Leeds United 1 Coventry City 1 – lacking that magic

Leeds United 1 Coventry City 1.  A frustrating afternoon after Leeds United were lacking that magic they had shown in previous games, to see off Coventry City.  Coventry had only three shots on goal and scored from one of them when Leeds lost concentration at the back.  Leeds United had enough opportunities but Coventry packed their defence to limit shots on goal.

After the disappointing performance at Sunderland FC earlier in the week Leeds United needed to return to normal service today at Elland Road. Farke showed his calm by naming the same team for Coventry.  Leeds looked tired against a well organised Sunderland, losing to just one goal.

Dropped points should not be an issue when Leeds come back and win the next match but with Ipswich Town and Leicester City so far ahead (so unusual for the Championship) that Leeds may never get the opportunity this season to compete for the top two places, despite their strong performance.  It is a grim picture that Leeds may have to compete in the play-offs, and and risk losing.

The match started as expected with Coventry City sitting deep and Leeds playing patiently from the back trying to get enough players forward.  Coventry relied on deflections and fouls to halt Leeds as they tried to pass the ball into their penalty box.

Having dominated possession Leeds were given a warning on the quarter hour as Coventry claimed the first shot on goal in the match.  Five minutes later Leeds could have scored but a Georginio’s air shot summed up his afternoon to that point – constantly losing the ball.

For all their possession Leeds lacked the final touch with Coventry showing more pace in attack.  James was just as busy in defence breaking down Coventry attacks. A penalty shout by James and then Georginio off target summed up Leeds’ first dull half.

Leeds gradually upped the tempo in the second half with Ampadu more positive with his forward passes.  The goal for Leeds finally came from Ampadu finding Georginio in the penalty box who touched it to Summerville who only needed one simple lob past the keeper to give Leeds the lead.  Summerville showed his distaste to Latibeaudiere who had been tugging on his shirt by blowing him a kiss. 

Finally, with a goal, the match opened up.  But Leeds fell asleep as Sakamoto crossed into the Leeds box for Thomas to win a simple header into the Leeds goal.  A rare shot for Coventry as Leeds had defended well.  Leeds responded with Georginio unlucky not to score forcing two point blank saves from the Coventry keeper.

Farke then threw the kitchen sink at the final quarter of an hour with his subs – six attackers up front.  Leeds battered the Covntry goal to get the winner with Rodon, Summerville and James all having chances. But to no avail. Coventry did their best to wind down the final minutes with the Coventry keeper yellow carded, then two of their players booked in quick succession as they tried to frustrate Leeds. With lots of attempts Leeds were simply lacking that magic to win.

After the whistle is blown there is a moment of afters as Summerville tussled with Palmer – emphasising what a frustrating afternoon it had been – with the team booed off the pitch.

Man of the match: Kamara was in the thick of the midfield breaking down Coventry moves.