Leeds United 0-1 Southampton: Turning up
The goal was the beginning of the end. A sinking feeling, a knowing glance. A resorting to hope — maybe it'll be different, this time — that was contradicted every time you looked at the players.
The goal was the beginning of the end. A sinking feeling, a knowing glance. A resorting to hope — maybe it'll be different, this time — that was contradicted every time you looked at the players.
Where had all this been? There was so much more of it. Twice in a first half minute first Rutter then Gnonto went Maradona mode, slaloming upfield with the ball at their feet, evading tackles, gathering speed towards the goal(s) of the century(ies).
"Hopefully the second step, by scoring, comes this coming Thursday," said Daniel Farke. Hopefully!
A lot of things could have been better this season. But not by much.
Ninety points say Farke does know what he's doing. But that those points haven't already secured promotion suggests Farke has been caught out.
"It's the Championship," said Farke. Never truer words spoken. "I think all the supporters have enjoyed the game," he added. Hmm. I'm not so sure about that one, Daniel. "I was about to throw up in the second half," said Firpo. Now, that I can believe in.
How have Leeds got themselves into this position, chasing wins out of draws and turning them into defeats, with three games left?
A lot of people will tell you that promotion at any cost is the only important thing. But the mood of Elland Road during the Sunderland game suggests Beeston is one place that still wants a little bit more from football.
Farke has shown a calm demeanour from the start, as if nothing can surprise him, so it’s likely that, yes, there is a plan after losing to Coventry. I don’t imagine it’s complicated.
When a penalty was awarded in the second half it was cheered but then feared, because Leeds had a chance to re-take the lead, but first someone would have to take the actual penalty. The best thing: hope. The worst thing: hope.