Just three days after beating Sheffield Wednesday, Leeds United were home again, scoring in the first few minutes again and winning comfortably again. The advantage of Leeds scoring early is that the opposition can’t be boring and defend. Norwich City had a go at Leeds; well, they tried.
It was a dream start for Leeds with James getting behind the Norwich high line and crossing to Solomon who scored within the first minute of the match. Like at Sheffield it took until the second half after substitutions before Leeds stepped up and scored again. That said, Norwich were not much opposition and failed to manage a shot on target in the first half.
Norwich had to come out and play having almost half of the possession in the first half. But Rodon and Ampadu stopped everything through the middle. Leeds responded with Bogle and Byram charging out of defence on the wings to Solomon and James. Norwich played a high line, so did Leeds but more effectively, nearly scoring.
It was switcheroo with James and Solomon looking for a way behind the defence. And for Tanaka too who earned an early yellow card and was switched to avoid another. Early in the second half another foul by Tanaka led to him being substituted – yes – shocker – Farke subbed before 60 minutes.
The first half ended on a high with a fine cross field ball that found Bogle whose volley was well saved. The second half dragged on until the substitutions came on. Sadly Gnonto still looked off the pace. Ramazani, in contrast, tested the keeper. It was great news to see Firpo back getting physical with the opposition.
But the second goal came from chaos in Norwich box and James picking up a loose ball earning a well deserved goal. At the other end Meslier had a quiet evening thanks to the defence. He had a couple of punches and a catch.
My son’s view was the Leeds team looked comfortable and cruised to a win. I felt Norwich tested us as we conceded more than usual possession. At times the crowd became inpatient screaming at the players to get into them. There was definitely a buzz tonight in the ground that consistency with results will get us promoted. With Sheffield United winning last night and Burnley winning tonight it’s still a three horse race and about who blinks first.
Man of the match: Bogle’s pace down the wing troubled Norwich all evening – and he’s a defender.