Good Morning. It's Monday 29th December, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Fans frustrated as Rodon injury handled badly
Joe Rodon’s milestone of 100 consecutive league starts for Leeds United felt like a cause for celebration, but the night took a cruel turn almost as soon as the opening whistle blew. Within five minutes, a heavy challenge from Brian Brobbey left Rodon writhing on the turf, his right ankle noticeably hyperextended. Television replays captured the awkward bend in excruciating detail, yet somehow the Welsh centre-back shuffled back to his feet, and begrudgingly carried on. It was clear even then that he shouldn’t have been allowed to stay on.
Half way through the first half, Rodon was the victim of another foul, this time under the challenge of Adingra, unbelievably, bending his same (right) ankle in the same place. He repeatedly punched the turf in agony, doing several half-rolls, writhing in pain, but again was allowed to continue, even though it was clear that the Leeds No 6 should not have been anywhere near the pitch at this stage. The hosts took full advantage of a weakened back four, taking the lead on the half-hour mark with a delightful curling effort from Adingra, before finally Rodon was allowed to limp off the field, in favour of Tanaka as Leeds shifted into a more traditional 4-3-3 shape
The official line is Rodon will miss a few games. Personally, I’ll believe that optimistic timetable when I see it. If Joe Rodon is back in action before March, consider me pleasantly gobsmacked. Questions need to be raised about how Rodon was allowed to continue as a bystander for 25 mins while writhing in pain. If there’s one thing Leeds can’t afford right now, it’s losing a rock-solid centre-back to preventable damage.
Dom has been our talisman
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was all smiles after his equaliser at the Stadium of Light, extending his remarkable Premier League scoring streak to six games. Speaking to Sky Sports in the mixed zone, the 28 year old credited his current hot streak to a blend of timing and confidence. “When you hit a good rhythm, everything just seems to slot into place,” he explained. “As a centre-forward, you’re constantly making runs – sometimes you get the reward, sometimes you don’t. At the moment, I’m getting into the right positions and finishing my chances.”
Calvert-Lewin was quick to highlight the role his team-mates have played in his run of form. “Everything feels really fluid at the moment,” he said with a grin. “The lads are knowing where I’m going to be, and the quality of their service has been top-notch. It takes time for players to figure out your movements and strengths, but once they do, I like to think I’m pretty lethal inside the box.” His 47th minute tap-in, came from a slick build-up on the right flank, where Brenden Aaronson whipped in a precise cross that Calvert-Lewin met with clinical accuracy.
The travelling Leeds contingent went crazy as the scoreboard levelled at 1-1. The relief was clear on Daniel Farke's face too, as Leeds festive points tally continue to rise. The draw keeps Leeds within touching distance of the top half of the table, a position manager Daniel Farke was pleased to see after watching his side come from behind. “Dom has been our talisman,” Farke said post–match. “His work ethic off the ball and knack for scoring crucial goals give us belief in every game.”
For Calvert-Lewin, though, the focus is simple: keep the momentum going. “Records and streaks are great, but my main aim is to help the team as much as I can,” he added. “Whether it’s a helper or a goalscorer, I just want to contribute. If we keep this form up, there’s no reason we can’t climb even higher.” With strike partner (and work horse) Lukas Nmecha well on his way to making a full recovery, Leeds strike force is starting to look formidable, as 2026 approaches!
