Leeds have now established themselves as one of the most creatively threatening sides in the Championship, so teams often get men in front of the attacking midfielders and constrict the space. This means the creative players look to play the ball from a deeper position, which can leave the striker isolated as he is left trying to influence the game without any sustained support.

I think Leeds fell victim to this in Monday’s game, especially in the first half. Roofe ran the defenders well in parts and showed some good movement, but he struggled to create anything for himself as the Forest back four squeezed the space.

I would like to see a more direct approach adopted in these type of Championship games. A 4–4–2 and added width would stretch the opposition and create space across the pitch, and it might give us something different that we currently lack.

2) Cooper and company showed their quality

Credit to the defensive side of Forest’s game: they were organised and we did struggle to break them down. However, I would like to give credit to our defenders as well. Once again they showed why Leeds has such a good defensive record this season.

The first half tackle from Liam Cooper was absolutely brilliant. Cooper is a master of defending when facing his own goal, and to execute that tackle with that accuracy was top notch.

I love the fact that every time the ball is put into our box, I feel confident that Jansson or Cooper will get rid with ease.

The attackers faulted against Forest, but it was the calmness and effectiveness of the defence that meant we salvaged a point at home on New Year’s Day.

3) Samuel Saiz again

I think we all have run out of things to say about the Spanish Magician. Even though we picked up points in his absence in recent weeks, we missed him so much.

What impressed me so much against Forest was his ball retention. The Forest players got very tight to him and tried to impose themselves, but with the ball glued to his foot, he skipped past them and was top class all game.

I have previously questioned his decision making, but that was not a problem on Monday as he was the one who was able to link up with the attackers and create the two best chances of the second half.

Saiz is paramount to us having a successful season, so let’s hope he keeps fit and other teams do not come knocking in the next few weeks.

Not the result we wanted, but at the end of the day we’re still in the playoff places on New Year’s Day, a single point ahead of Sheffield United. Let us know your thoughts on the game on Facebook or Twitter. MOT.