Good Morning. It's Monday 30th October, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Flying Dutchman on fire as Whites destroy Terriers
Leeds maintained their unbeaten home record for the season, smashing four past hapless neighbours Huddersfield Town at the weekend. Daniel Farke's side had some making up to do, after their calamitous performance against Stoke, but more than made up for it with a dominant, stylish and clinical first half display which saw most of the travelling contingent make a swift half-time Elland Road exit.
Leeds began their road to redemption on 20 minutes when Rutter, (on the edge of his own box) released Summerville down the left channel, before cutting inside towards goal; twelve seconds later Leeds were ahead. Unselfishly, the flying Dutchman released James to the right of him, but surrounded by a sea of black shirts, launched a ferocious drive from the edge of area, beating Lee Nicholls at his near post.
Leeds doubled their lead on 31 minutes when Summerville, enjoying his new inverted striker role, tried his luck from distance after weaving his way in and out of traffic. Unsighted, his right foot curling shot deceived the Huddersfield shot-stopper, as the ball flew past him, just inches away.
A few minutes later James was back on the score sheet, with again Summerville the provider. James latched on to Jimmy's inch perfect through ball before lifting it over the keeper. Not to be outdone, Summerville also grabbed his first half brace deep into first half stoppage time, after good work from Rutter.
Leeds took their foot off the gas in the second half. They continued to dominate, but with the game already won, lacked that killer instinct in front of goal. The visitors netted a consolation twenty minutes from time, after Meslier could only fumble Thomas's shot (rom all of 30 yards), allowing Helik an easy tap-in.
Plenty of reasons to be optimistic
Although fourteen points shy of leaders Leicester City, the Championship stats show that there are plenty of reasons for Leeds fans to be optimistic going forward. Not only has Daniel Farke rebuilt a team capable of challenging for automatic promotion, but it's one of the youngest too. Calculated by minutes played this season, the average age of the Leeds outfield is 24.4 yrs, only Sunderland (23.3yrs) can boast a more youthful side.
The Whites top the charts (along with Leicester City) with the amount of assists this term (19) and have amassed the third lowest amount of bookings (24), behind West Brom and Middlesbrough. Only Ipswich Town have had more shot at goal (232 vs 231), but with 72 efforts on target (31.2%), Leeds slip down to 11th on consistency.
Could Harrison keep Everton up
With two assists and a goal from his three starts this season in an Everton shirt, Jack Harrison has played a leading role in helping a Toffee's revival. The 26 year old joined the Merseyside outfit mid August, but because of injury, was unable to feature (start) until earlier this month, when he scored, and provided an assist during their 3-0 victory over Bournemouth.
After predictably losing their Merseyside derby, Everton provided another upset last weekend by beating West Ham at the London Stadium, with Harrison providing the assist. The common denominator in lifting Everton to safety is Harrison, and although a deduction of 12 points looks to be on its way because of Financial Fair Play irregularities, they have got themselves out of stickier situations over the past few seasons.
