Good Morning. It's Monday 14th September, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Leeds are back, with a vengeance
After 16 years in the wilderness Leeds arrived back in the big time as they went head to head against arguably the best team in the Country. Bielsa had to shuffle his pack at the back as Captain Liam Cooper sustained a calf injury on International duty days before the trip to Anfield. This meant throwing new signing, German International Koch and Dutch teenager rookie dender Pascal Struijk collected just his third Leeds Utd start, and only his sixth overall during his short Elland Road career. It would be fair to say that throwing two players together for the very first time wouldn't be ideal, let alone at Anfield.
You'd have been forgiven, if after the first five minutes, that it was going to be a very long game!. Mo Salah's shot from the edge of the box struck Koch on the leg, then bounced up striking the German on his arm. Even though replays show that there was absolutely nothing Koch could do, the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Salah made no mistake from 12 yards. To everyone's shock Leeds were level eight minutes later. Phillips long pass found Harrison on the wing.. After a sublime first touch, the on loan Citeh ace beat two defenders before lashing the ball home from twenty yards. The Reds retook the lead on 20 minutes as Leeds defence showed further signs of frailties.
Van Dijk was unmarked at the near post following an inswinging corner His bullet header has gave Meslier no chance. Hero turned villain with 15 minutes of the first half still to go, Van Dijk took a heavy touch on the edge of his box, and there was Bamford to guide the ball between defender and keeper into the back of an empty net. No sooner had the Whites drawn level than Salah had the ball in the net for a second time. A poor clearance gave the Egyptian International too much time. His drilled shot nesling in the back of the net have ricochet off the bar.
To everyone's amazement Leeds were able to keep both their composure and discipline in the second half and with two thirds of the game spend, they once again drew level. Costa's pin point pass found Klich in space in the box. His touch lifted the ball in front of him, and the Polish International volleyed the ball past the helpless keeper. It looked increasingly likely that both sets of players and fans that the game was heading for a respectable 3-3 draw until the 89th minute. A clumsy tackle in the penalty area from new bot Rodrigo gave Salah his hat trick and Liverpool all three points!
If Harrison can play like he did on Saturday week in, week out, do we needs another winger? How much did we miss Cooper? Would the scoreline have been different? Can Hermadez make the step up at his age? Is Meslier to blame for any of the goals? Is he too lightweight for the Prem?
Bielsa's post match reaction
Marcelo Bielsa gives his very first Premiership post match reaction...
In other news...
Leeds chase Chouiar
Leeds United are in the hunt to sign Dijon forward Mounir Chouiar, according to L’Equipe. The French newspaper claims that Arsenal and Wolves are also interested in the 21-year-old attacker!
Apparently he's absolute mustard!!!
Yorkshire clubs fight it out over Gotts
Sun reporter Alan Nixon is reporting that Hull City and Huddersfield Town are fighting it out to take Robbie Gotts for a season loan.
Stevens opts for season long loan with Swindon
Jordan Stevens will sign for Swindon on loan his week. Swindon boss Richie Wellens told BBC Radio Wiltshire...
Jordan Stevens, we’re very close to. I think we’ve more or less done it. Leeds have got an issue in terms of releasing him at the moment because they’re trying to get someone in. And Marcelo Bielsa doesn’t let players out very easily. He is the head of Leeds, and only his say so will release players. We’ve been after him for six or seven weeks. He will join us on the 21st September.
