Good Morning. It's Thursday 13th March, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Leeds roar back to the top of the Championship Leeds United roared back to the top of the Championship in style last night with a performance so dominant, you’d think the Lions had mistaken Elland Road for the Serengeti! Farke’s squad came out firing on all cylinders, pressing harder than Rupert Murdoch at a news conference, leaving Alex Neil’s side dazed, confused and fresh out of ideas. The Whites were gifted an early lead in the third minute. A dangerous cut-back from Manor Solomon was unfortunately deflected by Millwall defender Jake Cooper, sending the ball past his own goalkeeper Lukas Jensen and into the net. The own goal set the tone for a dominant Leeds performance, as they controlled possession and kept the visitors penned in their on half for much of the game. Brenden Aaronson then forced a save from Jensen and Ao Tanaka fired a long-range effort narrowly wide. Joel Piroe thought he had doubled the advantage with a powerful strike, but celebrations were cut short by the offside flag, ruling out Aaronson’s preceding assist. Millwall, despite going behind, remained resilient and almost snatched an equalizer before halftime when Cooper, seeking redemption for his earlier misfortune, headed a free header wide of the target. The second half saw Leeds continue to probe, seeking to extend their lead and secure the three points. Solomon came agonisingly close to adding a second, unleashing a thunderous shot that rattled the crossbar. Millwall, while diligently defending, struggled to mount a sustained threat on the Leeds goal. Their best effort came in the form of a heavily deflected cross that tested Illan Meslier, but ultimately posed little danger. The crucial second goal finally arrived in the 85th minute, putting the result beyond doubt. Tanaka capped off an impressive individual performance with a well-taken first-time finish from the edge of the box, marking only Leeds' second shot on target in the game. The goal sparked jubilant scenes at Elland Road, confirming Leeds' return to the top of the Championship table. This victory not only re-establishes Leeds’ two-point lead over Sheffield United but also extends their cushion to four points over third-placed Burnley in the fiercely contested battle for automatic promotion. Having avenged their previous two defeats to Millwall this season, Leeds demonstrated their resilience and determination to stay on course for a coveted Premier League return, making it 16 Championship games unbeaten at fortress Elland Road. please log in to view this image Farke incensed after Piroe goal chalked off Daniel Farke was left incensed after Joel Piroe's goal was chalked off in their hard-fought 2-0 victory over Millwall last night. While the Whites ultimately secured the three points and returned to the top of the Championship table, the disallowed goal cast a shadow over the win and ignited Farke’s fury. JP thought he had broken his three game duck with a moment of brilliance. After a slick one-two with Brenden Aaronson, the Dutchman expertly navigated the Millwall defence and slotted home, his relief and elation evident in his celebration. However, his joy was abruptly cut short by the sight of the linesman’s flag, signaling offside. Farke was apoplectic on the touchline. His anger wasn’t simply about the single decision; it was compounded by the hauntingly familiar feeling of injustice. As he later revealed, this was the same linesman who had previously denied Willy Gnonto a late equalizer against Coventry City under similarly contentious circumstances just a month prior. “I think the offside goal in the first-half was never, never offside!” Farke exclaimed, his voice thick with frustration. “And you know what? The same linesman,” he added, incredulous. Recalling the Coventry incident, Farke continued, “[He gave us an] apology after the game. ‘Won’t happen again’. Next game we play, same again.” Farke stressed the gravity of such decisions, especially within the tight confines of a Championship clash. “It kills me a little bit because a goal is so important against a side like Millwall. Anything can happen [when the scoreline is still 1-0].” He felt the disallowed goal could have significantly altered the game’s dynamic, potentially making Leeds’ path to victory smoother. Despite dominating possession and peppering the Millwall goal with 18 shots compared to their opponent’s four, Leeds were ultimately reliant on an own goal and a late Ao Tanaka thunderbolt to seal the win. The disallowed Piroe goal added an unnecessary layer of tension and frustration to a game they otherwise controlled. please log in to view this image Hull keen to make Joffy move permanent Joe Gelhardt is starting to show Elland Road what they're missing. The 22-year-old striker, on loan at Hull City since January, bagged his third goal of the season last night, helping the Tigers secure a 2-1 comeback victory against Oxford United at the MKM Stadium. Since arriving at Hull, "Joffy" has been a consistent presence, starting all but one game and earning a solid 6.90 average rating, placing him second within Ruben Selles' squad. This is a far cry from his time at Leeds, where he was seemingly frozen out and opportunities were scarce. Many believe Gelhardt should have been loaned out much sooner, and his current form is vindication. Hull City fans are already vocal about wanting to make his move permanent in the summer. With just over two years left on his Leeds contract, a summer transfer seems likely. It begs the question: have Leeds United made a mistake letting Gelhardt stagnate on the bench? His resurgence at Hull suggests a player with untapped potential. Only time will tell if letting him go will backfire on the Elland Road hierarchy. please log in to view this image
Morning all Piroe was marginally offside, I didn't feel we played that well to be honest, deserved the win yes. Fans are nervous, it is understandable that the players will be too so I am not going to read too much into performances as long as they end in 3 points to us
Morning wrist slashets.. Two nil against the neanderthals and job done. As for Gelhardt 3 goals is no better than expected from sicknote pat. We needed better in the windows and the 49ers failed the club and Farke. So the coach has to get the best out of our squad and hope they stay fit.
Top of the league....3 points in a nervy but routine win...James and Bogle must have been on the instead of JP as both weren't on the ball last night... piroe's finish was excellent with great feet 50/50 offside for me...QPR 4 on the bounce dinner time KO if that's not a potential fyffes incoming then ... let's hope we navigate a possible skid on it and maintain our lead, especially with the blunts facing a steel derby the day after and the owls came from 2 down last time out so won't be short of confidence... buckle up it's the Leeds rollercoaster on the way ...and we've had our ups and downs
If there was one negative impact on a player that is down to Bielsa it was Joffy - We dare not let him play in the U21 or loan him out as he was needed on the first team bench, he stagnated no end. Good luck to him, I am not convinced he will be good enough for the PL and I wouldn't be against loaning him for another season, depends on his contract length I guess
Joffy didn't seem to suit our system. Talented enough lad, not a line leading 9... not that mobile... could he mature into a 10? Maybe. The people who watch them day in day out preferred Joseph for our style of play. It's rare for young strikers to score loads anyway and Gelhardt is 18 months older than Joseph. Maybe Joffy is coming into his own now... or maybe its just a mini purple patch. Be interesting to see how his career pans out but i'd neither write him off nor get carried away at the moment.
Was one downside to the infamous small squad we were led to believe he preferred or maybe it was a money saving opportunity. Well never know but I think you're right, Joffy suffered for
Doesn't look too bad to me for a youngster in the PL. Obviously Jesse a part of that 2nd season. Good old Jesse sorted him out with a loan move to Sunderland too for increased starts. The season and a half under Farke I imagine will have been disappointing, to drop down a division and be nowhere near.
Afternoon all. Still feel great from last night’s result but why have we got another lunch time kickoff FFS. It’s just not a proper time for football to be played
