Waking up on Sunday morning knowing Leeds United hadn’t ruined my weekend was a spectacular feeling. I felt light on my feet, happy to engage with people I would otherwise feign interest in, and soaked in the hilarity of Aston Villa’s performance on “Super Sunday”. Now, I know I won’t wake up feeling like this every weekend, but God, it feels good to have football back.
Nottingham Forest away at the City Ground wasn’t an easy opener for Leeds on paper. We faced a squad that has benefited from huge investment over the past few transfer windows, one of the highest-paid managers in the league in Oliver Glasner, and travelled there having won just twice away from home all last season. I was also concerned about whether we could carry the momentum from last season into the new campaign.
I need not have worried.
Leeds picked up where they left off in the second half of last season and continued to look incredibly solid. It’s a testament to the recruitment department, the coaching staff, Daniel Farke and the players that we already look like a midtable Premier League side.
Leeds aren’t just a team who will sit back and soak up pressure for 90 minutes. Farke likes his teams to dominate possession and, for the opening 25 minutes, we were well on top. After a beautiful passing move cut Forest open, Leeds looked like they had taken a deserved lead, only for Harry Wilson to be flagged offside. With Calvert-Lewin tearing into the box behind him, it’s a real shame that Wilson got a touch on the ball.
Naturally, Forest came back into the game, cheered on by their home fans, and despite having a lot of the ball, never really threatened the Leeds goal from open play. McAtee’s crosses caused a bit of trouble and two headers threatened our clean sheet — one saved by Trafford, the other by the post.
Now, I found myself in the Middle East this weekend, watching on with the commentary team of Seb Hutchinson and Matthew Upson. I’m not sure what match they were watching but, by the sounds of it, Igor Jesus was having a generational game. Three attempts, with one on target, for an overall FotMob rating of 6.0 tell a different story. But Upson and Hutchinson spoke about how Jesus was giving Bijol a torrid time.
I disagreed, but I’m biased. So I looked closer at the stats.
FotMob rated Jaka Bijol at 8.0, with the defender winning 100% of his ground duels and 50% of his aerial duels. Just another example of why commentators annoy me. Hmmmph.
But at the same time, I don’t know everything. I thought Stach looked poor on Saturday and, after 75 minutes, I was calling for him to be substituted for Longstaff. Thankfully, Farke is the manager, and I’m just an idiot writing nonsense on the internet, because Stach crashed in another free kick to send The Mighty Whites home with three points, and me into Sunday with a spring in my step. Just 2 away wins all last season. We’re 50% of the way already.
United are back, United are back, Hello!
Leeds United Player Ratings
James Trafford – 7
Looked comfortable and assured. Made one good save from Jesus in the first half. Useful with the ball at his feet, despite a wayward clearance here and there. Caught a cross into the box at the end of the game which made me ridiculously excited.
Jayden Bogle – 7
The usual game from Bogle. He was able to get up and down the flank and had a good battle with Nico Williams.
Joe Rodon – 7
A clean sheet for the defence, with Rodon imperious at the back. Headers, clearances, interceptions, passion.
Jaka Bijol – 8
Has a great knack of just getting his head on the end of everything, or else getting his body in the way. Dealt with Jesus superbly in open play and scared Wood so much that he had to take a snapshot.
His passing is so crisp and tidy. Always shows for the ball and almost scored with a peach of a header. If only it had been more in the corner – shit. I sound like Hinchliffe: “For me, he has to do better there.”
James Justin – 6
Started well, but Forest had a bit of joy down his side. Aina was a threat, but Justin dealt well with him for a player operating out of position.
Ethan Ampadu – 7
Ampadu’s ability to just cut out passes is unparalleled. Always instinctively knows where to position his body.
Anton Stach – 7
As above, I actually thought Stach had a tough game. He was bypassed too easily at times for my liking. In saying that, his goal easily elevates his score.
Harry Wilson – 6
Picked up some really good positions as he came narrow. Will undoubtedly be an important player for us this season. It’s just a shame he didn’t leave that cross for Calvert-Lewin to tap in.
Brenden Aaronson – 6
Tenacious all game, especially when he won the ball back in the corner and was fouled, giving us a dangerous set piece. Doesn’t offer as much of a threat in an attacking sense, but was a nuisance all game.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 6
Battled and battled with little to show for it. Was unlucky not to score his first of the season, but it’s so good to see him fit from the off this campaign. Hopefully, another big season ahead.
World After The Bell Man of the Match 👑
Jaka Bijol.
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