Rarely seen Leeds United man's good day, Whites fan's bad day and off-camera Man City moments - YEP 7/5/23
Leeds United fell to the expected defeat at Manchester City but not by the expected scoreline thanks in part to a late Rodrigo strike.
By Graham Smyth
When the Spaniard, a second half substitute, struck the ball
into the back of the net, the scoreline was somehow still only 2-0 to the
title-favourites and by making it so close, the Whites introduced nerves to the
Etihad.
A point would have been sporting robbery, but a Leeds team
who have been blown away by Crystal Palace, Liverpool and Bournemouth did
enough to earn the appreciation of their fans at full-time. Here's the YEP
take.
Good day
Rodrigo
Sam Allardyce spoke of how clinical Leeds would need to be
at the Etihad and Rodrigo embodied it with that finish. The club's top
goalscorer will be needed again against Newcastle United because chances might
come at a premium in that one too. Any goal from here on in could take on huge
importance so a confident Rodrigo will be a powerful weapon for Allardyce.
Adam Forshaw
The most minutes he's played in Premier League action since
February of last year, Forshaw was Leeds' best performer in a struggling
midfield and was singled out as taking on great importance by Allardyce, who
felt three in midfield would be vital.
Bad day
Junior Firpo
Riyad Mahrez is a nightmare and as Allardyce said, almost
impossible to stop when he wants to cut back onto his stronger foot. Firpo was
one of a number of players who were left chasing shadows at times against truly
world class opposition. Not every game will be as difficult as this one.
Erling Haaland
The league's most prolific striker forgot his shooting boots,
against the team he supports. He air-kicked, hit the woodwork and saw a shot
saved by Joel Robles. He also risked the wrath of his manager by giving up the
chance to take a penalty. An off day in a truly remarkable season for the big
striker.
Kalvin Phillips
How the Leeds lad would have dearly loved to have got on the
pitch against his boyhood club. Alas, he did not add to his eight Premier
League substitute appearances and 102 minutes of top flight action, not even
with Rodri getting a rest. Getting in the best team in the world is as
difficult a task as any in world football.
Off-camera moments
Cooper, Dallas and Adams arriving to support the team,
greeting Summerville, Gnonto and Rutter who were out on the pitch prior to the
warm-ups.
The trio of injured players being coaxed into photos by a
group of Leeds fans enjoying some Etihad hospitality.
Adams taking his place on the touchline with staff to watch
the warm-ups.
Dallas and Phillips with a warm embrace. The ex-Leeds man
had catch-ups with various staff members and players.
Allardyce and Pep Guardiola had a catch up too when the
teams arrived at the Etihad and the Leeds boss was enjoying a coffee.
Karl Robinson calling the squad in for a huddle at the end
of the warm-up then sending the team to go and applaud the fans.
The team huddle waiting for Robles, who needed to touch the
crossbar first.
An animated Robinson rushing to the edge of the technical
area to give his opinion to Allardyce who stayed out on the edge for the
duration. Skubala and Keane offering their thoughts more sporadically. Keane
grew into it though, staying out next to Allardyce more and more as the game
went on.
Struijk and Aaronson having to wait to make their entrances.
Allardyce putting an arm around the defender and pointing out exactly what he
wanted from him. The challenge for the penalty was not it and Allardyce's body
language said as much.
Allardyce was also furious when a free-kick was awarded to
the hosts at 2-1, as Robinson had a go at the lino and Keane stretched out his
arms, questioning referee Andy Madley.
At full-time Robinson was keen to round up all the unused
substitutes and injured players to gather on the pitch - once Rodrigo had
finished his post-game chat with Aymeric Laporte - and then head to the away
end where several threw their shirts to fans.