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Good Morning. It's Monday 9th January, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road
Rutter on his way
Leeds are expected to complete the signing of Hoffenheim striker Georginio Rutter in the next 48 hours according to Sky Sports reliable journalist Florian Plettenberg.
Although only 20, Rutter has over 50 French caps (at various youth level), and has quickly become a regular in Hoffenheim's first team since his arrival from Rennes almost a year ago for €750k. He has made 42 first team appearances, scoring 9 times. A fee of around €30-40m is being banded about, obviously a massive increase, compared to the price they bought him at.
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Leeds battle back to draw
Leeds came from 2-0 down to earn a credible draw in an action packed encounter at the Cardiff City Stadium yesterday lunchtime. Leeds started the brighter, and seemed to be cruising, until the 24th minute when yet another individual error gifted their opponents a goal.
Struijk was caught napping, as Harris latched on to a through ball on the edge of the penalty area. Robles rushed out, forcing Harris to go wide, and try his luck from an acute angle; which was blocked by the Leeds shot stopper. With an empty goalmouth at their disposal, the Welsh forward tried to tee up Davies on the edge of the area, but with Llorente in the way, flicked it across to a Cardiff teammate. Greenwood got in the way, but his loose touch fell nicely to Philogene who stabbed the ball home from close distance.
Seven minutes later, the Bluebirds doubled their advantage. Leeds born Andrew Rinomhota was given too much freedom in the final Leeds third, and had time to pick out Sheyi Oji via a delightful chip, (with the assistance of Llorente's delicate flick on). The former Liverpool starlet had time to chest the ball down, before ramming the ball into the roof of the net on the half volley.
A chorus of boo's echoed from the away contingent, as the Leeds team sheepishly retreated to their dressing room at half-time. The Whites were slightly better in the second half, yet didn't look like scoring, until the hour mark when Marsch reined in the changes. Off went Summerville, Gyabi and Kristensen, and on came Wober (making his debut), Rodrigo and Drameh. Within five minutes, Leeds had given themselves a lifeline.
Greenwood was given time and space to turn, and cross the ball into the Cardiff City penalty area (following Gnonto's short corner). Rodrigo was waiting at the near post to head the ball past the despairing dive of Alnick.
With ten minutes remaining, Leeds should have drawn level. Joseph was picked out by Greenwood following his powerful run through midfield. Joseph's flick-on opened up the Bluebirds defence, as Wober surged forward on goal. He tried his luck from an acute angle, but his effort was saved, only for the rebound to fall nicely to Firpo. His first time effort seemed destined for the back of the net until Bagan's fingertip save spared their blushes.
Unfortunately for Cardiff, Bagan is not a goalkeeper, and was duly sent for an early bath, as the ref pointed to the spot. Rodrigo stepped up, but was denied by a smart save from Alnwick. It wasn't a great penalty, but certainly not as bad as people make out (imo).
In the dying minutes, and with nothing to lose, Marsch threw the last role of the dice. He took off Arronson, in favour of Sonny Perkins, and was rewarded deep in injury time. Gnonto's cut back found Firpo in the box. His back-heel fell nicely for the 18yo who stuck out a foot to steer it past a dejected Alnwick. His decisive touch earned the Whites a replay at Elland Road on Tuesday week.
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First impression of Wober
Max Wober made his Leeds Utd debut yesterday, and gave the Elland Road faithful a taste of what to expect from him this season. The 24yo penned a four and a half year contract with the Whites earlier in the week, and was given 30 minutes to impress the 6500 travelling Leeds fans with a solid, and dependable performance.
The only downside is that the Austrian International is not blessed with pace, which will be exposed in the Premier League, yet both Orta and Marsch knew that when they signed him. During his post match presser, Marsch was quick to praise him, and give Leeds fans an idea of where the American see's him fitting into the squad:-
“Max you can see is a man on the pitch. Not normally a six, but I know I can use him there. Calmed things down and made the right decisions.”
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