Leeds United sub hijinks, mascot gift, Rutter's pause and off-camera Sheffield Wednesday moments — YEP 9/3/24
Leeds United head into a nine-day break with a winning feeling thanks to their 2-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday.
By Graham Smyth
The Whites struggled, initially, but eventually assumed a
comfortable position with what Daniel Farke saw as a mature performance on the
road from his men. Here's the YEP take.
Good day
Ethan Ampadu.
The skipper was dominant and mopped up so much that at least
one of his team-mates owes him a case of his favourite tipple. Sheffield
Wednesday couldn't beat Ampadu even when they beat Illan Meslier. Performances
like this make a mockery of the £7m Leeds paid Chelsea for the Welshman's
services. Midfielder or defender, it matters little, he's a classy operator and
he's proving too good for the Championship.
Daniel Farke
When you make changes to a winning team and they're not the
changes people expect, you can expect to hear it if things go wrong. But the
decision to bring in Willy Gnonto for Daniel James yielded the second goal. And
no one can argue with 34 points from a possible 36. It's an incredible run and
Farke deserves every crumb of the cake he plans to eat on his sofa as the
fixture schedule finally delivers a mini-break for Leeds.
Patrick Bamford
When he's in form, his hold-up play and his ability to find
others can be so effective for Leeds United. That was the case at Wednesday,
albeit after his goal in first half stoppage time. Up to that point he didn't
figure enough. But after the goal, which showcased his excellent movement, he
was a big problem for the Owls. The touch for the second goal was really nice.
Eight goals now. Who'd have thought, back in the Autumn?
Junior Firpo
That cross for Patrick Bamford's goal was incredible.
Sliding it across the face of goal took an entire line of defenders out of the
play and put a goal on a plate for Bamford. It was equal parts vision and
delivery. Perfection.
Bad day
Junior Firpo
He dashed around like a madman trying to defend situations
that required composure in the first half and had it not been for Ampadu, the
left-back would have been copping serious flak for likely concessions. He's had
his defensive issues in the past but this was a difficult one. The assist and
some positive attacking play means he can still look back fondly on this
result, because he did contribute.
Ian Poveda
Watching on helpless to contribute for his loan club as they
lost to his parent club must have been frustrating for the attacker. He's made
a name for himself for the Owls since he moved to Hillsborough but the terms of
his loan meant he was ineligible. If only he had gone permanently, as Leeds
first suggested, he'd have been out there enjoying himself.
Off-camera moments
Backroom staff sorting the Leeds mascot out with a tracksuit
to match the players. Patrick Bamford later sorted her out with his shirt and
Willy Gnonto made sure she got a photo.
Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph with their scarves up to the
eyeballs on a bitterly cold South Yorkshire night.
Liam Cooper physically accosting Joe Gelhardt and feigning a
knee to the head, as the substitutes took part in a Rondo during the warm-up.
Glen Kamara theatrically covering his head and ducking as a
James Beadle' clearance in the warm-up landed a good 10 yards beyond the
Finland international. Connor Roberts and referee Sam Allison high fiving.
Georginio Rutter standing out on his own before the game
began, looking skyward for a moment or two before crossing himself and
rejoining his team-mates for the huddle.
Barry Bannan going to the officials at half-time to make a
complaint, presumably about the amount of time added on played before Leeds
scored, and then explaining his problem to Ampadu as the captains walked off
together.
Mateo Joseph whacking a ball at an unsuspecting Joe
Gelhardt, then targeting Connor Roberts with less success.
Summerville getting the fans going as he headed to take a
corner.
Farke holding his arms out wide as Firpo played a lazy
clearance straight to a blue and white shirt 30 yards from Leeds' goal. The
Leeds boss' bemused look to his opposite number as Danny Rohl exploded after
Bamford win a free-kick.
Poveda on the pitch having moments with his Leeds pals,
including Crysencio Summerville, Willy Gnonto and Farke.
Liam Cooper catching up with Scotland team-mate Liam Palmer.