‘Didn’t have’ – Leeds United fans on Blackburn display, strange decision, Farke criticism and exempt trio
Leeds United lost ground in the Championship’s automatic promotion race through Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Blackburn Rovers – but what did the club’s fans think? Here is what our YEP Jury had to say on the reverse at Ewood Park including thoughts on a “strange” decision, criticism of Daniel Farke and the only three players exempt from below par displays.
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MIKE GILL
After three wins in a row, United failed to extend their run at Blackburn Rovers. As usual, the Whites dominated possession, but their build-up seemed ponderous and lacking in menace.
In the second half, the pattern continued as the Whites became more and more frustrated as the clock ran down.
Substitutions were duly made and included a rare 20 minutes for Patrick Bamford. The big man looked a little rusty but was involved in a dangerous move, which ended with Largie Ramazani finding the net, but his effort was judged to be offside.
Not a game to remember, but United now have a whole week to regroup before welcoming Derby to Elland Road.
Man of the match: Joe Rodon.
KEITH INGHAM
It wouldn’t be Leeds if they did things the easy way.
Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Blackburn was disappointing considering the other two challengers in the top three ‘did the business’. Leeds, backed by a huge following, were strangely slow to start but, when the engine warmed up, they had the lion’s share of possession.
But, once again, Leeds failed to turn possession into goals. The only goal of the half came when Ao Tanaka fouled in the area and Todd Cantwell converted the penalty that was awarded.
The second half was as disappointing with only Pascal Struijk testing Aynsley Pears who saved his header superbly. Patrick Bamford was, strangely, given his first opportunity to impress.
He did, in fairness, trouble the Rovers defence, something Joel Piroe didn’t. He actually flicked on a ball that fell to Largie Ramazani in a goalmouth melée but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Sometimes teams have an ‘off day’ and Saturday was definitely one. It’s only one game and I’m sure that Farke will have some strong words to his that will bring a better performance next Saturday. Good, if not excellent form at home has to be aligned with more points away from Beeston.
Man of the Match: Nobody stood out I’m afraid.
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DAVID WATKINS
If ever we needed a reminder that Leeds will not run away with a Championship title this season, the trip to Ewood Park was it.
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