Everton FC 1 Leeds United 0 – beginning of the end. Leeds United now face the long walk to relegation. Managerless and repeatedly losing games by a goal, there is a lack of creativity going forward giving Leeds the goals to survive the Premier League.
The amateurish way that the club has handled the replacement to Marsch has led to much discussion about prospective managers not wanting to join Leeds when the club is in a relegation dogfight, and the January window has been and gone. Skubala initially impressed with a sense of structure in the way they played the two hander against Manchester United.
The match against Everton FC is a completely different scenario since the return from the World Cup in December. Leeds United are in a relegation battle against Everton – Everton have their new manager – Sean Dyche – Leeds United are still looking. Leeds have not won in nine Premier League matches so the significance of this result is far from understated.
Everton start off the more brightly moving the ball easily through midfield whilst Everton break up Leeds’ crosses to their forwards. Leeds lucky not be behind early on as Everton disrupt their defence. In the windy conditions neither side showed any early quality.
The temperature rose near half time with Doucoure losing his temper and Gnonto getting involved. It all started with Adams standing up to McNeil shoving him over. Everyone was involved and four yellow cards dispensed.
A poor first half – Leeds fail to get a shot on target whilst Everton could have been ahead but for McKennie defending on the goal line, Firpo’s defending, and Meslier’s saves.
Second half – snookered again
Messy start to the second half as both sides fail to take opportunities – it takes only one quality pass needed to change the game. Both teams desperate to attack leaving midfield open. It is a nervous second half. Then a moment of quality from Coleman scores from a tight angle that didn’t quite look like a shot. Maybe Meslier should have had that covered as he was not close enough his goal.
Leeds have been far from their best with Harrison and Gnonto rarely getting the ball to Bamford. Leeds play their best possession football after the goal but Harrison’s free kicks are disappointing.
An all round poor performance from Leeds who did nothing to threaten the Everton goal to deserve to win. Adams did his best to hold up the midfield but Harrison and Gnonto offered little threat on the wings. After the whistle had blown Gnonto continued to argue with Everton players and earned himself a pointless yellow card
Man of the Match: Adams
