Leeds United’s destiny in their own hands now
Leeds moved one step closer to the top flight after seeing off a battling Sheffield Wednesday side at Hillsborough on Friday evening. There was little to choose between the two sides in the opening half. As in recent performances, Leeds unsurprisingly looked a little leggy; but we’re at the business end of the season now, and the finishing line is in full view. With just nine games left, it doesn’t matter how you get over the line, as long as you do.
Patrick Bamford upset the buoyant home support by putting the Whites ahead on the stroke of half time after an exquisite cross to the back post by Junior Firpo. Up until that point, both sides had chances to go ahead. Meslier had to be at his best to deny Musaba from point blank range early on following a corner, whilst at the other end, Beadle had to come charging out to the edge of his area to thwart Georginio Rutter one on one. The Frenchman picked up the rebound, but his effort was cleared off the line.
As time wore on, the visitors started to ask more questions of the Wendies defence, and it wasn’t long until they doubled their lead. Rutter sliced Sheffield Wednesday’s defence wide open , releasing Gnonto wide right of the penalty area. The young Italian took a touch, before drilling the ball diagonally, past the despairing dive of Beadle. Even then Danny Rohl’s side continued to ask questions of the Leeds defence. They must have thought they pulled one back when Meslier spilled Musabi’s effort straight to the feet of Bannan, but Ampadu was on hand to clear the ball off the line.
Form guide doesn’t lie
Leeds form since the start of the year has been nothing short of sublime, and with just nine games left, destiny is well and truly in their own hands. It’s not until you look at the form guide over the last twelve games, that you see the magnitude of what Leeds have achieved. 34 points out of a possible 36 points and just three goals conceded.
The feat is even more impressive when you consider Leeds have achieved this without Captain Pascal Struijk, who has been out of action since Boxing Day. Leeds have nine days to regroup, recover and restore their energy levels, before welcoming Millwall to Elland Road on Sunday afternoon.
McKenna not thinking about a promotion race
Following their 2-1 loss to Cardiff City, Ipswich Manager Kieran McKenna has insisted that he is not thinking about a promotion race (of course he isn’t). The former Northern Ireland International, turned magician for what he has achieved at Portman Road will focus his attention on Ipswich’s final nine games one by one.
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