Mighty Leeds Weblog

By Graham Smyth Leeds United and Bournemouth shared the spoils in a game dominated by set-pieces. Leeds United boss Daniel Farke said attention to detail and a 'soft' free-kick award cost his team a win over Bournemouth after a performance that made him proud. The full-time whistle was met with a mixture of emotions for Leeds after a 2-2 draw. Before the game a point would have been seen as a good result but having missed good chances and having led from the 54th minute to the 93rd, they came agonisingly close to a victory. Dominic Calvert-Lewin could have put his side 1-0 up inside the first 20 seconds when he was played clean through but squandered that chance and two others inside the opening 20 minutes. Leeds went behind to Antoine Semenyo's powerful free-kick but recovered to level through Joe Rodon's header from a Sean Longstaff corner. That particular combination was a feature of Leeds' set-piece play all afternoon as Longstaff emerged as a new deli...

The summer signing who already looks like a bargain, why one Cherries star was a 'joy to watch' and the weapon that will be key in the hosts' survival battle By AADAM PATEL Leeds suffered late heartache at Elland Road on Saturday as Bournemouth's Eli Kroupi scored an injury time equaliser to rescue a point for Andoni Iraola's side. Antoine Semenyo had put the Cherries ahead after just 26 minutes, but Leeds hit back through Joe Rodon, before Sean Longstaff made it 2-1 to the hosts. It looked as if Daniel Farke's side were going to make it two wins in a row, but Kroupi struck right at the death to ensure the clash ended 2-2. Daily Mail Sport's AADAM Patel was at Elland Road, and he has picked out some key talking points from the clash.   Leeds using home advantage Three Premier League games at Elland Road and Leeds are yet to taste defeat. Everton and Newcastle failed to score here and though Bournemouth scored twice, Leeds were unlucky not to ...

By Leon Wobschall THAT Leeds United supporters would have probably taken a point beforehand against one of the Premier League’s early pacesetters felt a pretty hollow utterance at the final whistle. A game that Leeds fully deserved to win didn’t end that way. Bournemouth got out of jail with their sole real moment of second-half menace in the third minute of stoppage time and pilfered a point, thanks to substitute Eli Kroupi. It was a needless concession from Leeds and spoiled an excellent, proper display and afternoon as Bournemouth took something away from Elland Road for the first time in their history. Earlier, Bournemouth had led on 26 minutes, courtesy of Antoine Semenyo’s free-kick. A power header from Joe Rodon levelled on 37 before Longstaff’s first United goal – and the club’s first in open play – put the hosts ahead early in the second-half. But alas. Leeds players were gutted at the final whistle, with the shellshocked home crowd appreciative of their efforts, des...

By Lee Sobot Leeds United took on Bournemouth at Elland Road in their sixth game of their Premier League return. Another late twist denied Leeds United their third win of the Premier League season as Bournemouth struck a 93rd-minute leveller to snatch a 2-2 draw from a Saturday afternoon Elland Road thriller. Leeds squandered three great chances to go ahead and all of them for striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin who was played in one-on-one within the first minute. Sean Longstaff's poke forward after a lovely Brenden Aaronson flick sent the striker in on goal at an angle but his weak shot looking for the far left corner was easily saved by Cherries keeper Djordje Petrovic. Bournemouth then began to threaten with Antoine Semenyo quickly looking menacing but Ryan Christie could only smash two shots from the edge of the box well over the crossbar. Back came Leeds and Calvert-Lewin was again denied by Petrovic in the 18th minute, the striker's attempt at a flicked finish from...

