Comical Coventry City attempt to field extra player among Leeds United off-camera moments — YEP 7/4/24
Leeds United’s long unbeaten league run was finally ended at Coventry City – but it was a still a ‘good day’ for some.
By Joe Donnohue
Here is the YEP’s take on Saturday’s 2-1 loss at the CBS
Arena and some off camera moments you might have missed.
Good day
Mateo Joseph
Came on to good effect again, made things happen, held his
own physically and showed there’s more to substitute cameos than goalscoring.
On another day, would’ve had an assist.
Joel Piroe
Scored his first goal since Swansea away in February and
generally appeared sharper and more alert to dangerous moves. Punched passes
into more advanced teammates from deeper starting positions than we’ve
typically seen him take up.
Bad day
Patrick Bamford
Flung himself at a first half Junior Firpo cross but seemed
to lead with the wrong foot which could prove a significant ‘what if?’ moment.
Generally ineffectual and left bruised by Coventry’s dodgem car centre-backs.
Joel Piroe
Could and should have doubled his tally in stoppage time,
planting a shot straight at Coventry’s ‘keeper instead of either side. Five
more chances to be the hero.
Glen Kamara
Substituted at half-time with Farke wanting more energy in
the middle. The first 45 was one of his less memorable displays, in a game
which from Leeds’ perspective needed controlling from his position.
Off-camera moments
Connor Roberts emerging from the tunnel ahead of kick-off
into the bright sunshine, taking a spot on the bench and remarking to a Leeds
staff member he’d be able to work on his tan.
Coventry players leaving Callum O’Hare to walk out alongside
the tallest mascot, who was the same height if not taller than the Sky Blues
midfielder. An interesting, comical take on trying to field an extra player.
Crysencio Summerville receiving whistles from the home crowd
throughout, likely for his part in a full-time scuffle with Kasey Palmer during
the reverse fixture at Elland Road earlier in the season.
At a break in play during the first half, Junior Firpo and
Summerville talking tactics, the Dutchman - who had been kept quiet by Milan
van Ewijk - telling the Leeds left-back how he’d like to receive the ball on
the half-turn.
Connor Roberts appealing to the referee for a handball
inside the Coventry box, which was turned down. The Welsh full-back appeared to
respond by questioning the official, saying: ‘How did I see it then?’