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.

Popular posts from this blog

The huge initial fee Leeds are set to receive for Crysencio Summerville’s move to West Ham — Leeds United News 31/7/24

-
Will Butcher West Ham United are closing in on a deal to sign Crysencio Summerville from Leeds United, and Ben Jacobs has shared how much Leeds will receive for the Dutchman. The 22-year-old has been strongly linked with the Elland Road exit door all summer and was targeted as the one big sale Leeds needed to make before the Profit & Sustainability Rules deadline this month. But instead, Leeds sold Archie Gray for £40m to Tottenham. Leeds have since sold five more players in the form of Diego Llorente, Marc Roca, Kris Klaesson and Charlie Cresswell – raking in around £60m in total. But more exits were always likely and Fabrizio Romano reported on Wednesday afternoon that West Ham had agreed personal terms with Summerville, and talks for a fee were ongoing with the Yorkshire side. Now, the story has moved on with multiple sources claiming a deal is done between Leeds and Angus Kinnear’s old club. The Dutchman is expected to sign a five-year at the London Stadium, until Jun...
Read more

Leeds United board break silence after transfer window with statement on upcoming Elland Road development — YEP 2/9/24

-
By Joe Donnohue Leeds United have confirmed supporters' commemorative stones at Elland Road's Centenary Square will be replaced free of charge in a bid to improve their longevity. Beginning next month, Leeds supporters' personalised stones will be replaced with exact replicas, courtesy of a new company, to ensure of a 'much better quality' installation. The work is expected to take around two months to complete. An official club statement confirmed 'three larger stones dedicated to former managers Don Revie, Howard Wilkinson and Marcelo Bielsa' will also be installed, 'similar to those located in Bremner Square', while additional space for supporters to purchase new stones has also been factored into the project. “The club have taken on board recent feedback from supporters on the stones at Centenary Square, and we are really happy that we can now announce that all of the stones will be replaced," chief executive Angus Kinnear confirmed,...
Read more

Leeds United transfer state of play as Whites knock back low bid and assert wing pair stance — YEP 3/7/24

-
By Graham Smyth Leeds United are not actively looking to cash in on Crysencio Summerville and Willy Gnonto and believe any further outgoing transfer business will be done on their terms. The Whites, who sold Archie Gray to Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday for £40m, expect that there will be continued interest in wing pair Summerville and Gnonto as the summer transfer window progresses. Summerville has been a target for Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion but their interest has not yet materialised into a bid. The Albion did, however, send a £30m proposal for Georginio Rutter, which Elland Road chiefs rejected. Rutter is not expected to try and force an exit this summer and appears settled at Leeds after a far more positive second season in English football. The sale of Gray has helped put Leeds into a position where they do not need to sell star players and can dictate any moves that do happen. Club sources say they are not actively looking to sell the likes of Summerville o...
Read more