With Ipswich Town’s victory last night, Leeds United’s chances of earning automatic promotion are all but gone.
Going into the last day, the Tractor Boys were playing at Coventry City for their game in hand, and they held their composure to win 2-1.
As the Saturday match approaches, Ipswich leads Leeds by three points and knows that all they need to do to advance is win against Huddersfield Town, who is virtually relegated, at home.
Now that they are back in the play-offs, Leeds will need to regroup, which Martin O’Neill thinks might be challenging. It might also serve as a period of introspection over the errors committed during the season.
Although Leeds’ performance during the international break has understandably angered supporters, the season consists of 46 games, and there have been occasions during the season that have contributed to this defeat.
LeedsUnited.news has therefore made an effort to reduce it to three.
Patrick Bamford penalty miss vs Stoke
One of the most bitterly disappointing nights of the season came all the way back in October at a pretty atrocious, out of form Stoke City side.
That evening, Daniel Farke made several changes to his starting lineup, and it showed in the team’s dreadful performance. Leeds ought to have won three points, though.
With fifteen minutes remaining, Leeds was given a penalty. Crysencio Summerville wanted to take the penalty kick, but Patrick Bamford again stood up to take it after missing crucial ones against Arsenal and Newcastle United the previous season.
Then, Bamford sent one of the worst penalties you will ever see into the away end after it had gone over the bar. After just five minutes, Stoke City managed to secure a victory.
That mini spell in the game was the difference between three points and none. All ifs and buts, but had Bamford scored, Leeds would’ve had top two in their hands ahead of Saturday.
Illan Meslier red card vs Preston North End
Fresh from an incredible 4-0 victory over Ipswich just before Christmas, Leeds went into their Boxing Day trip to Deepdale full of confidence.
Having said that, Leeds were poor for the majority of the first half that day, but still managed to go in level at the break, which gave them a chance of three points in the second 45.
However, that all changed just eight minutes after half-time as Illan Meslier got involved in a ridiculous altercation which saw him given a red card for a push to the face on Milutin Osmajic.
While it was unbelievably soft, it gave the referee a decision to make. It also meant Leeds’ backs were to the wall from that moment on, conceding an opener to just four minutes later.
Though Pascal Struijk’s penalty did get Leeds back level, Liam Millar – who had absolutely rinsed Archie Gray all game long amid Farke’s complete refusal to sub him – scored a late winner.
Based on Leeds’ first half performance, it was certainly far from certain the Whites would’ve won the game. However, that red card was a big moment.
Farke decision to change back four vs Watford
Leeds returned following the international break in March with a number of fitness concerns. Willy Gnonto, Ilia Gruev and Connor Roberts all picked up injuries, while Junior Firpo returned late from international duty.
As such, in Leeds’ first game back at Watford, Farke opted to change half of the back four which had been performing so unbelievably well.
Between New Year’s Day and the win over Millwall, Leeds conceded just three goals in 13 matches, none of which were from open play. Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon’s partnership was at the heart of it.
At Vicarage Road, however, Farke moved Ampadu into midfield and brought Liam Cooper in at centre-back. Immediately, Leeds looked considerably more shaky and conceded two before half-time.
Though clearly Farke was a little short on options that night, breaking up that partnership just never should’ve been an option.
Since then, Leeds’ defence just has not been the same. Farke’s side have shipped 13 goals in their last seven matches and who knows how different it could’ve been if the Whites boss never changed it around.
