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Good Morning. It's Monday 14th August, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road
Injury time spot-kick robs Leeds of draw
Lukas Jutkiewicz's injury time spot kick denied Leeds a share of the spoils at the weekend, during a week they would rather forget.
The match had all the hallmarks of a nil - nil draw, with both sides cancelling the other out. The Blues had slightly the better chances in front of goal, but Leeds had more possession, and probably controlled the game better.
Ethan Laird, a left wing back from Manchester Utd, and Siriki Dembele (left winger), a Summer arrival from the Cherries, stood out for the home side. Luke Ayling was glad for the final whistle. His tussles with the Ivory Coast youngster caused him problems all game, and towards the end, it was beginning to show.
The two combined well, in the buildup to the penalty. Dembele's surging run down the left channel had the Leeds defenders retreating. He cut inside, before delivering a delightful diagonal ball deep on the right (Leeds left). By this time, Byram had teamed up with Ayling (down Leeds right), in an attempt to keep Dembele quieter, with James instructed to perform defensive duties on the left.
Laird latched onto Dembele's pass as he came charging in towards goal. As he did, James clipped his right ankle, sending the former England U19 sprawling to the ground. The ref pointed to the spot and Jutkiewicz sent Meslier the wrong way. It's tough on Farke's youngsters, they deserved more from both their opening games, but lady luck has long since departed, probably on loan!
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Former gaffer berates Rutter
Speaking on BBC Radio Leeds after the game, former Whites Manager Neil Redfearn ripped into Georginio Rutter for his lacklustre performance
Rutter, a 67th minute replacement for Joe Gelhardt, infuriated Redfearn for his lack of effort on the pitch, with the 58yo commenting that he would have 'run about more'. Unfortunately for Farke, his options are limited. Bamford continues to spend more time at the physio's than he does on the pitch and Joffy's career heading in the wrong direction, what else can he do?
“There’s obviously something there. But the one thing that’s unconditional in a professional footballer is effort. You’ve got to work your socks off. He’s come on for 20/25 minutes. You could throw his kit back in the skip. It’s not even wet. You’ve got to graft,” “How long does he want? He had 20 minutes there to make a name for himself. I’m 58 now, I’d have run about more.”
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What now for Joffy
Joe Gelhardt's future at Elland Road is up in the air, after another unconvincing performance in front of goal at the weekend. Joffy, a £1m signing from Wigan Athletic three years ago has failed to live up to the high expectation, bestowed on him by the Elland Road faithful.
In 42 appearances, he has registered three goals and four assists. By dropping down to the Championship, many had high expectations from the likes of Gelhardt, Joseph (injured), Bate, Perkins and Gyabi, but as of yet, only Cresswell and Gray are showing the way forward.
Leeds are desperately short of players, meaning the club daren't loan anyone out! According to ER journalist Phil Hay, Leeds would be disappointed that he hasn't managed to kick-on to the next level.
"Another really talented player Gelhardt, but someone who just, and I think as much as anything because of the way it's been at Leeds, just hasn't been able to follow what would have been the development plan for him.
"I don't think anybody at Leeds would pretend that where he is now is where they hoped he would be when they first signed him back in that summer after promotion."
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How long before Farke has had enough
What the ER hierarchy have done in the last twelve months to our once great club is nothing short of sabotage. Whilst its easy to point the finger of blame solely at Messrs Orta and Radrizzani, 49ers Enterprises have more than played their part.
The strategic arm of the San Francisco 49ers, became minority shareholders back in 2018, and gradually built up their stake, before taking full control almost a month ago. They're focused on investing, and building firm infrastructures around high profile sporting teams they have purchased, and considerably raise their value.
Although only minority shareholders until recently, it doesn't deflect blame away from them. Every decision which is made at board room level, would have had to be run past Paraag Marathe and Co!!!
With Jack Harrison joining Everton on loan, Max Arrons move hijacked, Tyler Adams aborted switch to Chelsea and Messrs Gnonto and Sinisterra (allegedly) refusing to play, Daniel Farke has his work cut out to bring stability to the Elland Road dressing room. It's not as if Liam Cooper can rouse his fellow players after almost joining Al-Qadsiah last week!
Daniel Farke did not sign up to this! How long before he has had enough, and walks?
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