Last season, Leeds United were within a whisker of a Premier League return, losing out in the play-off final to Southampton.
They were installed by many as favourites for the new season, but things have already begun to go awry. Hopes were high for a big start against recently promoted Portsmouth at the weekend, but they were held to a 3-3 draw. It could have been worse – they trailed 3-2 thanks to a Callum Lang brace going into injury times and relied on Brenden Aaronson’s late leveller to steal an unlikely point.
The League Cup draw could have been kinder; instead of a League One or League Two side, they were paired with Middlesbrough, albeit at Elland Road. Last season they beat Boro twice – 4-3 at the Riverside and 3-2 at Elland Road. This evening, things have not gone quite as well; they’ve been humbled 3-0 on their own pitch.
After a close first half, Anfernee Dijksteel was allowed to carry the ball into the box before simply sliding a neat finish past Karl Darlow to put the visitors ahead. With Daniel Farke’s side pushing forward for an equaliser, Josh Coburn released Delano Burgzorg, who kept his cool to score, via a heavy deflection off Joe Rodon.
Farke made five changes just past the hour mark as he attempted to salvage the game, but soon after, Coburn went from provider to scorer as he stroked the ball into an empty net to seal Boro’s passage to the next round.
Boos rang out as Leeds left the field, with them failing to get past the first round of the competition for the first time since the 2015/16 season and losing a first-round tie outright in 90 minutes for the first time since the competition began.
It might only be two matches, but alarm bells are already ringing in West Yorkshire. Many fans are venting their frustration at the situation on social media. Much of the anger is directed at manager Farke, who seems to be gaining notoriety by the day.
However, sales of players such as Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville and Glenn Kamara ahs left the squad looking threadbare, and with little over a fortnight to go until the transfer window closes, it seems all is not well at Elland Road.
Sacking Bielsa was the dumbest idea in all of human history #FARKEOUT
— Roni Bergström (@breerstrom) August 14, 2024
Is it too early to ask for this? pic.twitter.com/plaCVBUMX0
— Scot (@Scotlufc) August 14, 2024
Sack him tonight
— Courtney Sparkes 🤍💛💙 (@CourtneySparke5) August 14, 2024
I predict a riot
— Josh (@LCFC__Josh) August 14, 2024
Surprised you haven’t suppressed comments. This could get ugly.
One of the worst performances in twelve months, and the last eleven games have largely been awful.
This squad is “15th in the Championship”. Something has to change.
Players in or it could be manager out.
— Garry Pierrepont (@Weysider) August 14, 2024
Rubbish
Manager is a fraud and the owners are trying to do it on the cheap
Sort it out you clowns
— Chris Delaney 💙💛 (@ChrisGoEco) August 14, 2024
Pathetic
— P&S FC (@acupofcoldsick) August 14, 2024
Farke Out
— Lewis🇳🇱🇮🇨 🇦🇺/🇩🇰/🏴 (@lufclewis) August 14, 2024
Be the first to comment