eeds six match unbeaten run came to an end at St Mary's at the weekend, after a dire performance all round from Daniel Farke's men. Expectations were high going into the match, and why not? Southampton had lost all four of their previous games, leaking 12 times in the process. In contrast, with 2 win, two draws and four clean sheets, Leeds had reached the dizzy heights of sixth, and even had half an eye on the top two. Leeds got of to the worst possible start, going behind after just two minutes. Kyle Walker-Peters through ball, sliced the Leeds centre backs wide open for Adam Armstrong to latch onto, and chip the ball past Meslier from an acute angle.

Russell Martin's side kept the pressure up, and deservedly doubled their lead on the half hour mark, after Sulemana got the better of Shackleton (as he would continue to do for most of the game). With few options, he passed to Will Smallbone, who was surrounded by six blue shirts. From twelve yards out, the Republic of Ireland International simply passed the ball into the back of the net to open his account for the Saints.

Two quickly became three, four minutes later when Sulemana cut inside from the wing, releasing Adam Armstong, wide and deep, within the Leeds penalty area. He danced past Byram (several times) before smashing the ball past Meslier. Leeds got one back just before the hour mark, with Struijk grabbing his third of the season (from all competitions), but never looked like repeating their famous 4-3 comeback of 2005. The Whites got exactly what they deserved from this game; there were just too many Leeds players having off days!

	Line Up		Nat	Match Events
	1	Meslier, Illan Goalkeeper
	17	Shackleton, Jamie Midfielder
	21	Struijk, Pascal Defender
	6	Cooper, Liam Defender
	25	Byram, Sam Defender
	4	Ampadu, Ethan Midfielder
	8	Kamara, Glen Midfielder
	20	James, Daniel Midfielder
	7	Piroe, Joel Forward
	10	Summerville, Crysencio Midfielder
	24	Rutter, Georginio Forward
	Subs		Nat	Match Events
	22	Gray, Archie Midfielder
	12	Anthony, Jaidon Midfielder
	9	Bamford, Patrick Forward
	2	Ayling, Luke Defender		Unused Sub
	14	Rodon, Joe Defender		Unused Sub
	27	Poveda, Ian Midfielder		Unused Sub
	26	Darlow, Karl Goalkeeper		Unused Sub
	30	Gelhardt, Joe Forward		Unused Sub
	44	Gruev, Ilia Midfielder		Unused Sub

	References
	LEEDSTATS: Leeds United Season 2023/2024
	Sheridan Dictates: Season Statistics 2023-24
	Leeds United Programme Guide: Season 2023/24