After such a promising build up there is no worse way to start a season. Losing so miserably to Manchester United is the worst. After Bielsa and Meslier had both signed new contracts the signs were promising. But it was not meant to be.
It was great to see Leeds fans in full force after 15 months of fake football noise. Hernandez and Gerardo started for their last match and at Elland Road with a crowd – this was just as important as the match itself
It was breathless and signified the difference between the two sides: lots of toothless pressing from Southampton, ruthless counter attack by Leeds, and maximum energy till the whistle blows.
So far only Brighton have beaten Leeds in the last nine matches. And despite a strong start by Burnley, Leeds took control of the game playing with speed, passing and chasing off the ball. With Rodrigo brought on leeds had the last laugh.
This was a superlative team effort today with the quality of passing and moving to create the opportunities relentless. And a defence led by Llorrente that stood up to Kane, Bale and Son. Leeds have now in 2021 seen off all the top teams with a draw or win. Spurs' champions League hopes are killed off.
We went into this game on the back of a solid run without losing in six games to big teams. However, with the loss of two key players, a secure mid table place we were probably not as prepared or as hungry as Brighton who were looking to secure their place in the premier league for next season.
Cooper changed everything. In spite of being first to the ball his follow through was judged dangerous and after the ref had his own look at VAR the yellow card was upped to a red – the letter of the law. Leeds ended the first half on ten men. Bamford had to sacrificed so Struijk could bolster the defence.
Leeds defence was assured without any evidence of being vulnerable to set pieces. Llorente was a rock in defence picking up so many balls coming into the box and filtering them out. Midfield with Harrison, Roberts and Raphinha surged into the Sheffield United box with over 20 shots reigning in goal, but finishing was missing for Leeds with statistics not translating in to goals. There were so many almost moments.
Beautiful chaos Fulham probably had more to gain from this match with their relegation battle but Leeds had a curse to break. Early on it looked like Leeds were still getting used to VAR in the Premier League with yet…
Bamford makes his 100th appearance for the club. Koch makes his return to the squad by being on the bench. Finally we may play the first team we wanted to at the start of the season. Cooper has been dropped from Defence in preference for the pace of the returning Struijk – Bielsa clearly has a lot of confidence in him as a growing player. Having Roberts and Harrison starting together is yet another combination Bielsa is trying and that will be a lot of pace if they can link up effectively with Bamford and Raphinha.
