The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 26th April) Late equaliser spoils Leeds party
Good Morning. It's Wednesday 26th April, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Late equaliser spoils Leeds party
Jamie Vardy netted his first goal in seven months as Leicester City came from behind to grab a share of the spoils, last night at Elland Road. In essence, a point will do little to stave off the threat of relegation for either club, but having been behind for so long, it must have felt like a win for for visitors.
The Foxes thought they had taken an early lead through Youri Tielemans. His pile-driver from the edge of the box, flew past Meslier like an exocet missile, before clipping the bar on its way in. Fortunately, the goal was chalked off by VAR due to an offside, to the surprise and relief of the hosts.
To rub salt into their wounds, Leeds broke the deadlock for real, just minutes later. Harrison clipped the ball to the far post after drifting infield from a wide position. His perfectly flighted cross, left Iverson in two minds as Sinisterra charged in, heading past the Danish shot stopper from close range.
Leeds looked relatively well structured in the opening half, not allowing Leicester a sight at goal, but they failed to capitalise at the other end. The visitors started to push Leeds back after the break, and Meslier had to be called upon on numerous occasions. It seemed that it was just a matter of time, until Leeds last line of defence would be penetrated, and sure enough, with ten minutes left, the Foxes equalised.
Bamford missed a gilt edged chance from a few yards out, with only seconds remaining on the clock, which kind of summed up our season. Opportunities have been few and far between, and when they present themselves, you need to grab them with both hands. Leicester have not kept a clean sheet in 17 games; Leeds have only kept five clean sheets all season; they are where they are on merit!
Beckford mystified by Javi Gracia's decision
Former player, now pundit Jermaine Beckford was left mystified by Javi Gracia's decision not to use Wilfred Gnonto last night. The 19yo has fallen out of favour with his interim boss, and has dropped down the pecking order, preferring Luis Sinisterra instead.
The young Italian must have thought he was getting an early run out when Sinisterra went off injured half way through the opening 45 minutes. However, Gracia opted for Summerville, much to the annoyance of the Elland Road faithful.
As soon as Luis Sinisterra got injured, you could hear the whole stadium just erupting with Willy Gnonto, they started singing his song. There’s no doubting he’s a fans’ favourite. He’s a fantastic football player. He’s one of those players that as soon as he picks the ball up, he’s so direct, but he’s got such close control, such focus, such drive and passion.
And the fans buzz off that sort of stuff. That’s what you need, especially when you’re at home. He was on the bench. I don’t know [why] if I’m brutally honest, I don’t know. There was another opportunity to bring him on as well, which is when Brenden Aaronson came on. There were only two substitutions today and one of them was forced. “And that’s bizarre, especially when you can clearly see the players are getting a little bit tired, a little bit leggy, Leicester are starting to dominate the game. I don’t know, if I’m being brutally honest, I don’t know.
The thing is, he works hard. So when we speak about luxury players, we don’t talk about the work ethic of the luxury players, we talk about how neat and tidy they are on the ball. “Whereas he’s got the other side of the game to him as well. He’s got a naughty little streak in him if need be. He grinds, he works his socks off to get back and defend. He’s also fantastic in attack, so I don’t understand it.
Five games left...
With Crystal Palace, Wolves, West Ham and Bournemouth pulling away from the relegation fodder, it's looking increasingly likely that Leeds will be fighting it out with Leicester City, Everton, Nottingham Forest and Southampton to keep their heads above water. A point or more for Bournemouth (who play Leeds) this weekend should be sufficient to keep them in the top flight next season if they can beat Southampton tonight. Here is a list of all the remaining fixtures that affect Leeds, and their fight for survival...