Interesting question
I’d certainly draw parallels with the Leeds game and yesterday.
However, the stats do show clear differences - v Leeds we had 4 shots and 0 on target. Yesterday we had 13 with 5 on target (more than Stoke). We also had possession 30% more yesterday than v Leeds. (Despite still conceding the majority), which certainty relieves pressure and makes it look like we defend better.
Perhaps the difference yesterday was a result of confidence from the Rotherham win?, perhaps it was a result of the difference in confidence of the opposition? (there’s nothing really between the Leeds and Stoke players’ individual ability), or maybe it’s something else or a combination.
For me having one or two that look to get on the front foot more makes the key difference; irrespective of it being a 4-4-2 like Rothetham or a 4-2-3-1 like yesterday.
if the opposition have a modicum of worry about you, it makes life a hell of a lot easier for us at the back. Well done to PP for yesterday but I can’t help but think he should have done it way before now and needs to continue. It’s not about being polar and suddenly playing open and expansive football where we get tonked 6-2 every week, but being incrementally braver