Good Morning. It's Monday 30th December, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Whites on course for 98 points after Ram raid
Leeds United concluded the year on a high note with victory over a determined Derby County side, igniting a renewed sense of anticipation and optimism going into 2025. Brendan Aaronson's decisive 79th-minute goal, his seventh of the campaign, ensured the Whites secured top spot, and puts them on track to achieve a projected 98 points tally come May.
After keeping Leeds at bay during the opening half, Derby emerged with a sense of vigour and confidence. Only three weeks ago (after the two sides had met), Rams Manager Paul Warne had described his squad as a "League One team with a bit of sugar on top", but roared on by their biggest gate of the season, the hosts gave it their all.
Although a far more open second half, the Leeds defence held firm. Rams shot-stopper Zetterstrom denied efforts from Aaronson and Ramazani, whilst at the other end Meslier pulled off a good save from Nelson. With 20 minutes left on the clock, Farke (finally) made the changes every Leeds fan had been screaming for, and it completely changed the game.
Within minutes of coming on, James was denied by the outstretched legs of Zetterstrom after a peach of a cross from Solomon; but was powerless to deny Aaronson minutes later, after a well constructed opening involving Byram and Solomon, Piroe delivered a perfectly weighted ball for Aaronson to run on to, and smash past the keeper from 12 yards, ending any hopes of Derby getting anything from the game.
Unforced changes raise eyebrows
The four unforced changes Daniel Farke made to the starting line-up yesterday proved ineffective, and puzzled many fans. Whilst the efforts of Gnonto, Ramazani and Joseph won't go unnoticed, their contributions were far from influential. It wasn't until Messrs Solomon, James and Piroe came on, that Leeds came alive.
£10m Summer signing Largie Ramazani was particularly disappointing. The 23yo had little influence during the game, and Gnonto was not much better. There's a case that the former Manchester Utd apprentice is still a little ring rusty following his ankle injury sustained during the 2-1 win against Watford in October.
He's been back in the Leeds squad for over a month now, but has been consigned cameo roles up until last night. The decision to rest four key players (Piroe, Solomon, James and Rothwell) ultimately hindered the team's initial performance and could have very easily upset the apple cart.
