The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Monday 22nd March) Leeds break 170 week hoodoo
Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2021 9:05 am
Good Morning. It's Monday 222nd March, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road
Leeds break 170 week hoodoo
The Whites broke their 170 week hoodoo at Craven Cottage on Friday evening, sending Scott Parkers Fulham ever closer to the Premiership trap door.
The last time Leeds won in the Capital City, was the 9th December 2017. A Kemar Roofe hat trick helped Leeds on their way that day, under the guidance of Manager Thomas Christiansen.
Bielsa's side started quickly, and were unlucky not to take the lead early on when Roberts inch perfect cross found Ayling 20 yards old. His equally sublime looping header found the far corner of the goal leaving Areola stranded. Unfortunately for the visitors, Leeds celebrations were short lived. Referee David Coote chalked off the effort after consulting VAR as Leeds had strayed fractionally offside.
Fulham should have taken the lead on 20 minutes. The ball fell nicely for Maja in the box. He struck a rasping shot goalward. Only the brilliance of Meslier spared Leeds blushes. The French mans outstretched hand followed by a goal line clearance from Ayling stopped the home side taking the lead.
The Whites took the lead on the half hour mark when Patrick Bamford helped himself to his 14th goal of the season. A quick throw in, deep in the Cottagers territory (from Alioski) found Harrison. He swiveled, then launched a hopeful cross into the Fulham penalty area. Leeds no 9 stepped in front of two Fulham defenders to fire in the opener.
Five minutes before half time Fulham were level. Defender Joachim Andersen volleyed in from Ademola Lookman's corner. Will they ever learn? Leeds have conceded 11 Premier League goals from corners this season, at least three more than any other side.
Leeds could have gone behind early in the second half when Struijk's headed back pass fell well short of Meslier, but directly in the path of Cavaleiro. Meslier raced off his line, and ensured he got a strong hand on the ball, away from immediate danger. Anguissa's resulting drive sent Leeds No1 diving at full stretch to keep the Cameroonian's effort out.
Bielsa's team scored the winner with half an hour left. Goal scorer Bamford turned provider releasing Raphinha goalward. The Brazilian had the strength to hold off two defenders before calmly slotting the ball into the back of the net.
The game was never going to be pretty. but sometimes you have to dig deep and show a gritty resolve- and that's what Leeds did on Friday night!
Leeds' seventh away win in the Premier League this season, the most by a newly promoted side since 2005-06.
Nine games left
After their win on Friday night, Leeds are now 11th in the table on 39 points, two away from Villa, and three from Arsenal. After the International break, Paul Heckingbottom's Blades visit Elland Road, followed by an away trip to the Etihad, and home games against Liverpool and Manchester Utd.
After that, there is an away trip to the Seaside (Brighton), a home game v Spurs; before a trip down the road to Turf Moor (Burnley). Their last two fixtures of the Premier League season is a trip down to see see Ell (at St Mary's) before waving goodbye to West Brom from the Premier League (At Elland Road).
There are some very winnable games there. How many points do you think Leeds will collect between now and the end of the season?
We all Love Leeds
A report from Samford University in the United States have completed a study on the Whites, and how their popularity has grown since their arrival in the top flight!
At the beginning of the season, the Whites had gained an additional 55,000 followers on Twitter alone. That figure has now multiplied to well over 700,000!
Unsurprisingly Leeds following is largest in England and Ireland, but that the third-biggest following comes from Australia. Making up the top five countries with the largest Leeds following is Canada and rather interestingly Kenya.