Leeds United man's love affair with defending, a night to forget and Captain Marvel's mate — off camera moments from win over Hull City — YEP 3/4/24
All's well that ends well and Leeds United ended their clash with Hull City in sensational manner.
By Graham Smyth
A late penalty from the boot of Crysencio Summerville and
Daniel James' 45-yarder into an empty net gave the scoreline a far more
comfortable look as Leeds United eventually saw off Hull City at Elland Road on
Monday night. But the 3-1 win was as hard-fought as any Leeds have earned this
season, because Hull made it difficult and the hosts didn't help themselves at
times.
An underwhelming first half performance saw them take the
lead early on through Sam Byram's back-post header, only for Fabio Carvalho to
flick in a deserved equaliser.
The second half was a struggle too, until Summerville won
and scored the spot-kick, before James' stoppage time insurance goal.
Here's the YEP take.
Good day
Elland Road
The tributes to Chris and Kev were authentic, respectful and
tasteful. It felt especially poignant that the referee recognised what Leeds
wanted to do during the fan-led applause. That he left space for a momentary
pause in the action spoke volumes about either his preparation for the fixture
or his emotional intelligence in sensing the occasion and playing it just
right. And well done to Hull for their pre-game messaging that helped take any
potential sting out of the situation.
Joe Rodon
The boy just loves defending. You could tell he did not love
the way Leeds were playing, in the first half particularly, but when it came
time to grit teeth and put heads where it might hurt, Rodon was front and
centre. This has been a truly impressive season for the Spurs loanee and he has
given Daniel Farke no real decision to make over the right-sided centre-half
spot this season. One of the first names on the team sheet.
Crysencio Summerville
He really needed to find the back of the net with that
penalty, didn't he? Taking over as late as he did, when the taker appeared to
be already settled, and arguing with Piroe was not a great look. And it meant
there was no option to miss. The way he scored showed his level of confidence
and having won the penalty he probably deserved to take it. A difference maker
for Leeds, right when they needed it.
Mateo Joseph
The impressive cameos just keep on coming. He got stuck
straight into the Hull defenders and held his run excellently to stay onside
for his big chance. That the ball hit the post instead of the net was unlucky
in the extreme. He's giving Farke plenty of food for thought every week.
Daniel James
Took stick from the Hull fans for his Wales penalty miss and
for being an ex-Hull player, and got little in the way of reward until he swung
on the ball from what had to be 45 yards out and found the net. That one must
have felt so sweet.
Bad day
Patrick Bamford
That moment in the first half will go down among his worst
misses for Leeds and it was difficult to understand quite how he didn't score.
Though that will be a talking point, his general performance was more
concerning because it wasn't what we've become accustomed to from Bamford since
his return to the team. It was lacklustre, even if service to him was poor in
the first half particularly.
Off-camera
Gaetano Berardi arriving back at Elland Road, just shy of
three years since the club announced he would depart at the end of the 2020/21
campaign.
Ilia Gruev plundering the media room fridge for a pre-game
drink. Willy Gnonto making his arrival through the players' entrance in his
civvies to come and support his team-mates.
Norwegian actor Rune Temte, of The Last Kingdom and Captain
Marvel fame, in the directors box prior to the game alongside billionaire heir
Pete Lowy.
Daniel James turning to cup his ear and ensure the Hull fans
saw how pleased he was with the opening goal.
Liam Cooper's encouragement for Georginio Rutter and Junior
Firpo as they came out for the second half.
Ed Wootten dancing to I Predict a Riot at full-time. Farke
with a word and a grin for Bamford, and a big embrace for Rutter.
