Leeds United throw-in assistance, off-duty ref, stupidity and off-camera moments at Huddersfield — YEP 3/3/24
Leeds United were frustrated but crucially not beaten at Huddersfield Town on Saturday as their unbeaten run continued and the winning streak ended.
By Graham Smyth
The Whites went in search of a club-record 10th consecutive
league win and came up short, due in part to Huddersfield's gameplan and Leeds'
own failings in possession. But Daniel Farke was keen to point out that 28
points from a possible 30 was not bad and an away draw is not a bad result, in
this league. Here's the YEP take.
Good day
Joe Rodon
On a day when so many players failed to hit the standards
they have set this season, Rodon was a beacon of consistency. He roamed around
the pitch sorting out situations that needed sorting, busting a gut to get back
and sweep up, doing his utmost to win every aerial battle and passing the ball
nicely. His feeding of the right side was one of the only
aesthetically-pleasing aspects of a pretty rancid afternoon for viewers.
Bad day
Glen Kamara
The midfielder has been solid for the most part this season,
turning in some impressive performances alongside Ilia Gruev, but this was not
one of those. He was far from alone in struggling to perform to his highest
standard, but he could have cost his side dearly with an uncharacteristic
giveaway in the first half that required Archie Gray to save the day.
Crysencio Summerville
A frustrating afternoon for the dangerman. He should have
come away with two goals and instead trudged off with nothing but bruises and
aches to show for his efforts. The first chance was a golden one, on four
minutes, and the second towards the end of the game was one he largely created
for himself, but he missed them both. It never really seemed to be his day and
the physical punishment he was given may well have taken too heavy a toll.
Jonathan Hogg
A crude foul from behind on Summerville set the tone for the
Huddersfield Town captain's afternoon. Being physical and playing right on the
edge of the game's laws is one thing but what he did in first half stoppage
time was a moment of sheer stupidity. Leading with his elbow, when visibly
aware of where Junior Firpo's head was, resulted in a deserved red card. It
cost his team, too, because they were a goal up and could have sat in and broke
on Leeds in the second half.
Georginio Rutter
Few moments in which he could shine and examples of just how
wild his finishing can be. If he nails that bit of his game he's going to be
worth even more than Leeds paid for him. What was frustrating was that when he
did get his dribbling game going, he looked too much for Huddersfield. But he
didn't have enough impact or enough moments. The missed header was
disappointing, too. That could have been the winner.
Off-camera
Referee Andrew Madley, a Huddersfield Town fan, appearing in
a non-working capacity, down in the technical area before the game.
England Under 18 coach Michael Johnson sitting in the
directors' seats, in his Three Lions big coat.
Yuta Nakayama coming back out of the tunnel on crutches
after being injured by Hogg's foul on Summerville.
Leeds first team sports scientist Tom Robinson helpfully
bringing a ball out to the touchline to speed things up for a Whites throw,
with the matchball in the crowd. A Huddersfield staff member appealed for the
matchball to be thrown to him and threw his hands up exasperatedly when it was
delivered instead back to Leeds so they could get on with the game.
Connor Roberts screaming for the ball in frustration out on
the right, in acres of space as Leeds kept going left. A minute later he had it
and created a goal.
The paramedics out with their stretcher, for a succession of
injuries, very few of which ever looked like requiring a stretcher. They were
incredibly keen, all afternoon. Thankfully no one needed their services.
Farke's constant look of resignation on his face in
conversations with the fourth official, his old pal Geoff Eltringham.
The man on the PA system declaring "We look forward to
seeing you next season," as the two teams mingled at full-time. The
meaning of his message was lost on no one.
Sorba Thomas and fellow Welshman Roberts having a long chat
on the pitch at full-time, as a dejected looking Rutter went and gave his shirt
to an away fan. Dutchmen Crysencio Summerville and Delano Burgzog, both of whom
have Surinamese heritage, caught up as they left the field too.