By Kyle Newbould A pair of important announcements were made during Leeds United's Premier League meeting with Bournemouth. Leeds United have unveiled former player and Elland Road favourite Lucas Radebe as the club’s latest official ambassador. Radebe was introduced to the Elland Road crowd during the half-time break of Saturday’s Premier League game against Bournemouth. The score was 1-1 after the opening 45 minutes, with Joe Rodon cancelling out Antoine Semenyo’s opener in what was a feisty affair. Former centre-back Radebe played 256 games across a decade-long spell in West Yorkshire, having joined from South African outfit Kaizer chiefs in 1994. He also enjoyed several years in the role of club captain and became affectionately known as ‘The Chief’ among supporters. Those supporters will be seeing a lot more of Radebe, following confirmation he has been appointed in an official Leeds ambassadorial role. The 56-year-old will be a presence on matchdays, at community vi...

By Graham Smyth Leeds United teased the special announcement ahead of Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Bournemouth. A Leeds United legend and one of the Revie Boys has been handed a lifetime achievement award at Elland Road prior to the game with Bournemouth. John Giles made 527 appearances for the Whites in a glittering spell that brought a promotion to the top flight, two First Division titles, a League Cup, two Inter-Cities Fairs Cups and a European Cup final. The Irishman spent 12 years at Elland Road as part of the club's most successful team under legendary boss Don Revie. Giles was presented to the Elland Road crowd just before kick-off against Bournemouth in Saturday's Premier League clash, after fans were asked to be in their seats for a special announcement. The presentation is the second of its kind this year after his former team-mate Paul Reaney was given a lifetime achievement award at the club's end of season prize presentation. Leeds United m...

The Leeds United manager has been discussing this weekend's showdown with established top flight side Bournemouth Leeds boss Daniel Farke says Saturday's opponents Bournemouth have provided a “good example” of how newly-promoted sides can develop into Premier League regulars - something that his club is aiming to do. Chairman Paraag Marathe has made clear that his ultimate aim is for Leeds to break back into the Premier League’s established cohort again, with Championship promotion only the first step in his project. In a similar fashion to Leeds, Bournemouth spent multiple seasons in the top flight before spending two years back in the Championship. Since their second promotion in 2022, the Cherries have finished 15th, 12th and ninth in consecutive seasons. Farke believes visitors Bournemouth are now European challengers and, while he was hesitant to compare them to Leeds, he painted them as a case point in how to transition from newbies to Premier League mainstays. ...

Oh that is wonderful Written by: Chris McMenamy “And his right foot is his weak one!” said Wimbledon manager Joe Kinnear after witnessing Tony Yeboah not only bag a hat-trick against his side, but also score one of the greatest Premier League goals of all-time. You know the one. It went like this: chest, left knee, left foot, right shin, wallop. Off the crossbar and into the net. Most Leeds fans can visualise that goal, such is its popularity. Along with the volley against Liverpool, it’s the reason why so many kids grew up screaming “Yeboah!” any time a football presented itself as eminently bootable. It’s been thirty years since Yeboah left poor Paul Heald helpless in the Wimbledon goal and it remains a culturally significant moment for the Premier League and Leeds United. I often wonder if a band knows that it has written an all-time hit the minute they finish recording. Surely they have to feel some sort of inkling, whether it’s in the riff or an iconic lyric. The same can ...

By Graham Smyth Leeds United have asked for fans to be in their seats by 2.45pm on Saturday before the Bournemouth game for the first of two planned special announcements. The Whites take on the Cherries in a 3pm kick-off at Elland Road on Saturday in what will be their sixth Premier League outing of the season. A win over Andoni Iraola’s fourth-placed side would let Leeds join them on 10 points. Leeds go into the game full of confidence thanks to a 3-1 win away from home at Wolverhampton Wanderers last week, when they scored their first goals from open play this season either side of a sublime Anton Stach free-kick. Prior to the game Leeds will be making the first of two ‘special’ announcements. In a statement the club have requested that fans take their seats in time to hear the first, 15 minutes before kick-off. The second will follow at half-time. The statement read: “Leeds United will be making two special announcements during Saturday’s Premier League fixture with AFC Bourn...

