Leeds United seeing transfer benefit, defender's corner-turning hint, Bamford fan chat and off-camera moments — YEP 22/12/24
By Graham Smyth
Chief football writer
The YEP’s take and off-camera moments from Saturday’s
victory against Oxford.
Leeds United blew Oxford United away completely at a stormy
Elland Road in the final Championship action before Christmas. Four different
goalscorers, relentless chance creation and a clean sheet made Daniel Farke a
happy man as Leeds made it nine wins on the bounce at home. Here's the YEP take
on the 4-0 success.
Good day
Manor Solomon
The loanee from Tottenham Hotspur was expected to be a
difference maker at this level, if he stayed fit. Fitness and availability have
not come easily but he's starting to show his superiority. He was dangerous in
a cameo against Preston North End and played a part in the equaliser. He was
deadly against Oxford United, scored one and made two others. This is what
Leeds believed they could be getting. Now consistency is the challenge.
Daniel James
What more can be said about the flying winger? He's in a
real purple patch and defences are struggling to cope with him. A goal and a
nice role in the build-up for Jayden Bogle's strike were the highlights but his
relentless work ethic and willingness to track back to win the ball underpinned
his performance.
Isaac Schmidt
An appearance at left-back, at long last. It might only have
been another substitute cameo but the Swiss defender got on the pitch and
played in the position for which he was signed to play. What's more Daniel
Farke spoke in positive terms about his workrate after the game. Early days
still but a corner being turned perhaps?
Brenden Aaronson
Though it was not a perfect performance, a goal and an
assist comprised a fine return and a welcome shot in the arm when it comes to
his confidence in the final third. Getting into good positions is never a
problem but composure has been. His finish was the picture of coolness, though.
Timely it was too.
Bad day
Jamie Cumming
The wind that was swirling around Elland Road made the
keeper's life incredibly difficult when it came to kicking the ball.
Conversely, his struggle absolutely delighted the home crowd and they gave him
serious stick throughout the first half. Three times in quick succession he
punted the ball straight out of play. Better that than conceding four goals,
though.
Off-camera
A grinning Ao Tanaka grabbing hold of Ethan Ampadu to stop
him getting the ball in the warm-up possession game.
Joe Rothwell bringing his tiny daughters out as mascots.
Farke holding his arms out in questioning frustration as
Ethan Ampadu played an over-hit and needless ball over the top that Sam Byram
was never going to reach.
Patrick Bamford having a chat with someone in the West Stand
during a break in play.
Meslier and then Tanaka both going for and being evaded by a
yellow balloon that was blowing around on the pitch.
Ground staff litter picking on the pitch at half-time as
crisp packets and rubbish blew around in the wind. Tanaka cleaning up, picking
up some rubbish and depositing it over the touchline with the play halted in
the second half.
Placheta having a catch up with Leeds coach Christopher John
at full-time while Bogle and Kyle Edwards had a chat.