Leeds boss Daniel Farke admitted his side fell short of their best after being denied a 10th straight home win in a 1-1 draw with Blackburn.
The Whites have been in dominant form at Elland Road and looked set for an 11th win there in total this season after Pascal Struijk’s late penalty, only for Danny Batth to rescue Rovers with a last-minute equaliser.
Farke’s side had taken maximum points from their previous three festive fixtures, but lacked the spark needed to breach Blackburn’s well-drilled defence.
Farke said: “It was definitely not our best game today. I think the lads looked a bit tired. In the first half we moved the ball too slow and didn’t create many chances.
“Also credit to Blackburn. They are well-structured and good at defending. When they lose, it’s usually 1-0.
“They had to concentrate on defending today and it makes it difficult.”
Leeds captain Struijk coolly converted from the spot in the 88th minute after referee Oliver Langford deemed substitute Mateo Joseph to have been tripped by Dominic Hyam.
But Blackburn responded by scoring from their only chance of the match; Batth finishing low from close range after Leeds had failed to clear a corner.
“One corner kick can change everything,” Farke added. “I think we could have defended better to prevent the corner, it was unnecessary.
“A corner kick, anything can happen. Their only chance of the game. A bit lucky.
“I feel for my lads because it was not the best performance, but great mentality. They kept going forward and didn’t lose their nerve.
“We feel a bit disappointed, yes. We know that we can’t win all the games, the problem is you want to win them all. But if you can’t, you take the point and move on.”
Blackburn’s promotion push had recently faltered after Sunday’s home defeat to Hull had left them with one point from their previous three matches and boss John Eustace was delighted with his players.
He said: “We defended really well. We limited Leeds to next to nothing really. I think (goalkeeper) Aynsley (Pears) had one save to make right at the end.
“We’ve come to the best team in the league, the best squad of players, so to come away with a draw is really pleasing.”
Eustace felt referee Langford’s late penalty decision was harsh and added: “I certainly don’t think we would have got it if it was at the other end.
“It’s a fantastic football club, 36,000 fans, the referee’s always under pressure to give a decision. Last minute at Elland Road, it’s kind of expected.”
