After finishing August with three straight clean sheets, two victories, and a draw, Daniel Farke’s team appeared to be playing well.
The hardest test of all, though, was Burnley, led by Scott Parker, who was relieved to finally close the tumultuous transfer window that followed their relegation.
Life might have looked breezy for Leeds, had Mateo Joseph’s golden chance in the very first exchanges, stealing possession and racing clear only to roll his shot well wide of James Trafford’s post.
Burnley then made the most of a likewise defensive error as Manor Solomon’s unfortunate slip on halfway was pounced on, seeing Luca Koleosho drive through and finish well.
As Leeds took control of possession, with the Clarets sitting deep and soaking up pressure to hit Leeds on the break, little came in the way of chances with the game going on, outside of a Willy Gnonto opening that was hit straight at Trafford.
Leeds’ second half efforts mustered virtually nothing in the way of clear-cut threat to Trafford, who made a couple of smart stops from relative distance, but nothing more.
Given the shape-up of the second half from kick-off, it looked as though Leeds needed fresh impetus from the dugout.
However, despite making five changes, Leeds never really looked like upsetting the balance of the match – that being Burnley defending their third and not being really tested a great deal.
Instead, Leeds looked less potent and progressive with each change that was confirmed – more and more lifeless in possession despite the fresh legs, while Burnley got mileage out of those who came on, be that winning fouls or other dirty work to see out the win.
Whether it’s a change of approach with the introduction of new players from the bench, or adding freshness and more zip to the pre-existing system, something wasn’t working with these subs – and it’s an issue that doesn’t just apply to this one defeat.