Leeds United early presents, chairman's pacing, injury concern and off-camera Ipswich moments — YEP 24/12/23
There was no snow but it was a perfectly white Christmas at Elland Road on Saturday as Leeds United blew Ipswich Town away in the first half.
By Graham Smyth
It was always possible that the Tractor Boys would come and
play, which would give Leeds chances, but few saw such a one-sided beating
going the way of the hosts. Here's the YEP take.
Good day: Just about everyone
This was a team performance. Leeds got in front, put their
foot on Ipswich's neck and didn't ever take it off. They were devastating on
the counter attack, physical in defence and passed the ball really well. So
many fantastic individual performances across the pitch.
Beating the team in second was the priority but getting
another one over on his old rivals Ipswich, in front of a packed Elland Road,
just before Christmas, had to feel good. Watching his football work so well and
so effectively, for such a big three points, after the last two games, was
huge.
Sam Morsy
Of course it wasn't a good day for anyone in the Ipswich
camp, but the combative midfielder getting off the pitch without a yellow was a
level of magic that could power a sleigh. Remarkable scenes. Four fouls, an
attempted tug on Rutter in the lead up to Leeds' second and still, somehow, he
never went into the book.
Bad day: Leif Davis
The ex-Leeds left-back is having another fantastic season at
Ipswich, creating chances and setting up goals for fun. But his return to
Elland Road was a day to forget. The own goal and the penalty concession helped
hand the game to his former club in the first half and it didn't get much
better.
Off-camera
Pre-game: Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe flew in for
the game. He was pacing the length of the directors box in the minutes before
the team emerged for their warm-up. Pascal Struijk summoning Illan Meslier to
join the players in a huddle before kick-off.
During the game: Farke giving Meslier a big thumbs up for
picking the right option, even though the keeper's attempted pass to Daniel
James flew out over the winger's head. McKenna complaining to fourth official
Anthony Backhouse as Struijk left an Ipswich man on the ground in the middle of
the pitch and Leeds went down the left. Glen Kamara and Sam Morsy having what
looked like a friendly chat as they jostled before a throw came in. Morsy and
Ampadu, who clashed at Portman Road, never looked quite as pally. Farke's grin
at Rutter's attempted but unsuccessful flick on the touchline. Gray barking at
Ampadu to get back and mark Broadhead in the second half. Leeds fans playfully
ribbing Davis as he was substituted and then giving him a sympathetic ovation
during his long walk around the pitch back to the Ipswich dugout.
Post-game: James and Wes Burns sharing a moment after the
game. Bamford heading straight down the tunnel. Farke having a chat with unused
substitute Poveda on the pitch at full-time. Then Archie Gray, then Joseph.
Gray, Ampadu, Summerville and Gnonto giving their shirts away, some fans
getting an early Christmas present. Head of medicine and performance Rob Price
waiting for Gray at the mouth of the tunnel, as the youngster trudged around
slowly post-game. He took a whack in the second half and looked to be feeling
it.
