Leeds United striker's pep talk, defender's third time lucky and off-camera Bristol City moments – YEP 8/10/23
Leeds United bounce into an international break on the back of successive wins thanks to their 2-1 victory over Bristol City.
By Graham Smyth
Goals from Daniel James and Joel Piroe kept the three points
at Elland Road despite a spirited showing from the Robins, who cancelled out
James' opener through Kal Naismith. Daniel Farke's team selection was a head
scratcher until the side lined up, with teenager Archie Gray filling in at
right-back, but the German got it spot on.
Here's the YEP take.
Good day
Sam Byram
Finishing his third 90-plus minute outing in seven days was
a huge plus for him and for Leeds. His performance was tremendous, too. Showed
so much intelligence on and off the ball. Gave Bristol City very little and
made important blocks. If he's fit and in this form he plays and the left-back
problem is no more.
Archie Gray
Playing right-back for England Under 17s is one thing, doing
it in the Championship is quite another but Gray can stick it on his CV. He
passed the test with flying colours, emerging with the ball time and time
again.
Georginio Rutter
We'll discuss the miss later, the overall performance was
joyful. Rutter was everywhere. Down by his own cornerflag making tackles,
shielding the ball and helping Leeds out of pressure, retaining possession in
the opposition half and creating chances in the final third. He worked his
socks off.
Daniel Farke
Twenty-four hours after his forensic explanation of Joel
Piroe's selection at 10, the Dutchman popped up on the edge of the box to
score. It was the kind of goal Piroe scored plenty of times for Swansea and the
very practical demonstration Farke needed to hammer home his point. The Gray
selection at right-back worked out just fine, too.
Pascal Struijk
His two previous outings with the captain's armband were
less-than-impressive cup outings against Cardiff City and Salford City but this
one will be a fond memory. Third time lucky, although it owed more to his
ability than luck. He led by example, bringing physicality out of possession
and poise when he had the ball. Farke believes the youngster is growing as a
leader.
Bad day
Georginio Rutter
That miss. Mon Dieu. It's a good job the rest of his
performance contributed so mightily to Leeds' victory.
Off-camera
Luke Ayling catching up with ex-Bristol City winger Scott
Murray who was Robins' kitman by the time Ayling arrived at Ashton Gate.
Farke imploring Gray to get further up the pitch to make
himself an option.
Nigel Pearson, who arrived on crutches and has been due for
back surgery, managing from a seated position, having to summon staff members to
him to deliver messages to players.
Ayling with an encouraging whack for Gray deep in the first
half with the veteran warming up on that side.
Farke appealing for calm with Leeds 1-0 up and dominating,
as Gray runs down the right, beating Bell and eventually winning an attacking
throw.
Bamford throwing an arm around Rutter as the striker came
out for the second half and giving him a pep talk.
Rutter shaking off the attempts of Rob Dickie to make amends
after an accidental clash in the area early in the second half.
Farke calming his bench as he and fourth official Leigh
Doughty spoke after Ampadu was felled without a free-kick and then Piroe was
penalised seconds later.
The Leeds manager punching the air as the final whistle went
having seconds earlier been remonstrating with the officials.
Rutter catching up with fellow Frenchman Stefan Bajic at
full-time.