Good Morning. It's Monday 23rd August, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Honours even at Elland Road
Leeds came from behind twice to grab a share of the spoils, at a packed out Elland Road on Saturday afternoon; against an inform Everton side. The Toffee's had ripped apart Southampton the previous week but were up against a Bielsa side with a lot more fight and guile than they had shown at Old Trafford.
Rafael Benítez's men took the lead on the half hour mark when Liam Cooper was penalised for trying to get into Dominic Calvert-Lewin's shirt with him in it. Once reviewed on VAR, the man in black had little choice but to point at the spot, and Calvert-Lewin duly obliged!
Leeds were level before half time. Bamford unselfishly squared the ball to Mateusz Klich who lifted it over the despairing dive of England shot stopper Jordan Pickford.
Five minutes into the second half, Everton retook the lead. Damarai Gray fired a shot into the corner of Meslier's net from an acute angle, and through the legs of Stuart Dallas. Cheered on by 38,000, Leeds were not to be denied. Phillips in swinging cross fell nicely for Cooper in the Everton penalty area. His pass back found Raphinha in space. The Brazilian's first time strike curled majestically into the corner of net to grab Leeds first point of the season!
Although Everton carved out more opportunities, Leeds will reflect back on the game that they should have won! They had 70 percent possession, three times as many passes as the Toffee's as well as superior passing.
Bielsa's post match interview
O'Brien deal unlikely to happen
Former Leeds favourite, now Soccer pundit David Norris believes the proposed transfer of Huddersfield Towns ace Lewis O'Brien has gone on too long, and is set for failure. Following their interest, the Terriers slapped a 10m price tag on their star asset. Leeds came back with several offers, but there still seems to be a way to go before the deal is concluded. Speaking in his pre match presser, Bielsa disclosed that it was unlikely that Leeds would be adding to the squad.
Norris was quoted as saying...
I think once it goes too far, there’s obviously an issue, so I can’t see that one happening now. I can’t see them paying £8m-£10m. Some teams attract players for a long period of time and eventually get a deal done, but this one seems like it’s not going to happen, it’s gone on too long.