Good Morning. It's Monday 17th January, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road
Harrison hat-trick destroys Hammers
Leeds produced their best performance of their injury ravaged season, as justice was served at the London Stadium, in front of 60,000 shell shocked fans. Having been defeated in controversial circumstances seven days prior, Leeds were keen to avenge the injustice, and deservedly took an early lead. Ayling's long ball found Raphinha deep on the right wing. He tee'd up Klich on the edge of the area, but his first time effort was well saved by Fabiański. Forshaw retrieved the loose ball, and rolled it back to Harrison, who blasted the ball through a sea of Claret and Blue to take a 10th minute lead.
West Ham struck back twelve minutes before half-time, as Bowen headed them level from a corner. The scoreline would only remain level for a few minutes, as the visitors retook the lead from a corner of their own. Ayling's flick-on was bundled in from closer range by Harrison as the Whites took an unlikely lead at the break.
The hosts took advantage of Leeds poor start to the second half, and drew level o 52 minutes. Pablo Fornals was given the time and space to weave his way into the Leeds penalty area before slotting the ball past the despairing diving of Meslier. Leeds have now conceded 13 times before the 46th - 60th minute, five more than any other team. In reply, Leeds have scored four!
Leeds were not to be denied. With an hour on the clock, Raphinha sliced open West Hams defence with an inch perfect pass to Harrison. Alert to the danger, Fabiański rushed out to try and deny the Leeds winger of his first ever hat-trick, but to no avail. He clipped the ball past the on rushing keeper to send the 5000 travelling fans delirious with joy.
Both teams had goals chalked off in the second half for offside, though Leeds fans will feel aggrieved that Klich's effort was disallowed, as Rodrigo was not interfering with play. Bowen missed a guilt edged effort to draw level, in the dying seconds, but Bielsa's men more than deserved their three points.
Leeds are 9 points clear of the drop zone. Can they afford to wait until the Summer transfer window opens?
Injuries to Forshaw and Firpo took the edge off their astounding victory yesterday, and although Rodrigo looks to be on the mend, he will find it difficult to replicate Forshaw's contributions in defensive midfield. With Phillips sidelined until March, Forshaw was showing he was more than an adequate replacement for the England midfielder. The hamstring injury will be assessed today, but we shouldn't expect the 30yo to be back in action anytime soon!
Firpo too tweaked his hamstring, though without a replacement, Dallas will have to cover, which if this happens, will weaken the Leeds midfield further. The other option would be to play Harrison at left back, and allow James to occupy left wing. Leeds are now nine points clear of the drop zone. Will the hierarchy gamble that they do not need to add to the squad until the Summer? There are two weeks of the transfer window remaining. If survival is the only thing that matters this season, do they need to bring players in this month?
VAR was right to rule it out - Clattenburg
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has insisted that VAR was right to rule out Klich's goal yesterday at the London Stadium. Whilst Social Media lit up with Leeds fans complaining about what they saw as an injustice, Clattenburg turned to his column in the Daily Mail to give his thoughts:-
Leeds thought they had made it 4-2 until VAR brought it back to 3-2 and the officials were right to do so. When Mateusz Klich smashed his shot towards goal, Rodrigo was standing in an offside position. The ball hit him on its way in, and so it was a clear offence. It isn’t a subjective decision, it is black and white and VAR was right to rule it out.
