Garry Monk 'disappointed' after Leeds are denied at Aston Villa
Thursday 29 December 2016 22:17, UK
Leeds boss Garry Monk admitted he was disappointed after his side were denied victory at Aston Villa by Jonathan Kodjia's late penalty.
Pontus Jansson's header seemed like it was going to be enough for Leeds to secure all three points in the Sky Bet Championship clash at Villa Park on Thursday night, but Liam Cooper's handball gave Kodjia the chance to make it 1-1 after 86 minutes.
"I'm disappointed in a sense," Monk told Sky Sports after the game. "I thought the first half was quite an even game, then we talked at half-time about showing more confidence and in the second half we were fantastic.
"We were the best team, had numerous chances and looked in control. But the key in every game is how you take those chances and put the game to bed, and how we didn't do that is a little bit beyond me.
"The only way back in [for Villa] was a mistake from ourselves, and it was an honest mistake which was very unfortunate for us tonight in terms of getting the three points. I thought we were excellent, but unfortunately we didn't win."
Despite the result, Leeds now sit fourth in the Championship table and Monk is pleased with their progress this season.
"The foundations we're building here for [the players] to go and play and show their confidence," he said. "They showed tonight that they're growing all the time.
"There's a big togetherness in the group and our quality shone on the pitch. We should have taken the three points."
The game at Villa Park was Leeds' last before the January transfer window opens, but Monk insisted that any business done next month will be minimal.
"We do need to help the group, I've already spoken with the club and they understand," he said. "But we [won't do] a great deal. Maybe one or two to help strengthen, but other than that we'll have to see."
