At half-time tonight, I made a tongue-in-cheek comment on Twitter/X that “we might never actually concede a goal again”. Obviously, football doesn’t work that way, but nevertheless, it’s exciting being a Leeds fan right now, and I’m getting swept away by the optimism.
A return to the City Ground for a quick re-run of Saturday’s league victory over the Tricky Trees could easily have proved a stumbling block in our hunt for a trophy this season. Instead, Leeds comfortably overcame the challenge and booked their place in the next round of the Carabao Cup. Two trips to Nottingham in four days, two victories. At this rate, Leeds are becoming responsible for some serious deforestation in the East Midlands.
Cliches aside, I thought we were absolutely brilliant tonight, controlling large parts of the game. This was a well-deserved win from a group of players who look like they’re only getting better. There were occasional moments where things didn’t come off. Longstaff made some mistakes in the first half and took pelters online. James was a nuisance down the right-hand side all game, but his crosses were lacking at times, while Nmecha was often just a yard away from getting on the end of a cross into the box. And yet, it’s hard to criticise any player when the end result is as positive as Leeds knocking out Premier League opposition away from home. It’s even harder when all three of the players mentioned above contributed massively to the win.
What was encouraging for me, as a fan, was just how comfortable the squad looked on the ball. Even more encouraging was the camaraderie at the end of the game in front of our fantastic away support. James, Justin and Trafford rightly took the plaudits, but the chants of “England’s number two” directed at Alex Cairns were both wholesome and fantastic. The fact that multiple members of the squad pushed him forward just shows how valued he is as a personality behind the scenes, and what a great group we’ve put together.
The only problem now is that I need to renew my passport.
Okay, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
Player Ratings:
James Trafford – 7
Trafford looks as if his presence has already instilled confidence in the back line. I haven’t seen Joe Rodon frown half as much as I’m used to in these two games. Joking aside, Trafford’s save from Chris Wood’s effort in the second half was fantastic and made me laugh. The realisation that we finally have an excellent keeper may have set in.
Daniel James – 8
Ran Forest ragged down his flank, with his pace causing huge problems. Sent some good crosses into the box, whilst also sending a few into the crowd. Scored a great goal, and you could see just how much it meant to him. Hopefully, he can stay injury-free this season and be a good impact player for Leeds.
Joe Rodon – 8
He heads the ball clear, he gets his body in the way, he’s comfortable on the ball, he gets forward. Most importantly, he puts in incredible tackles. So valuable to this Leeds team and a steal at £10 million.
Nico Elvedi – 8
Calm and composed. Elvedi looked as if he’d been playing with his teammates all his career. Asked for the ball, shackled Chris Wood and was involved in the second goal when he attacked Ampadu’s long throw. A wonderful debut from a player who will push Rodon and Bijol.
Tarik Muharemović – 8
I wrote a scouting piece on Muharemović when we signed him where I discussed how he had the potential to become a brilliant centre-back, but that he might need time to adjust. He has proved me wrong on that point – an incredible investment from the club.
James Justin – 8
Does James Justin ever disappoint? Right-footer playing at left wing-back. He defends well. He attacks well. He scores goals. He just needs to improve those celebrations.
Ethan Ampadu – 8
Another strong showing from the captain who, alongside Tanaka, was able to dominate proceedings in the middle of the park. I’m just blown away by how easily he has taken to the top level. A vital part of the team.
Ao Tanaka – 7
Some moments of real quality from Tanaka with his touches and first-time passes. I was impressed by his tenacity in winning the ball back tonight. There were a couple of sloppy moments that played us into trouble, but a good showing from Ao.
Sean Longstaff – 6
Not much came off for Longstaff in the first half, when he looked a yard off the pace. But he had the vision to pick out James for the first goal and earn himself an assist.
Noah Okafor – 7
Drove us up the pitch throughout the game, and it was good to get minutes into his legs. Not everything worked out, but we don’t have many players who can get us forward like he can.
Lukas Nmecha – 6
Like Longstaff, I thought Nmecha looked a yard off it in the first half. But his presence caused problems for the second goal.
World After The Bell Man of the Match 👑
Daniel James.
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