Luton Town 1 Leeds United 1. An ugly and uninspiring match that Leeds never quite got to grips with.
It was a difficult day for Leeds United fans as this must win match was played out of their reach into a miserable draw. This saw Leeds drop out of the automatic promotion zone. Despite a fine goal by James another defensive lapse saw the opposition score an easy goal. Leeds lost the win.
After drawing against Swansea this match was critical with Farke making radical changes – Gnonto in for a struggling Aarsonson and Darlow in for a failing Meslier. The latter being the change fans most wanted. With Firpo and Tanaka starting alongside Ampadu it was a strong line-up.
Luton Town, on the other hand, face relegation; after being relegated last season, so the end of the season has become a fight for their lives.
There were early signs of life for Leeds as Solomon moved the ball quickly and James threatened on the right. But Leeds fell behind after they should have gone ahead. With Firpo and Solomon both nearly scoring a counter attack saw the Leeds defence out of position for the easiest of goals by Jones– an avoidable goal.
Just before the half hour Leeds managed to equalise as James, from outside the box found space to hit the ball to the other side of the goal from Kaminski. But opportunities came few and far between with what became of ugly match to watch with football at a premium.
Luton’s tactics were simply hoof the ball high and force Leeds into heading the ball and kicking it clear. However, their long throws into the box were easily dealt with by Struijk and co. The constant head tennis worked to Luton’s favour as it stopped Leeds from passing the ball on the ground. Luton’s height advantage was evident.
What Luton lacked was precision in the last third but that hardly mattered as they packed midfield to stop Piroe and Gnonto from getting much service. It descended into a physical game from Luton with the referee letting too many fouls go at the cost of the football. Leeds tried to play long over the midfield but the tall Luton defenders snuffed them out. When Leeds did manage to string some passes together the cut backs were easily picked up by Kaminski.
Leeds needed to manage the game better in the second half but it was Luton who looked pluckier. The lack of service for Gnonto and Piroe saw them replaced in the second half by the taller Bamford and pace of Aaronson. Leeds did wake up on 70 minutes and pile on the pressure on Luton with Bamford getting a shot saved. Leeds had a final chance when James sent the ball across the goal but Solomon was late.
None of the team impressed – Tanaka and Bogle were hassled off the ball too easily. That said, Darlow proved to be a steady pair of hands in goal. Leeds need to be more creative if they want to get promoted.
Man of the match: After a poor performance against Swansea City Ampadu looked ready this time.
