Three positives for Leeds United from their 3-2 loss to Barnsley

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Leeds United lost their first game of 2017 at the weekend, but it’s not all bad news, right?

Almost 6,000 Leeds United fans made the trip to Barnsley on Saturday only to see their team beaten 3-2.

It was Leeds’ first defeat since their loss to Brighton and Hove Albion on December 9, and was an unexpected blow for Garry Monk’s side.

Leeds United manager Garry Monk

But with star defender Pontus Jansson set to return for their next fixture, it is not all bad news for the Whites.

Here are three further reasons to feel positive despite the 1-0 loss…

Wood is on fire

Leeds’ Chris Wood celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates

Two more goals for striker Chris Wood underlined what a huge season he is having. After coming in for criticism from fans early in the campaign, he has really settled into his role.

His two strikes against Barnsley were his 18th and 19th goals of the season, and the New Zealand international has to be confident of hitting the 30 goal mark at this stage.

Leeds may lack depth behind him, but the New Zealand international is fulfilling his role perfectly and showing why he is a must start, every single match.

His two goals may ultimately have counted for nothing, but they will add to his confidence for Leeds’ upcoming fixtures.

Rivals dropped points too

Oakwell

Leeds entered the weekend in third place, but the defeat only saw them slip to fourth position.

Play-off rivals Sheffield Wednesday and Reading both suffered losses, although Huddersfield did win their match.

It could have been worse for the Whites, but they remain in the play-off mix, even if Newcastle and Brighton are in even more commanding positions for the top two automatic places.

A transfer window nudge?

Leeds United manager Garry Monk

A loss is never good, but the timing of this defeat is better than some.

This is because the transfer window remains open for another fortnight, and deficiencies in Garry Monk’s side are not being masked by wins over weak opposition.

Defensively they could use another centre-back, while a striker with pace could help further unlock defences, and their lack of burst out wide with Hadi Sacko still out was again evident.