Good Morning. It's Monday 6th May, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road
Weary Leeds lose to SaintsLeeds slipped to their fourth defeat in six games, as Daniel Farke's battered and bruised side limped over the line in third place, setting up a tense play off semi final with Norwich City!
Expectations were high. Leeds home record was second to none, and Southampton had lost three on the trot conceding eight times in the process. As the game progressed, an eerie realisation that promotion had slipped through their fingers, swept through Elland Road, silencing the Elland Road faithful.
There were no such problems 100 miles down the road at the King Power Stadium, with Leicester and Blackburn Rover's fans united as one, singing their heart's out 'Leeds, Leeds are falling apart....again'!!!!
Three goals in the opening half saw Southampton end their season on a high. Leeds went behind on 18 minutes after failing to clear their lines following a well executed corner. Adams found Armstrong in acres of space at the far post, and slotted the ball past Meslier from 12 yards.
Leeds response was instantaneous. Harwood-Bellis' uncharacteristic error saw the ball fall kindly for Piroe, who blasted the ball past the despairing dive of McCarthy. Any vein hope of a Leeds revival were soon put to bed when Smallbone tapped home Walker-Peters cross from close range leaving Whites fans fuming at Junior Firpo, who had thought the ball had gone out of play!
It was no more than what the visitors deserved. They had been unfortunate not to have taken the lead minutes before, from another corner; when Firpo's goal-line clearance spared Meslier's blushes!
Is it too late to make changesWith four losses in their last six, Leeds are showing relegation form (22nd, joint with Rotherham). Saturday had given Daniel Farke an opportunity to rest key players, experiment with the side, and give fringe players the chance to impress ahead of the play-offs, but alas he did not take it!
The Leeds tank is on empty, and the players are running on fumes. Not utilising his squad and keeping them fresh, has cost Farke dear. Some players will break through the 5000 minute barrier should they make the play-off finals, which is far, far too much for any professional footballer.
Just like the QPR game, Southampton were given free reign to dominate midfield. They must find a way to bring Ampadu back to midfield, shore up their defence, and freshen up the team; but has the gaffer left it too late to bring players in from the cold?
Leeds will be happy with Canaries tieGiven the choice, the Whites will be happy with being drawn against the Canaries in the play-offs. They've beaten them both home and away this season, and the Daniel Farke factor also works in Leeds favour.
The 47yo bought a huge amount of success to Carrow Road during his four year tenure. The psychological impact this could have, may give Leeds the edge. It would be like Leeds coming up against a Bielsa side!
Similarly, Leeds have managed to dodge West Brom and Carlos Corberan, who beat the Whites at the Hawthorns, and drew (1-1) at Elland Road.
