The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Monday 18th September) Leeds tame Lions inside the Den
Good Morning. It's Monday 18th September, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Leeds tame Lions inside the Den
The Whites climbed into the top half of the table for the first time this season, ending their eleven year jinx; after giving Millwall a master lesson in finishing. Leeds had not previously won at the Den since the 11/12 season when Ross McCormack's 65th goal gave Neil Warnock's side bragging rights.
Millwall started the game, much the brighter, and could have gone ahead in the first ten minutes, only for Struijk to make a goal line clearance after Bradshaw came into contact with Meslier, causing him to drop the ball. The referee's whistle followed, but Struijk was not to know that.
Leeds opener had a touch of luck about it. 30 seconds earlier Ayling almost gave away a penalty. Already on his hands and knees, the veteran defender threw himself in-front of the ball, shielding it away from Tom Bradshaw. The ball broke kindly to Archie Gray, who cleared the ball from danger. Leeds broke clear, and took the lead ahead. At the other end of the pitch, Piroe stepped over Gnonto's pass on the edge of the area, drawing defenders away from Rutter, who tee'd up his striking partner perfectly to open the scoreline on fifteen minutes.
The game wasn't as straight forward as the scoreline suggests. Millwall battled hard throughout the 90 minutes, but Leeds had that extra quality, especially when they needed it. Meslier had to be on his toes to deny Bradshaw on several occasions, before Piroe' s tap in on 77 minutes, after good work from Rutter and James. Rutter put the game beyond doubt four minutes later, blasting his effort into the far corner of the net on his less favourable left foot.
Farke delighted with three points and clean sheet
Daniel Farke was quick to praise the hard work and unity of his players following the 3-0 demolition of Millwall. In less than eleven weeks, Farke has rebuilt the squad, putting together a side more than capable of challenging for promotion come May. The toxicity has evaporated too; its clear by watching the team that they want to be there and play for the shirt, a far cry from the virulent atmosphere of last season! Daniel Farke told BBC Radio Leeds...
To win three points on such a tough ground in this manner in a tight game and return with a clean sheet, it is good for confidence and our rhythm. I am pretty pleased with our goals. The first was an unbelievable team goal. But you also need to do the dirty work. If you are willing to work hard and act as one unit, then our quality can shine and it is also quite enjoyable. We spoke about the atmosphere and about the soft skills that we need. All the compliments go to my lads because they delivered exactly what I was asking for. England is the motherland of football and more or less my second home. To be allowed to work for such an unbelievable, emotional and amazing club like Leeds United is good fun. There is a lot of responsibility and pressure as well, but I enjoy it.
Farke unhappy with timing of midweek derby
Daniel Farke has aired his frustrations with the timing of their midweek trip to local rivals Hull City, which has seen the Tigers given almost 48 hours more to prepare. Hull's game with Coventry City was moved back to Friday night owing to a Super League clash the following day, whilst Leeds four hour trip to the Den was moved forward (almost) 24 hours to appease Sky.
It’s strange from the setup, our next opponent on Wednesday, Hull, plays already, Friday, a home game, then next home game on Wednesday. I spoke about not feeling sorry for ourselves and then for that I don’t complain about this. I’m sure, right now, the longer we will stay together and the more time we have also on the training pitch and we work together. It’s just about finding the right setup, the right balance, the right rhythm. And I’m confident this group will also win many points for us.
Meslier’s half-time routine
Illan Meslier half-time break was cut short yesterday as Ed Wootten, (the club’s goalkeeping coach), decided to put the young Frenchman through his paces, going through multiple drills, whilst his team mates stayed in the dressing room. The decision to do this is not known, but was very unusual. Perhaps Wootten believed he wasn't looking as sharp as he could have been in the opening 45 minutes?