Bristol City 2 Leeds 3: Match Report

By James Dielhenn

Saturday 29th September 2012
Championship
Ashton Gate, Att: 15,692 (2069 Leeds)

Bristol City   2   -   3     Leeds

                                 Adomah  70'                                              Diouf  64'
                                 Austin (og)  90'                                          Diouf  81'
                                                                                                   Tonge  83'

Team: Kenny, Byram, Lees, Pearce, Peltier, White, Austin, Brown, Tonge, Diouf, Becchio
Subs: Ashdown, Drury, Pugh, Norris, Varney, Poleon, Gray (on for Becchio 89)

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Everything is looking positive at Leeds - three wins out of three, rumours that the takeover is getting closer, and the injury crisis seemingly having little effect on the team. Neil Warnock continues to warn, however, that this threadbare squad will struggle to keep going over an entire season.

Paddy Kenny only just passed a late fitness test to play and he looked slightly injured. His kicking was conservative and he didn't leave his line as often as usual. He had no chance with either goal, though, and had a decent game. 6

Sam Byram was excellent at right-back. He is making it impossible for Warnock to leave him out. He adds a bit of pace which generally the team lacks. While he defended well, he really caught the eye getting forward and setting up the first goal. 8

Tom Lees built on his performance against Everton with another strong display at centre-back. He is cutting any mistakes or lapses of concentration out of his game. 7

Jason Pearce was everything we expect - strong, dominant in the area, keeping things simple and effective. Another solid game. 7

Lee Peltier was switched to left-back and was sturdy, although he couldn't get forward much. His versatility is important to Warnock. 6

Aidy White, after his goal against Everton, played more confidently. He is slowly adjusting to his right wing position. He was a threat and also helped out defensively. 6

Michael Brown was perhaps a surprise inclusion but he proved he can still do a job occasionally in this league. He sat deep and kept his passing simple, and his tough tackling meant he was a presence in central midfield. A decent display. 6

Rodolph Austin was immense again. What a signing he has been! He bombed backwards and forwards, stopping City in their tracks in midfield. Austin could have scored twice from set-pieces, and the goal threat he possesses is exceptional for a player in his position. He has become one of Leeds' most important players. 8

Michael Tonge played on the left wing again and scored his first goal for the club, a very impressive strike that effectively sealed the win. Other than his excellent finish, Tonge was industrious and probably had his best game for Leeds so far. 7

El-Hadji Diouf earned the headlines that will be written about him. Apart from his two match-winning goals, he was immaculate in possession and kept drifting into positions that dragged City all over the place. Diouf was brilliant. 8

Luciano Becchio looked slightly tired - we know from last season that he can struggle with playing three games in the space of a week. He still assisted a goal with a typical header in the box and put in a good shift. 6

A worry is that Warnock has no faith in his substitutes - he didn't make any against Everton and made a time-wasting sub against City in the last minute. Our first eleven looks pretty good and if the manager can bring in more players over the course of the season then Leeds will have a chance at those play-offs.

Neil Warnock post match:

"What a fantastic week. To beat Forest, Everton and Bristol City over such a short space of time with seven players out injured is tremendous," Warnock said.

"We passed the ball too much in the first half and I always felt we could step up a gear. Bristol were unlucky with injuries, but we had a goal disallowed, which I felt was harsh.

"I think we are still some way away from having Premier League potential. At this level you are judged on the strength of your bench and we have been bringing on first year professionals.

"But I can't praise the lads enough. I named pretty much the same team as played against Everton and that was a really tough game so to come up with another victory did them great credit."