Poveda's ovation, Byram repeats feat and Gray as Leeds United survive scare against Shrewsbury Town - Leeds Live 9/8/23

Leeds United sealed their place in the Carabao Cup second round by seeing off League One Shrewsbury Town

By William Jackson

Leeds United had to come from behind to seal their spot in the second round of the Carabao Cup with a 2-1 win over Shrewsbury Town. Here’s a look at the winners and losers from the contest.

Winners

Ian Poveda

With Crysencio Summerville being ruled out for a few weeks with a groin injury, Poveda was given the chance to stake a claim to start on Saturday at Birmingham City and he more than took it. The winger was the liveliest of Leeds’ front four in the first half, drifting wide in an attempt to exploit openings before picking out teammates in central positions.

He spurned a couple chances to get his name on the scoresheet but picked up an assist of sorts after seeing his effort parried into the path of Joe Gelhardt in the build-up to the first. Poveda was one of the brightest in white over pre-season and the crowd reacted to his first outing at Elland Road in two seasons by giving him a standing ovation as he left to the field to be replaced by Luis Sinisterra.

Sam Byram

Few were complaining about the full-back being left out of the starting XI on Wednesday night given his injury record, but he was needed a half-time as Farke looked to find any sort of spark. He immediately provided it down the left, too, getting the ball ticking over at a more urgent speed and getting forward at will to join in attacks and push Leeds up the pitch.

He’ll start on Saturday at St Andrew’s and if he can stay fit it seems the position is his to lose at present.

Archie Gray

Another bright showing from the 17-year-old, who more than looks at home in the senior side. Gray started the game as a number 10 and showed a couple of bright touches to set up goalscoring opportunities, but he looked even stronger in the second half as he dropped deeper to slot in alongside Ethan Ampadu.

His composure and technical ability meant Shrewsbury couldn’t get near him and he began to boss the contest as Leeds asserted their dominance in the second half. His name could be heard being chanted at points in the second half from the South Stand, too, as the crowd looked to show their approval.

Losers

Leo Hjelde

For the second time in a week Hjelde was hooked at half-time after struggling in the Whites’ left-back spot. Hjelde didn’t have too much defending to do in the game but backed off too much in the build-up to Taylor Perry’s goal, giving him the space to shoot before seeing the effort cannon off him and over Karl Darlow.

Byram was a much more positive, progressive presence down the left in the second half and it seems Hjelde still has to get up to speed with what Farke wants from his full-back.

Darko Gyabi

Gyabi struggled to take his shot in the middle of the park and, like Hjelde above, he was brought off at half-time to be replaced by Pascal Struijk. The youngster looked short of the confidence and swagger he showed all last season in the U21s set up and as a result, he couldn’t make the desired impact on the ball.

He’ll take plenty from his first 45 minutes of football under Farke, though, and he’ll be keen to give a better account of himself the next time the German looks his way.