The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Monday 20th September) Leeds make their point at St James Park
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Good Morning. It's Monday 20th September, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Leeds make their point at St James Park
Newcastle and Leeds both enjoyed a share of the spoils on Friday night in a packed out St James Park. As expected, Ayling switched to centre back, with Dallas occupying the right back role! The rest of the line-up as always, stayed the same.
Leeds dominated the early chances, and deservedly took the lead on 13 minutes when Raphinha's curling cross deceived Karl Darlow between the sticks. Man of the match (for the Whites) Rodrigo wrong-footed the Barcodes shot-stopper by stepping over the ball, allowing the ball to bounce harmlessly into the corner of the net!
Steve Bruce's men looked dangerous on the break, with Allan Saint-Maximin at the heart of every Counter Strike. His darting runs had the Leeds defence on the back foot every time he had the ball. It was the Frenchman himself that grabbed the equaliser just before half-time. He picked the ball up from the centre of the 'D' and somehow wriggled and turned past four or five Leeds players before unleashing a thunderbolt that beat the despairing dive from Meslier!
Leeds could have restored their lead deep into first half injury time, but Raphinha's shot was well blocked by the teen defence, and Firpo's resulting effort ended up in the stands from close range! Both sides had chances to add to their tallies after the break; but a combination of poor finishing and lack of skill kept the scoreline even.
When all said and done, a draw was a fair result. Ritchie's strike just before the equaliser his the inside of the post, then bounced kindly to a Leeds defender to clear, but Leeds had the lions share of the possession and fractionally more attempts on and off target than the home side.
Are worrying times ahead for the Whites
Five games in, and Leeds are hovering just above the drop zone with three points on the board. Whilst there is plenty of time to turn things around, disgruntled fans are asking themselves whether Bielsa's predictability are costing them points. Leeds attacking system relies heavily on their wing backs getting forward and creating space. Unfortunately, Ayling has not been able to replicate the form he showed last term and Firpo's early form is as useful as a chocolate teapot.
Every player goes through a bad patch, but too many players at the same time are not currently living up to their potential, and whilst it's admirable that Bielsa has faith in his starting line up, his failure to mix things up are costing his team points!
Bamford's influence this terms has been restricted as he is being either marked out of the game, or his supply route is being cut off. It doesn't take a tactical genius to put plans in place when you know exactly what the opposition are going to do! Leeds have a small squad, albeit with a 100 m wage bill, but currently there are too many not earning their money, including Bielsa!
Bielsa's post match reaction