Good Morning. It's Friday 27th December, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Piroe braces ensures White ChristmasLeeds soared to the Championship summit on Boxing Day with a comfortable 2-0 away victory over sorry Stoke. The Staffordshire outfit are without a win since early November, and given their woeful performance last night, it is not surprising. The thick mist obscuring most of the pitch must have come as great comfort to the home fans, who no doubt wished they had stayed at home.
The Potters actually started the brighter. Meslier brilliantly denied Lewis Koumas from close range early on, getting down low to deny the Welsh International; but it wasn't long before Leeds took a stranglehold of the game. Not only were the hosts content with allowing Leeds possession, they allowed them acres of space. Bogle in particular was in his element. He was given the freedom of the pitch to attack down the right channel without fear of being challenged. Given Leeds attacking options, and mixture of pace and guile from the wings, it was only a matter of time until the Stoke defence buckled!
Joel Piroe struck late in the first half after a delightful through ball from Aaronson, slicing the Stoke defence wide open. Viktor Johansson got down well to thwart the Dutchman's first time effort, but was powerless moments later, smashing the ball into the roof of the net, off the underside of the woodwork.
The second half provided much of the same, with Leeds continuing to create guilt edged opportunities, yet it was the hosts that went closest, Ash Phillips heading just wide of Meslier's goalmouth after a peach of a cross from Bocat. Leeds finally put the game to bed with thirty minutes left on the clock. James tee' d up Piroe at the back post to nod past Johansson, claiming his brace, and ninth of the season. The two goal margin provided the knockout goal (on Boxing Day) that was needed to kill off any slim hopes of a Stoke revival.
Sheffield Utd ready to splash the cashMultiple media sources are suggesting that Sheffield Utd are ready to splash the cash next month following their 2-0 home loss to Burnley. Only a point separate the top three, and with only two guaranteed top flight football next season, the Blades are ready to gamble. They spent sensibly in the Summer, and further bolstered the squad with the loan signings of Harry Souttar, Alfie Gilchrist and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.
There is now an eleven point gap between the Whites and Watford in sixth place. After missing out last season, Leeds will be desperate to keep ahead of the chasing pack. Given their fortunes in the play-offs, a third place finish could spell disaster for Farke's side. Similarly, Chris Wilder and Scott Parker will not want to be a part of the play-off lottery either. The lure of a £200m cash injection is at stake, but which clubs are willing to gamble in January to ensure top two finish?
