The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Monday 28th August) Leeds smash four past Ipswich ending 21 game run
Good Morning, it's Monday 28th August, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Leeds smash four past Ipswich ending 21 game run
Leeds ended Ipswich Town's 21 game unbeaten run at the weekend as Daniel Farke's men came from behind to fire four past the Tractor boys. His decision to throw Sinisterra and Gnonto straight back into the starting line-up, alongside new arrival Joel Piroe (after just one training session) paid dividends, as they found themselves 3-1 up after less than 20 minutes.
Customary to proceedings this season, Leeds conceded first. Jackson broke Leeds offside trap (as they would all afternoon), leaving Ayling trailing in his midst. He squared a low hard ball across Leeds' six yard box, where Rodon (one of three Leeds defenders in the box) inadvertently sliced the ball into his own net. Leeds response was instantaneous. Rutter showed devastating strength and close ball control, to dance his way past five blue shirts before rolling the ball past Hladky to equalise. Just four minutes later, the Whites were ahead.
Sinisterra linked up well with Byram, before the former Norwich man delivered a long in-swinging ball. Gnonto, bravely came charging in at the back post to give Leeds the lead, much to the dismay of home crowd. They extended their lead further on nineteen minutes. Sinisterra cut inside, before firing a rasping shot at goal. Hladky could only parry the ball, straight into the path of Joel Piroe; he doesn't miss from there.
The Tractor boys reduced the deficit deep into first half injury time. Drameh's sloppy back pass caused panic in the Leeds ranks. Roden had a chance to hack the ball clear, but left it to Meslier who had charged from his six yard box. Jackson beat the French shot-stopper to the ball, before cutting it back into the danger zone. Broadhead and Ampadu challenged for the loose ball, which ended up in the back of the net off the Leeds midfielder.
Leeds had to batten down the hatches in the second half, as the home side laid siege on Meslier's goalmouth. They soaked up the pressure for thirty minutes, before delivery a knock out punch that would floor their opponents. Shackleton sliced the Tractor boy's defence wide open with a threaded ball wide on the left, into the feet of Sinisterra. The Colombian took a touch, steadied himself, before firing across goal to extend their advantage once again.
Leeds would gift Ipswich a late consolation in the dying seconds, but by then the damage was done. Not many Championship outfits will get much change from their visits to Portman Road this season, but Leeds were well worth their three points, and will hopefully kick-start their campaign up the table.
Leeds continue to monitor Antonio
It is rumoured that Leeds target Michail Antonio has told West Ham Manager David Moyes that he may quit if they sign Sevilla forward Youssef En-Nesyri. He has fallen down the pecking order at the London Stadium, prompting speculation that his eight year tenure in East London may be coming to an end. Media reports suggest Leeds have shown a great deal of interest in the 33yo this Summer, and as the transfer window reaches it's finale, Moyes has important decisions to make. It looks like the arrival of Joel Piroe will pay dividends, so, do Leeds need another top marksman? Joe Gelhardt and Mateo Joseph still have big question marks by their names, whilst Bamford continuous to spend more time with the physio, than on the pitch.
Leeds look to strengthen midfield
German media outlet BILD are reporting that Leeds have submitted a bid to bring Japan international Ao Tanaka to Elland Road. The defensive midfielder currently applies his trade with Bundesliga 2 outfit Fortuna Dusseldorf. He only joined last season (for €1m), after a successful loan the year before. The 24 year old was subject to a €2.7m bid from Stuttgart, but have now abandoned their bid. He was also linked with a move to West Ham earlier this Summer. Tanaka would provide competition for places in an area Leeds need to strengthen.
The news comes as Leeds make a formal offer for Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara, believed to be around the £5m mark. It's looks increasingly likely that the no nonsense 27 year old will become a Leeds player in the coming days. His high work rate, and crunching tackles will certainly endear him to the Elland Road faithful.