We're sorry Words by: Chris McMenamy Leeds United are back in the Premier League and if there’s one thing we can bring then it’s pure unadulterated spite. So it’s only right that we ask this question: what’s not to like about Bournemouth? Do we have any history? There is only one town in England for whom the city of Leeds has erected an apology banner, and that’s Bournemouth. Given the courts don’t have a defined statute of limitations, it’s best not getting into too much detail about Leeds’ trip to Bournemouth in 1990, one which ended in the Peacocks’ promotion to the First Division. All we’ll say is: “Are you still raging, Graham Kelly?” The last time Bournemouth came to Elland Road, they were 3-1 up after an hour and Jesse Marsch was on the verge of (probably) being sacked. Then Sam Greenwood scored a screamer and prompted an unlikely comeback, a 4-3 win that — coupled with a win at Anfield the previous week — meant Andrea Radrizzani and co weren’t courageous enough to...

By Kyle Newbould There were plenty of promising signs during Leeds United’s 3-1 win at Molineux. YEP chief football writer Graham Smyth loved what he saw from Dominic Calvert-Lewin at Wolves - with hope Leeds United can continue playing to the striker’s strengths. Calvert-Lewin opened his Leeds account with a brilliant headed effort to make it 1-1 at Molineux on Saturday, with quickfire goals from Anton Stach and Noah Okafor ensuring three points returned to Elland Road. Alongside that header, the free agent arrival produced an excellent all-round No.9 display, battling for long balls and bringing his teammates into play. Leeds often went long to Calvert-Lewin who despite being against a physical Wolves back-three, stamped his mark on the game as Farke’s side got around his knockdowns and swung dangerous crosses into the box. And it’s a style of play Smyth would like to see adopted throughout the Premier League season. “He’s probably a lovely guy off the pitch but he’s a horr...

Adam Elliott Leeds United have the likes of Adam Underwood and Robbie Evans overseeing transfer activity, and the pair made some excellent signings this summer. The likes of Anton Stach and Gabriel Gudmundsson have taken to life in the Premier League well at Leeds United, but there were other foreign-based players who didn’t make the switch to Elland Road in spite of interest. Leeds bid for RC Strasbourg’s Habib Diarra but Stach and Sean Longstaff came in to bolster the midfield instead. The public pursuit from Leeds for Igor Paixao of Feyenoord was also a saga of the summer. Leeds came really close with Paixao. Instead, it was Marseille to sign Paixao for around £30 million and Sunderland sealed Diarra’s signature for a similar fee. A serious Paixao injury at Feyenoord meant that he would miss the start of the campaign for any of the interested clubs he signed for this summer. Leeds signed Noah Okafor, with the Swiss international a different profile of winger but with ple...

By Tom Coates Leeds United will reportedly try offload Illan Meslier in January - and he appears to have plenty of suitors. The 25-year-old lost his grip on the number one spot at Elland Road last season, suffering a demotion to an understudy role after a series of blunders. He was replaced by Karl Darlow for the Championship run-in, who was then leapfrogged in the pecking order himself when Lucas Perri arrived from Lyon. Meslier is now the third-choice goalkeeper at Elland Road, with a summer move away from West Yorkshire having failed to materialise. According to TEAMtalk, Leeds will look to move the Frenchman on when the winter transfer window opens in January. There is believed to be plenty of interest in the stopper, who was once regarded among the most exciting goalkeeping prospects in Europe. Serie A giants Inter Milan are said to be leading the race, while Valencia and his former club Lorient are thought to be in the mix. Scottish outfit Rangers, who share owner...

