The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Tuesday 2nd April) Leeds escape mauling after late drama
Good Morning. It's Tuesday 2nd April, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Leeds escape mauling after late drama
There was late drama at Elland Road last night, as a moment of madness cost Hull City a share of the spoils, severely denting their play off aspirations. With two minutes left on the clock, Tigers defender Regan Slater bought down Crysencio Summerville on the edge of the by-line, deep within their penalty area. The challenge was totally futile; as Joseph (the only Leeds player in the box) was outnumbered by three defenders.
Up until that point, Liam Rosenior's side were more than a match for Leeds, who quite frankly looked shot of confidence, disjointed in midfield and skittish in possession; yet the night started so well for the Whites! Leeds took an early lead through Sam Byram, bundling the ball over the line after Allsop could only parry Summerville's rasping drive (after good work from Rutter). Having not won in their last five games, you'd imagine going behind so early would have effected Hull's morale, but it was Leeds who looked shaky.
There were just too many players having an off day and when Bamford missed a glaring sitter from point blank range, signs of discontent filtered around Elland Road. The crowd were quieter than normal, a sure sign that something was up, cue, Hulls equaliser on 34 minutes! They had chances to take the lead, with Philogene and Seri going agonisingly close! As time wore on though, Leeds started to get back in the game. They could have re-taken the lead with ten minutes left on the clock when Firpo picked out second half substitute Matteo Joseph in a packed penalty area, only for his effort to graze the woodwork.
With two minutes left on the clock, and Leeds automatic promotion hopes hanging by a thread, came the penalty decision. It was clear cut, Referee Josh Smith had no option but to point to the spot, and after wrestling the ball out of Piroe's hands, Summerville coolly dispatched his spot kick down the middle. To rub salt into their wounds, Dan James scored a third in the dying seconds from the halfway line after catching Allsop in no-mans-land after coming up for a corner. 43 out of a possible 45 points should be what dreams are made of, so why does this feel like a nightmare?
Time to give Joseph a chance
Bamford's glaring miss from point blank range was the talk of social media last night. The 30 year old was once again ineffective in his role as lone striker! During his 72 minutes of game time, he completed just seven out of a total of eleven passes, and lost possession six times. Just like the Watford game, he was a passenger, and did little to contribute to the team; Leeds may have well have been playing with nine outfield players. Why Daniel Farke hasn't given Mateo Joseph, a younger, fitter, faster and dare I say hungrier version of the one time England flop is puzzling!
I understand that Daniel Farke doesn't want to deviate from a settled line-up unless he has to, but you have to take into consideration a players form!
Why didn't we strengthen
It's easy to blame the International break for Leeds sudden loss of form, but in truth, should they have bought in more reinforcements during the January transfer window, especially bearing in mind Pascal Struijk's injury! Championship rules dictate that clubs are allowed a maximum of five loanee's, yet Leeds only have three (Rodon, Anthony and Roberts). Injuries to Roberts, Gruev and Gnonto have shown frailties in Farke's squad, with a reshuffle needed last night to plug the gap in midfield!
In truth, Leeds have had far fewer injuries than in previous campaigns, which is surprising when you consider many will have played 50 games this season! Once you've tallied International appearances this season, players like Ampadu and Rodon could be breaking the 5000 minute mark; what if either got injured?
