Good Morning. It's Monday 4th November, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Whites outclass sorry Pilgrims
Leeds moved up to second in the table with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Wayne Rooney's Plymouth Argyle at the weekend. It took 30 minutes to breach the visitor's ten man defence, but once penetrated, the visitors started to crumble. Dan James's spectacular strike from the edge of the area got Leeds off the mark after Argyle failed to clear Rothwell's corner.
Piroe doubled the score-line just three minutes later, stabbing home from close range after the ball fell kindly for him in the six yard box. This was no more than Leeds deserved, having dominated play from the opening whistle. Wave after wave of attacks, had finally taken it's toll on Daniel Grimshaw's goalmouth, and Leeds would take full advantage!
Chants of 'You're getting sacked in the morning' reverberated around Elland Road after Brenden Arronson got in on the act on 38 minutes. Piroe's back-heel deflected off a defender into Arronson's path, handing him his fourth of the season.
With a midweek game in Bermondsey coming up, Farke's men took their foot off the gas and coasted for the final 50 minutes. Sam Chambers, Joshua Guilavogui and Charlie Crew got a rare run-out, safe in the knowledge that the game was well and truly won.
Even after taking into account these changes, Plymouth were unable to muster a single shot at goal, either on target or off. Millwall will be a sterner test on Wednesday night. They outmuscled Burnley at the weekend, and were good value for their 1-0 win.
Brooks to fill Rutter void
Leeds may be looking to lure David Brooks to Elland Road in the New Year to fill the void left by Georginio Rutter in the latter stages of the Summer transfer window!
Brookes caught the eye whilst on-loan during the second half of last season with Southampton, showcasing his ability to unlock defences, and move defenders out of position. The 27yo offers versatility, and can play as an attacking midfielder or on the wings, which aligns well with the role Rutter played.
His ability to operate in the half-spaces and use his creativity could be exactly what Leeds need in the New Year. He's only had 30 minutes of Premier League game time all season, suggesting that the Cherries may be open to letting the former Manchester City and Sheffield Utd apprentice out on loan again.
Elland Road would seem the logical destination for Brookes given his skill-set, and is already familiar with Karl Darlow, Dan James, Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon given their Welsh National status, not to mention former team-mate Joe Rothwell.
Kristensen proving his worth in the Bundesliga
Rasmus Kristensen has been described as reliable and a positive influence in the Eintracht Frankfurt dressing room by respected journalist Ben Jacobs! Danish International defender Kristensen is loving life at the Stadium Deutsche Bank Park. Although out injured (knock) at the moment, the 27yo has already gained over 900 minutes of game time, and has scored (and provided an assist) in Europe. He has a solid 6.73 Whoscored rating, placing him 8th (three places above Robin Koch) in their rankings. Leeds are asking £12.6m, though Frankfurt will no doubt want to negotiate. Much will depend on whether Leeds go up! According to Jacobs...
Rasmus Kristensen has impressed Frankfurt both on and off the field and it’s a shame he’s picked up a muscle injury and will miss a few weeks. Kristensen has proven reliable, and Frankfurt also view him as a positive dressing-room influence. There is a chance they try to sign him permanently, but it’s likely if so they try to negotiate the €15m option to buy. We’ll have to wait and see what happens. If Leeds don’t go up, Frankfurt might be able to do a bargain deal but it’s too early to tell right now.
) he'd be surplus to requirements for us. Rather than warming the bench that place would be better offered up to a youngster coming through.
