The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Monday 3rd February) - Leeds thump seven past Cardiff
Good Morning. It's Monday 3rd February, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Leeds thump seven past Cardiff
Championship leaders Leeds thumped Cardiff 7-0 to claim their biggest win for over fifty years and extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to 14 games. Cardiff, who had been on a nine-game unbeaten run of their own, were unable to cope with the pace and skill of the Leeds attack, and crumbled under the pressure.
Farke's side made a blistering start, with Dan James providing two assists in the opening 13 minutes as Brenden Aaronson and Manor Solomon both scored from close range. James himself got on the scoresheet just after the break, converting Junior Firpo's inviting cross at the far post after good work from Solomon.
Three quickly became four when the Welsh Wizard was upended by O'Dowda, as he looked set to score from Piroe's rebound. Instead, it was left to the Dutchman to convert from twelve yards, sending Alnwick the wrong way! Wilfred Gnonto got in on the act on 67 minutes, just 2 minutes after coming on; giving the young Italian the shot in the arm he desperately needs to get his confidence back after a poor run of form.
By the time Joseph slammed in a cathartic sixth and Piroe earned his well deserved brace, the Elland Road crowd had reached that rare state of never wanting a big game to end. For a long time now Cardiff have (or should I say had), very much been a bogey side for the Whites, making the sweet smell of such a gratifying victory ever more enjoyable.
It's transfer deadline day!
The Winter transfer window slams shut at 11pm tonight, and by the time it re-opens, Leeds will already know their destiny. Whilst the 7-0 victory over Cardiff has seen several Bookmakers shorten Leeds odd's of automatic promotion to 1/200 (meaning you'd have to gamble £1000 to win £5 back), the threat of injury, fatigue and a dip in form are a constant concern for many.
If Sunderland beat Boro tonight, only five points separate the top four, six if you count Leeds exceptional goal difference of 41. All three have been busy in the transfer market this window, strengthening their squads with reinforcements, and taking full advantage of the loan system - something Leeds Utd rarely enforce!
Will Leeds make any signings today - we'll have to wait and find out!