Leeds vs Cardiff City: Match Report

If the weather wasn't bad enough, the performance from Leeds definitely was.

A disappointing 2-0 defeat to strugglers Cardiff saw Leeds' position in the playoffs fall even further down the pecking order.

Neil Warnock returned to Elland Road with on thing in mind; frustration. He knew returning to his former club would be a battle and that's exactly what Cardiff gave Leeds.

One thing was definitely apparent, Leeds just couldn't piece it together. A few mistakes at the back and the lack of a final ball was the only thing apparent from Saturdays game.

It really is a privilege to be able to cover the games from the press area at Leeds United, the views not too bad either!

Garry Monk made two changes to the side that faced Huddersfield. Cooper came in for the poorly Pontus Jansson and Alvaro Pedraza made his Elland Road debut replacing Souleymane Doukara.

Kemar Roofe stayed on the bench for another game, which I just cannot understand.

The game started well with Leeds looking the strongest in possession, winning a freekick within the first four minutes and having a glorious opportunity when Stuart Dallas played the ball to Chris Wood just ten minutes later.

Leeds finished the half with two Yellow Cards for Luke Ayling and Liam Bridcutt as the referee decided to get a little card happy. This made his 100th YC of the season in the 22 appearances he had made.

Leeds came out for the second half with the same kind of attitude they have for most of the season, taking the game to the opposition.

Liam Cooper then had Leeds' biggest opportunity of the game when a signature Pablo Hernandez corner came across the box only to be headed over.

Cardiff then did something that Leeds couldn't seem to do, convert their only chance. A freekick from near the touch line was swung in by Craig Noone just inside the 6 yard box and Sean Morrison was there to head home.

Misery then turned to agony as Aron Gunnarsson was allowed to burst through the Leeds defence and tee up Didier Zohore to cap off his long striker performance.

Leeds then made some further substitutions as both Roofe and Doukara came on to try and add some more attacking intent to Leeds' play. This Plan B didn't work as well as planned and apart from one fluffed chance from Kemar Roofe, Leeds just couldn't add a goal to the game.

Morisson puts Cardiff ahead with a beautiful freekick and header

Post match press conference:

Neil Warnock:

​On his return to Elland Road; "We had to be on top of our game. First 20 minutes were helpful because we quietened the crowd. No space in midfield. The longer the game went on we got comfortable. Half time I said to them let's have a go to win it."

On the atmosphere; "if you can't enjoy coming to Elland Road with a crowd like that there's something wrong with you, it's a beautiful footballing stadium."

On Leeds; "I'm pleased with how they've got on. It wasn't easy at the start of the season but they'll move on now. They've got a vibrant young squad, Leeds is an exciting place to be at the moment."

Called Garry Monk his manager of the year.


Garry Monk:

On the performance; "frustrating day, frustrating performance. It's something new for the lads. Cardiff were solid and hard to break down. We had to be patient. Didn't have the killer edge in the first half."

On Pedraza; "I thought he did well and I thought all the lads did. Cardiff came with a game plan and it was hard to find the space between."

On the result; "it's only a blip. We don't like losing game especially at home. We remain focussed and determined. We support each other. We're frustrated with the result. Our focus turns to Tuesday."
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Overall a very bad day at the office in which Leeds' attacking moves just couldn't get off of the ground.

The final ball was missing for a large part of the game and the usual fantastic talent of Pablo Hernandez seemed lacklustre and could not keep possession for long enough to make anything count.

Garry Monk said that it's something new for the players to experience, but for the fans it certainly isn't. Let's hope that the visit of Bristol City is a different story.

​By Ryan Ingham