Good Morning. It's Monday 4th December, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road
Leeds edge five goal thrillerLeeds kept their fabulous home record intact, edging a five goal thriller against Michael Carrick's Middlesbrough at the weekend.
Fresh from their victory over Leicester City, and demolition of Preston (4-0), the Smoggies were always going to be a tough challenge. Their Championship standing doesn't give a true reflection of the threats they possess. We must remember they were rock bottom after seven games, with just one point, so have had to play catch up!
Three goals in the opening seven minutes gave fans an insight into the chaos that would ensue. Emmanuel Latte Lath's third minute opener was soon cancelled out by Dan James rising highest at the far post to nod Leeds level. At 5ft 6', the Welsh International did well to outjump both Boro centre-backs.
Two minutes later Leeds were ahead. Archie Gray's deep cross (into the Boro penalty area) was flicked away by McNair, but fell invitingly to Summerville at the back post. His header was too powerful for Dieng, who despite getting a hand on the ball, was unable to keep the effort out.
Rutter should have made it three on 15 minutes, only for Dieng to save well with his legs. He was however instrumental in giving the Whites a two goal advantage after being bundled over in the box, six minutes before the half-time break. Piroe stepped up, and duly bagged his eighth of the season.
Despite the scoreline, Carrick's men were far from done. They created further chances of their own, and narrowed Leeds advantage deep into first half injury time when Lath grabbed his second, following a well executed corner.
There were no further goals in the second half, but there was plenty to talk about. The visitors were reduced to 10 men on the hour mark after Dijksteel picked up his second yellow card of the afternoon; but despite being a man down, created the best chance of the half when Jones rattled the woodwork.
There were some nervy moments, but Leeds held firm to pick up their seventh home win of the season, and keep the pressure on the top two.
Carrick - We could have wonDuring his post match press conference, Boro boss Michael Carrick remarked that his side were really disappointed that they didn't get anything from the game, and felt hard done.
The former England midfielder felt his side should have been awarded a 2nd half penalty, and bemoaned his side's luck after being reduced to 10 men, and striking the bar.
"The game had a bit of all sorts. There was a lot of good attacking play on the pitch, both teams looks dangerous at times and I felt we gave as good as we got.
"It was a largely new back four and we were tested today, but the boys stuck at it unbelievably well against a really good team and looked really dangerous. "The changing room is quiet and really disappointed that we haven't got anything from the game, and in some ways we feel we could have won it.
"They have had a number of chances but I thought we had chances at big times in the game, but [being down to] 10 men flips that a little bit and we still had a big shout for a penalty and hit the post. I'm hugely proud of the players for their effort."
Leeds drawn away from home in FA Cup for 13th consecutive time Leeds have been drawn against Darren Ferguson's Peterborough Utd in the third round of the FA Cup, to take place between 5th and 8th of January.
For the 13th time in a row, the Whites have been drawn away from home. Although a Cup run would be nice, Leeds will be concentrating their efforts on a top two finish, and a return to the Promised Land.
Changing of the old guardIt's never easy to let players go, especially when they've contributed so much to their club, but with sentiment aside, we may have seen the last of Luke Ayling.
The 32yo was omitted from Daniel Farke's matchday squad for the second consecutive game of the week in what the German described as one of the hardest decisions he's ever had to make.
With 251 appearances, and 11 goals since his £200,000 arrival from Bristol City in 2016, he soon became not only a fans favourite, but a respected member of the dressing room. He was awarded the vice-Captaincy in Liam Cooper's absence, and always gave everything to the cause.
It would be naive to think that Bill will be the only casualty - father time waits for no one. It is highly unlikely that Messrs Cooper and Dallas will also make it to next season at Elland Road.