Everton and Leeds United have settled a dispute related to the Merseyside club's breach of Premier League profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) for the 2021-22 season, the PA news agency reported. As first reported by The Athletic, the clubs have come to an amicable agreement, which PA reported was reached during the course of last season. Neither club have commented on the matter. Everton were initially docked 10 points in November 2023 over a PSR breach for the three-year period up to 2021-22, reduced to six on appeal in February 2024. PSR permits losses of up to £105 million ($141.5m) over a three-year period, with Everton found to have exceeded the limit by £19.5m. At the time the independent commission confirmed the sanction, on Nov. 17, 2023, the Premier League also published a commission judgment from May 2023 granting five clubs -- Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Southampton, Leicester and Burnley -- 28 days from Nov. 17, 2023 to inform the commission of their in...

By Mark Carruthers Graham Smyth has been speaking about Leeds United on the Inside Elland Road podcast Talk of Leeds United’s goalscoring problems dominated the conversations ahead of Saturday’s visit to Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers. Ahead of the trip to Molineux, the Whites had scored just one goal in the Premier League during the first month of the season and that came in the first game of the campaign as a penalty from Lukas Nmecha netted from 12 yards in a narrow home win against Everton. Since then, Daniel Farke’s men failed to find the net in away defeats at Arsenal and Fulham and the home draw with Newcastle United. There had been talk of just how the Whites boss could unlock the goalscoring threat at the top end of the pitch and that led to Dominic Calvert-Lewin being handed the lead role in attack once again with fellow summer signing Noah Okafor and United States international Brenden Aaronson handed supporting roles in wide positions. There had bee...

Leeds came from behind to beat Wolves 3-1 on Saturday, as they extended the hosts' losing start to the Premier League season to five matches. Boss Vitor Pereira was backed by the Molineux hierarchy with a new three-year deal during the week but there was nothing for him to celebrate as Leeds picked up their first win since the opening day. It was also their first three points on the road this season, making up for their last-gasp 1-0 defeat at Fulham last time out. Wolves are still without a point and defeat left them rooted to the bottom of the table, already four points adrift of safety and seven behind the newly-promoted Whites. Wolves took the lead in a Premier League match for the first time this season through Ladislav Krejci's first for the club, but Daniel Farke's men ran riot in the last 15 minutes of the half to flip the game on its head. Dominic Calvert-Lewin started the onslaught with Leeds' first goal from open play this campaign, Anton Stach fire...

By Stuart Rayner Oh how Leeds United needed their first away win of the season. Victory over Everton was only three Premier League games ago but for top-flight teams without cup football, matches usually only come week to week if that with the rash of early-season internationals. It makes momentum hard to generate and leaves plenty of time for negativity to linger. At a tinderbox club like Leeds it can spread like wildfire if you cannot dampen it down. When new to the world’s best league you need to find joy wherever you can and hold it tight. That too can be contagious at Leeds. "We've scored a goal," their fans sang after Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s header set them on the way to a 3-1 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers. "Two days off!" chanted the away dressing room after achieving it. Manager Daniel Farke caught the mood, slipping in a big statement: "We belong in this league." With that Everton win, a 0-0 v Newcastle United and a good display u...

By Graham Smyth The YEP's take on a brilliant performance and win for Leeds United at Molineux. Leeds United moved into the top 10 with what felt like a vitally important victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Regardless of how the table shapes up by the end of the weekend, the Whites were delighted with their afternoon's work and the fruits of their considerable labours. Answering question marks about their goalscoring abilities and heaping misery on the Premier League's bottom side, Leeds were well worth their three points. Here's the YEP take. Good day: Gabriel Gudmundsson A week on from the bitter disappointment of scoring a freak stoppage time own goal to lose his side the game at Fulham the left-back was a man possessed. Defended cleverly, strongly and when he had the ball he did good things with it. A brilliant way to bounce back. Good day: Dominic Calvert-Lewis Getting the goal could do wonders for his confidence. He looked like he was enjoying hims...

