Leeds United 1 Leicester City 1 – agony drags on

Leeds United 1 Leicester City 1 – agony drags on as Leeds United miss the opportunity to take three points and clear the relegation zone.  Nervous passing, a weak midfield and odd substitution decisions leave fans frustrated.

Gracia made change after the dreadful defeat against Fulham, Ineffective Struijk and Kristensen are dropped in favour of Ayling and Cooper. Again Gnonto and Wober were oddly absent from the starting line-up. Leicester City, also in relegation, need the three points.

An early goal ruled offside for Leicester knocked the confidence out of Leeds at the start.  Leicester Leicester dominated with possession whilst Leeds‘ passes kept going astray.  But Leeds fought their way back into the game and had the early shots on goal. 

Harrison had his moment with a cross that found Sinisterra at the back who headed down into the net.  Sinisterra celebrated like he knew the club’s life depended on it.  But a heavy foul ended his evening early and the young Summerville came on as a straight replacement.

Once Leeds were ahead the atmosphere in the ground changed and the crowd roused to back the players.  Rodrigo showed the passion and the whole team started to fight and unsettle the Leicester players.

Ayling and Cooper brought some reassurance to defence.  McKennie, who was shockingly bad at Fulham showed more guts but too many of passes lacked confidence.

After recent performances where Leeds collapse after either the first goal they managed to limp in to half time with their lead in tact.  The Leicester attack relied on Harvey Barnes – who enjoys scoring against Leeds.

Second half – near collapse

Rodrigo got the charge going  for Leeds going at the second half with his tackles and scoring opportunities.  But a quiet Bamford had to rely on crosses that didn’t seem to find him.  Leicster soon took control with Leeds spending long periods chasing the ball.

Once Leicester made their substitutions they got their reward. Taking advantage of gaps left by McKennie and Roca they find too much space in midfield.  After making some poor decisions at Fulham Meslier kept Leeds in the game with Leicester finally getting a shot on target on 75 minutes.  Leeds’ defence finally let them down on 80 minutes with a counter attack and Vardy taking an easy goal. 

Leeds had not done enough to keep their lead.  Disaster then nearly ensued as Vardy bagged a second which was ruled offside – again Leeds defence not handling the pace of the players brought on in the second half.

Leeds had a go in the last few minutes forcing a goal line clearance and then Bamford misses a clear opportunity that was easier to score.

It was another ineffective performance in which Leicester took advantage in the second half through impact substitutions. Gracia left fans frustrated by not playing our impact players – Gnonto and Rutter.  A result that does Leeds no favours in its battle to stay up.

Man of the match: Rodrigo