Report: Sheffield Wednesday 0-2 Leeds United — Leedsunited.com 23/8/24
Whites claim a big three points at Hillsborough!
Leeds United made the short trip into South Yorkshire on
Friday evening, taking on Sheffield Wednesday in the Sky Bet Championship and a
dominant display from the visitors saw them claim an important three points on
the road.
Coming into the game, the Whites had drawn their first two
fixtures, whilst the hosts had beaten Plymouth Argyle 4-0 on the opening day,
before then losing by the same scoreline to Sunderland a week later.
Daniel Farke made one change from the goalless draw away at
West Bromwich Albion in the previous outing, as Brenden Aaronson came into the
side in place of Joel Piroe.
When the match began under the floodlights of Hillsborough,
Leeds had the first opening. Mateo Joseph pushed forward and the ball fell for
Aaronson who showed quick feet to play Willy Gnonto, who returned it for Joseph
to have an effort on target, only to see James Beadle spread himself and save
well.
The next chance was made by Dan James, who created space on
the wing and whipped in a dangerous cross. The ball was deflected and came into
the path of Pascal Struijk at speed, with the defender able to get something on
the ball but turned it wide of the post.
In the 24th minute, Leeds went into the lead with a superb
team-goal, seeing them turn defence to attack. Jayden Bogle found James on the
wing, he flicked it cleverly for Aaronson to control and lay it off inside to
Gnonto. The Italian then played Joseph through one-on-one, before he touched it
back for Aaronson to regain control, compose himself, and strike home
left-footed!
Approaching the half-hour mark and Wednesday had their best
chance of the game. From a ball into the box, it fell kindly for Josh Windass
in space on the edge, but his powerful low effort was brilliantly blocked and
cleared by Bogle.
For the remainder of the half, Farke’s side had control of
the ball and kept looking to open up the blue and white defence. However, there
were very few further chances in front of goal and when the whistle sounded, it
sent Leeds into the break with a one-goal advantage.
HALF TIME: Sheffield Wednesday 0-1 Leeds United
Back out for the second half, both XI’s which had began the
match came back out of the tunnel to battle once more in South Yorkshire, as
neither side made a change.
Just three minutes into the half, Leeds doubled their lead
in superb fashion! Junior Firpo won the ball back in defence and found Joseph.
The striker looked up and fed a pinpoint ball through the Owls defence,
allowing James to run onto it and calmly dink the ball over the onrushing
Beadle.
Looking to respond just after the hour mark, Danny Rohl’s
side came close to pulling one back. Svante Ingelsson launched a long throw
into the box which Di’Shon Bernard powerfully connected with, but his header
flew narrowly wide of Illan Meslier’s left post.
Straight back down the other end, Leeds came within inches
of making it three. A lung-bursting run from Bogle - who had been thoroughly
impressive throughout - saw him play Joseph into the box, the striker
controlled brilliantly, but his strike went just over.
Leeds reached the final 15 minutes of the match still firmly
in control of the ball and looking for ways to add to the scoreline, and nearly
did so, if it wasn’t for Beadle making a strong diving save to deny James a
second of the evening.
Meslier still had to be alert as well in front of his goal,
with the home side also looking to find a way past him. Recently introduced
from the bench, Ike Ugbo struck low, but the ‘keeper was well behind the
effort.
An excellent away performance from Farke’s side was brought
to a close, confirming a second clean sheet and a first three points of the
season, after a goal in each half against the Owls.