By Graham Smyth Now and then football presents you with an opportunity to do yourself some good and your rivals some harm and Leeds United did not miss at Molineux. For Leeds to participate in the 2026/27 Premier League they will need to be better than at least one of the establishment. The top flight has managed to get rid of newcomers in short order over the past couple of seasons and for Leeds to subvert the order they will have to be competitive in a way recent new boys were not. A win over Everton, a draw with Newcastle United and the vast majority of their performance at Fulham suggested it might just be possible but the lack of goals has been more than a concern. It was all anyone was talking about prior to the Wolves game. Wolves sat bottom prior to Saturday's encounter with no points. Even before a ball was kicked they were pinpointed as a possible candidate for the relegation battle. So even at this early stage of the season Leeds had in their hands an opportunity. ...

By Kyle Newbould Dominic Calvert-Lewin got Leeds United back in the game at Molineux before two more goals ensured all three points went back to Elland Road. Dominic Calvert-Lewin believes Leeds United put concerns over their goalscoring ability to bed with a convincing 3-1 win at Wolves on Saturday. Leeds picked up their first points on the road with Saturday’s victory at Molineux, bouncing back from early adversity to put themselves in the Premier League’s top half. The Whites fell behind to Ladislav Krejčí'’s eighth-minute opener but reacted brilliantly, scoring three goals in 14 first-half minutes to take the game away from their hosts. Calvert-Lewin pulled Leeds level with a brilliant header on the half-hour mark, with Anton Stach’s free-kick and Noah Okafor’s counter-attacking finish turning 1-1 into 3-1 in the blink of an eye. Daniel Farke’s side were then afforded the luxury to keep it tight in the second half and defended well. Having scored just one goal in thei...

The West Yorkshire team took their tally to seven points from five games with victory at struggling Wolves. Sunny Badwal Leeds boss Daniel Farke says his side have showed they “belong” in the Premier League following their 3-1 victory over Wolves at Molineux. Things started well for Wolves boss Vitor Pereira, who signed a new contract in midweek, when Ladislav Krejci put the hosts ahead after eight minutes. However, Leeds responded well and soon scored their first open-play goal of the season when Dominic Calvert-Lewin opened his account for the club since joining from Everton to bring the game level. The visitors were not finished there either, a stunning free-kick from Anton Stach put Leeds in front before Noah Okafor’s finish on the stroke of half-time rounded off the scoring as Leeds won on the road for the first time this season. It was the West Yorkshire team’s second win of the campaign but Farke wants his side to also stay grounded. The German said: “We stay humbl...

By Graham Smyth Leeds United ticked a lot of boxes in beating Wolves 3-1 at Molineux. Daniel Farke says Leeds United have proved they belong in the Premier League but must stay humble after picking up seven points from five games. A 3-1 win at bottom side Wolves delighted the German and ticked important boxes in the bid for survival. Leeds had not scored a goal from open play yet in the top flight this season before Dominic Calvert-Lewin rose to cancel out Ladislav Krejčí's eighth-minute opener. Anton Stach fired in a spectacular free-kick and Noah Okafor heaped further misery on Wolves with a classy finish before the break. The second half saw Leeds on the back foot but repelling everything the home side threw at them. Victory pushed Leeds up to ninth in the table, at least temporarily, and kept Wolves rooted to the bottom with no points. "Really good first half, I think a dominant first half, excellent goals," said Farke. "We had a clinical edge in almost...

A big three points at Molineux! Leeds United produced an excellent display on the road to claim three points against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday afternoon, where they were backed as always by a loud contingent of travelling supporters in the West Midlands. Daniel Farke’s side came into the match looking to pick up their first points away from home and did just that, with all the goals coming in the opening 45 minutes. The hosts had nothing to show from any of their first four games prior to kick-off against the Whites. Four losses in a row for Vitor Pereira’s side had them languishing at the foot of the table, but in these early stages of the season, there remained plenty of time to turn that around. After the team news had been exchanged and the starting XI’s were announced, the warm-ups were then completed, before the whistle sounded that we were underway at Molineux. Despite a bright start from Farke’s side, who had created two good early openings, it was the hosts...