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Derby County failures show how much Leeds United miss Kyle Bartley

Kyle Bartley of Leeds United gestures during the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday at Elland Road on February...
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Leeds United drew 2-2 with Derby County last night, but will feel they should have won the game.

Matej Vydra of Derby in action with Stuart Dallas of Leeds during the Sky Bet Championship match between Derby County and Leeds United at iPro Stadium on February 21, 2018 in Derby,...Matej Vydra of Derby in action with Stuart Dallas of Leeds

Leeds United are still hunting for their first win under new manager Paul Heckingbottom, after a 2-2 draw with Derby County in the Championship last night.

It was another improved performance from the club, who looked to be on their way to a 2-1 win before Kasey Palmer scored in the final minute to earn Derby a share of the spoils.

The most annoying factor of Leeds’ result was when they conceded the goals. As well as Palmer’s last-minute equaliser they also conceded in the final minute of the first-half.

Kyle Bartley of Leeds United gestures during the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday at Elland Road on February 25, 2017 in Leeds, England.Kyle Bartley of Leeds United

Both goals were scrappy and avoidable from Leeds, with Laurens De Bock getting in Liam Cooper’s way for the first and Leeds failing to clear their defensive lines for the second.

The problem that could be considered commonplace for both of the goals was the lack of communication and organisation at the back for Leeds, something that has been evident for some time now.

It again highlighted how big a miss Kyle Bartley has been for Leeds this season. Cooper has had a good season, when available and whilst Pontus Jansson’s performances have not reached the heights of last term he is still an excellent defender.

Kyle Bartley of Swansea City competes for the ball with Atdhe Nuhiu of Sheffield Wednesday during the The Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round between Sheffield Wednesday v Swansea City at...Kyle Bartley of Swansea City

But the pair of them together does not work anywhere near as well as each of them individually alongside Bartley.

His performances on loan from Swansea City last season were superb and it was the little aspects of his game that they miss. His presence, his organisational skills, his communication. He is a real leader at the back and Leeds fans must wish he was still at the club, marshalling the back four and goalkeeper.

Last night’s game is one which last season, with Bartley in the back-four, Leeds would have held out – and it is not the only time that has been apparent this season.