Swansea City 3 Leeds United 4 – Stop the cross! Leeds go top of the Championship for the first time this season but it was a teeth gnashing performance that reminded me how we support Leeds – it is never straightforward. At times it was very Leedsy – a leaky defence that you just wanted the defence to stop the cross as it was always dangerous.
Leeds were behind twice and, even when they went ahead, still conceded an equaliser – a match won by defiance not superiority. It took a lot of patience to wear down Swansea City. Leeds rarely score more than three goals in a match, in this one it mattered.
After a two week international break Farke opted for James starting over Gnonto and Piroe over Joseph. Swansea have had only one defeat at home this season, whilst Leeds have only lost once away, but both have tended to draw. The weather gave crazy wind and rain on a wet surface to make the game less predictable.
It was an entertaining start with both teams looking to score and doing so. Leeds were undone by poor defending of a set piece free kick with Darling unmarked at the back of the pack for the easiest of a tap in. It took Leeds nearly 20 minutes to get some time on the ball and a through ball found James who only needed to find Solomon in the box to score the equaliser.
Both teams played similarly looking to go over the top of defence through their wingers but Leeds found a packed Swansea defence difficult to break down in the first half.
At the worst time just before half time poor defending saw Swansea front loaded an attack for Cullen to find the corner of the goal. It showed a lack of leadership in Leeds defence with Swansea players unmarked.
The second goal for Leeds was a mirror of the first with James again free to run on the right and slot the ball to Piroe but Cabango got there first for an own goal. Leeds again pull themselves up from being behind.
Swansea began to flag as a period of patient pressure from Leeds saw Byram surge forward on the left and slot to Solomon who scored his second. Leeds finally went ahead for the first time in this match. However it was a nervous last fifteen minutes for Leeds as Swansea dominated possession. After making a fine save Meslier found himself picking the ball out of the net from a Swansea cross.
In extra time fans called for Gnonto and on he came to score, reminding everyone that he may not have started but he can finish.
Of the players Tanaka was the most influential with some intelligent tackling and forward crosses. Rothwell and Aaronson were busy but could not impact the game. Piroe was quiet and ended up playing too deep. Solomon showed why he was a good addition to the squad with his wing play and two goals.
Leeds are now top of the Championship and need to show more resolve to win games – Swansea found it too easy to score. Maybe the return of Ampadu can settle the nerves.
