Leeds United day to remember, touchline fury and touches of class in Cardiff off-camera moments — YEP 22/9/24
By Graham Smyth
The YEP’s take and off-camera moments from an emotional day
for Leeds and Cardiff in South Wales.
Leeds United made hard work of the Championship's bottom
side, even with a numerical advantage, but a win is a win.
Daniel Farke needed to get back on track, with grumbles in
the fanbase following the defeat by Burnley. It was not the attacking
performance he will have wished for, especially given Cardiff went down to 10,
but the three points, two goals and clean sheet were important. Here's the YEP
take on an emotional day for both clubs.
Good day
Largie Ramazani
Even if the overall performance did not sparkle and even if
he should have had two goals, scoring on his full debut will be something
special to remember. He took the goal really well and showcased the pace Leeds
hope to employ to good effect this season. Celebrating with the fans at the end
will have iced the cake.
Joel Piroe
Off the bench, one chance, one goal. What made it even
better for the Dutchman was that he was booed onto the pitch by home fans due
to his stint with Swansea City. Piroe served a perfect reminder of how clinical
he can be and the goal was vital to settle any potential late nerves or drama.
Cardiff City and Leeds United
The way the two sets of fans joined together to pay tribute
to Sol Bamba was fantastic to see and hear. Cardiff City's little touches of
class were lovely too and showed in what high regard Bamba is held
Bad day
Manor Solomon
The Israeli international's injury record was highlighted by
Daniel Farke when Leeds signed him but it will be frustrating for the player,
the manager and the club that he has already had to miss game time through a
back issue. Largie Ramazani, at least, eased the situation with a goal on his
full debut
Joel Bagan
When you're winless in five games and up against a superior
side, with your manager under huge pressure, a challenge like that is never
wise. As debatable as Cardiff might feel the red card was, Bagan gave the
referee a decision to make and gave his team an almost impossible task of
getting anything from the game.
Erol Bulut
The red card certainly didn't help matters but even before
they went down to 10 men Cardiff were abysmal in possession. The misplaced
passes, the lack of discernible plan when they had the ball and the almost
sheer absence of chances throughout made it a difficult watch. They did at
least stick to their defensive task well enough with a man disadvantage but
Bulut will remain under huge pressure now.
Off-camera moments
Cardiff City adding a touch of class with photos of Sol
Bamba in Leeds colours among those adorning the walls of the media suite. The
big screen inside Cardiff City Stadium showed a compilation of Bamba's goals
for both clubs shortly before the planned tribute at 2.45pm.
The Leeds United bench standing to their feet to applaud
during the minute for Bamba during the game, as their Cardiff counterparts
remained seated.
Willy Gnonto's new 'last off the bus' partner Largie
Ramazani.
Neil Warnock greeting Sam Byram in the technical area for a
hug and a chat as the Leeds substitute came off after the warm-up.
Angus Kinnear and Eddie Gray representing Leeds United on
the pitch during the minute of applause for Bamba. Kinnear putting a consoling
arm around Bamba's tearful mother Sehrata.
Daniel Farke having a quiet word with Ramazani about what he
wanted in a particular scenario just a couple of minutes in. By the 12th minute
the German was raging at his winger for not making the right run.
Meslier and Rodon playing the blame game after the keeper's
pass put the defender in a spot of bother.
Gnonto geeing up the away end as Leeds ran back to halfway
for the restart after the opener as Ampadu told his team-mates to keep up their
performance level.
Ampadu with a little word in Ollie Tanner's ear after
slamming into a challenge with the Cardiff man.
Farke losing his cool completely with someone in yellow -
Ethan Ampadu looked like the object of his ire - as Cardiff were granted a
counter attack in the second half. The manager was punching the air furiously.
Piroe and Ramazani pushing forward to do the wave with the
away end, before Farke had a word in the latter's ear about his performance.
Farke having an embrace with Cairns and then a word with a
frustrated-looking Firpo as the team went to appreciate their fanbase. Farke
then walked to the visiting fans to do his customary post-victory wave and
stayed applauding them for a little longer than usual.