Leeds United: Avoiding an obvious '˜banana skin' underlines play-offs shortcomings

Gary Newbould

At a freezing St Andrews, United slipped to a disappointing defeat against bottom of the table Birmingham City.

Ronaldo Vieira and Eunan O’Kane, both not considered fit after the Burton game, were replayed by Kalvin Phillips and Conor Shaughnessy whilst fit-again Samuel Saiz started from the bench. Meanwhile on his 100th appearance for the club Gaetano Berardi fittingly led United out as skipper.

The first half saw little quality football with regular stops appearing to suit the home team better than the Whites. Indeed it was a relief to all when half-time arrived and allowed all to avail themselves of a hot drink or something even stronger.

The second half saw United come more into things and the introduction of Samuel Saiz brought some hope and significant talent onto the pitch. However, United seemed to be both out-fought and out-thought in midfield throughout proceedings.

United almost snatched a winner 13 minutes from time when Saiz found Hernandez who failed to beat keeper – and United fan – David Stockdale and the rebound hit the bar.

The Whites then paid the ultimate price seven minutes from time when record Blues signing Jota came off the bench and fired in a stinging shot which was only parried by Wiedwald and Maghoma slammed in the winner.

A disappointing display and defeat as well as a reminder that only a complete fool would try to predict Championship football matches.

So, Nottingham Forest at home in front of yet another 30,000 crowd and, hopefully, the start of another good run.

I’d expect quite a different starting line-up in midfield.

Man of the match: Pontus Jansson.

David Watkins

Well, that wasn’t in the script was it? The story was supposed to be about Leeds continuing to beat so-called lesser teams to gather as many points as possible to give us a head start for when we play the better teams in February.

But whenever did Leeds follow the script? As far as results go this was a blow; until now we’d always come out on top against the bottom seven sides albeit we’d often had to work hard and rely on a moment of magic to do so. Against the Blues we were short of magic and it was the hosts who stuck away one of very few chances in the game.

In truth it was similar to our recent game with Hull when we again had less ball, less attempts and far less corners than the opposition. The difference was that against Hull we got a lucky break whereas at St Andrews the Blues did.

No real damage done but it is annoying we can’t find just a bit more quality all over the pitch to see off teams with a bit more ease.

Man of the match: