Leeds United's unseen celebrations, youngster's challenge and off-camera Bristol City moments — YEP 3/2/24
Leeds United were a joy to watch, outside the penalty area at least, in their comfortable 1-0 win at Bristol City on Friday night.
By Graham Smyth
Victory, yet another one, moved Daniel Farke's men into
second in the Championship table and though that may be short lived it just
tells everyone that they're very much in the race for automatic promotion.
Here's the YEP take.
Good day
Archie Gray
Right-back problem? What right-back problem? Connor Roberts
is a good bit of business for Leeds and an important arrival, because they did
need further depth and experience there. But Gray is playing very well and did
so again at Bristol City. His use of the ball and the physicality he brought to
his defensive duties once again belied his tender years. His form and Roberts'
arrival gives Daniel Farke an excellent headache.
Willy Gnonto
A goal that was a long time coming and a pair of moments
with the fans that he and they needed. The first half did not allow Gnonto to
shine and he was heading for another of those performances without any real
impact until his goal, which changed everything. He took it well and the
celebrations showed how much he has been waiting and wishing for it. From then
on his performance was a problem for Bristol City. He visibly grew. That bodes
really well for Leeds, who already have some in-form attackers full of
confidence.
Georginio Rutter
He made ball-carrying look incredibly easy. Beyond his
performance, which was really enjoyable, his investment in the celebrations and
his determination to see Gnonto get his appreciation showed that Rutter really
is all in with Leeds United. If there is fun to be had, he'll be at the heart
of it.
Bad day
Stephen Martin
The referee's positioning was perhaps at fault for his
decision not to award a first-half penalty to Georginio Rutter, for a tackle
that got the man and not the ball. There was another penalty shout that Leeds
did not particularly pursue, which Martin might have looked a lot more closely
at. In general terms it was not a performance that bred confidence.
Off-camera moments
Ed Wootten giving Illan Meslier a last minute pep talk as
they came off after the warm-up. Meslier then had a cuddle with fellow French
youth international Stefan Bajic. Mateo Joseph staying out after everyone else
and pinging balls from near halfway to make kitman Paul's life a little easier.
After a failed attempt at lofting one into the bag, Joseph sent a ball
spiralling into the open bag and the pair celebrated.
Joe Williams with a shove on Bamford after the striker sent
him sprawling, then having words and a little pushing match with Georginio
Rutter off the ball.
Ampadu, Rodon and Gruev's big bear hug at full-time. Rodon
then grabbing Gruev round the neck and shoving him in appreciation of the
midfielder's performance. Farke putting his arm around Summerville for a quick
word at the end.
Rutter insisting Gnonto got to do the wave with the away
fans at the end, dragging him front and centre. The Frenchman then directed the
fans' appreciation of the winger, who had a dance in the penalty area as his
name rang out. Farke's kiss for Gnonto, who joined Ethan Ampadu in throwing his
shirt into the away end at full-time. The delighted Leeds staff all greeting
Gnonto in the technical area as he came off.