Leeds United defender turns Gandalf, Farke explosion, Gnonto's car stop and off-camera West Brom moments — YEP 2/3/25
By Graham Smyth
The YEP’s take and off-camera moments from Saturday’s 1-1
draw at home to West Brom.
Leeds United need more from one of their forwards but can
ask little more of one of their defenders after another good display against
West Bromwich Albion. The 1-1 draw did not boast the emotional highs of the
last two Leeds outings but it was a solid result against a decent side going
for promotion themselves. Here's the YEP take on the Saturday lunchtime
stalemate against the Baggies.
Good day
Joe Rodon
When the opposition manage to counter so dangerously in the
final minute, a Rodon recovery is exactly what the doctor orders for Elland
Road. Even if his first challenge had an air of him falling into it after
catching his studs in the turf, the second, from his knees, was the kind of
desperate, urgent defending you need from your centre-backs in such situations.
It was a Gandalf 'you shall not pass' moment if ever there was one. Rodon's
form has been stellar of late. A quiet contender for Player of the Season.
Junior Firpo
You wait almost five months for a goal and then two come
along at once. Following up his magnificent header against the Blades with
another, this time a more deft finish, Firpo is a man in form. He's taking up
clever positions, making runs that a number 9 would make and seems to be
relishing the attacking freedom. They used to sing 'if Firpo scores we're on
the pitch' but no one is risking a stadium ban right now with Leeds chasing
promotion and some memorable days at Elland Road or grounds elsewhere.
Tony Mowbray
Not so long ago Mowbray was itching to get back into work,
patiently or not so patiently recovering from a health issue and yearning to be
on the touchline. He loves Elland Road, has a big admiration for Leeds United
and got a good performance out of his team against the league's best side. A
point at Elland Road is a good result for anyone in the division and West Brom
were worth it.
Bad day
Brenden Aaronson
The effort was there, as it always is, but the application
was not. Nor was the impact. He looked like he struggled to match the
physicality of the away side when it came to duels and couldn't make much
happen in possession. Looks like a man in need of a goal. Definitely needs more
assists.
Off-camera moments
Alex Mowatt bizarrely requiring directions to the pitch as
he arrived at the back of the West Stand, while Kyle Bartley was on the hunt
for Stix Lockwood.
Leeds arriving about 15 minutes or so late at Elland Road
due to an issue with their coach. The replacement coach had a distinct 'school
trip to Yorkshire Wildlife Park' feel about it.
Ethan Ampadu doing his captain duties, meeting some fans
down on the pitch before the game and posing for photos.
Junior Firpo and West Brom substitute keeper Josh Griffiths
narrowly avoiding a collision in the warm-up as the Leeds man sought to control
a high pass from Manor Solomon in the same space as the Baggies stopper was
catching a Joe Wildsmith punt.
Firpo having a moan about something or other to coach
Christopher John as the outfield players finished their possession game, with
John responding with a sharp shake of the head.
Ao Tanaka's post-warm-up shooting practise starting to get
out of hand as he set himself up for six or seven efforts at goal long after
his team-mates had gone down the tunnel.
Daniel Farke desperately unhappy with someone in his side
during a spell of possession, remonstrating with the bench and flapping his
arms against his sides. Midway through the first half Farke's frustration
exploded as he lashed out with a kick at some item in the technical area after
a poor pass from Joe Rothwell.
Tony Mowbray greeting his former player Joe Rothwell in the
corridor behind the media suit after the game and promising to drop him a line
in a day or two. The Baggies boss then expressed his appreciation for the
quality of chair in the media suite.
Willy Gnonto being stopped in his car on a road outside the
ground to sign shirts for a trio of lads.