The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Friday 17th May) - Leeds United are halfway there
Good Morning. It's Friday 17th May, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
We're halfway there
Leeds booked their place in the Championship play-off final at Wembley in style, after obliterating Norwich City at Elland Road last night. Roared on by another sell out crowd, it didn't take the hosts long to rediscover their mojo; apparently, it had been living in plain slight in Beeston all along, but now that they have it back, they'll be desperate not to mislay it again!
Ghosts were put to bed as early at the 7th minute when Ilea Gruev's cheeky nearside free-kick caught Angus Gunn napping. Not only was it his first of the season, but Leeds first goal (direct from a free kick) in three years (Phillips v West Brom on the final day of the 20/21 season was the last time).
The Whites doubled their advantage on 20 minute, with Piroe heading Gnonto's looping cross across goal. Despite Gunn's best efforts, and Duffy stood on the goal-line, neither were able to keep his effort out. Minutes later, Norwich had an opportunity (their best of the match) to reduce the deficit. An uncharacteristic error from Ampadu let Sargent in on goal, only for Meslier to pull off a blinding save.
On 40 minutes Leeds made it three. Following his surging run from midfield, Piroe picked out Summerville in the Norwich penalty area. Heavily marked by three defenders, he was able to pick out Rutterat the back post, as he fell to the ground. Rutter's first time effort into the roof of the net was his first major contribution for ten games, and the shot in the arm crucially needed for his confidence.
It was more one way traffic after the break. Only last ditch defending and goal keeping heroics from Gunn kept the scoreline relatively respectable; that was until the 68th minute when Summerville got in on the act. Gunn could only palm away Gnonto's initial shot. Firpo kept the ball in play, and unselfishly cut it back to the edge of the six yard box where Summerville was on target to make the game absolutely safe.
Saints or West Brom in the final
Leeds fans can now relax, get the popcorn out (ok, beer) and scrutinise their Wembley opponents, whoever it may be. Both sides have beaten the Whites this season (Southampton twice), but if the Whites can turn in a performance like they did last night, their's little doubt in my mind at least, that they'll find themselves back in the top flight next season.
Who would you like Leeds to smash in the final and which team is weaker?