Good Morning. It's Wednesday 22nd March, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Did the 49ers pull the plug on the Harrison deal?
Football journalist Dean Jones believes that the 49ers may have saved Leeds from relegation after (allegedly) pulling the plug on Jack Harrison's move to Leicester City on transfer deadline day seven weeks ago. He was halfway through his medical, when Leeds recalled him back to Elland Road.
Whilst the 26yo continuous to frustrate with inconsistent performances, it's difficult to deny that on his day, he is one of the finest strikers of the ball in the Premier League. His goals from previous campaigns have kept Leeds afloat, but unfortunately they have dried up this season. Consecutive goals against Brighton and Wolves have tripled his tally to three this season (League), and whilst it doesn't sound like much, it makes him Leeds third highest goalscorer this term, behind Summerville (4), and Rodrigo (11). According to Jones...
It went right to the wire, that move, and, you know, it obviously fell through it last minute, Leeds pulled the plug. I think it was the guys from San Francisco, that obviously half-own Leeds, [that] decided not to go through with that one. They wanted to keep him and it's turned out to be a decision that might actually end up keeping them in the Premier League.
What next for Rutter
It's fair to say that Georginio Rutter’s introduction to the Premier League has not gone to plan. Since his arrival in January, the soon to be 21 year old has amassed 184 minutes of game time, looks awkward in-front of goal, and a has successful pass rate of less than 44%.
There are 35 million reasons why Head Coach Javi Gracia decided to keep him benched last weekend. Leeds may have given the ball away more times than Firpo's had bookings in his career; but they rediscovered that creative spark, which up until the Wolves game, had long since deserted them. The last thing they needed was for somebody to interrupt that flow. The cogs are finally turning in unison, and Gracia will not want to change a thing.
Where does this leave Rutter? Weren't we led to believe he would get us goals? That's what was needed when he joined nine weeks ago! Leeds have more wide men than diners at an American buffet; the last thing on their wish list should have been another, especially when you look at our narrow formation.
Nunes has red card overturned
Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes has successfully had his red card rescinded following an appeal to the FA for wrongful dismissal. The 24 year old, an unused substitute in last weekends game against Leeds, was given his marching orders deep into injury time after colliding with the assistant referee following Rodrigo's goal.
He he was doing off his seat at the time remains a mystery, as does the melee which ensued, most of which was outside the confines of the Wolves dugout. Perhaps they should appeal Jonny's early bath too.
