Leeds vs QPR Match Report

A match report live from Saturdays clash against QPR at Elland Road.

Stats:

-Leeds only conceded 2 goals in last 5 games against QPR.
-QPR last four games have finished 2-1 to the home side (3 times in their favour)
-Wood (out against Fulham) has scored 22/50 goals for Leeds - 44%

Form:

QPR: WWLWW
Leeds: WDWWD
Last 5 home games vs QPR: WDWLD
Last 5 games vs QPR: LDLDL

Leeds: Green, Ayling, Bartley, Jansson, Berardi, Bridcutt, Vieira, Roofe, Hernandez, Pedraza, Wood Subs: Silvestri, Cooper, Doukara, O’Kane, Dallas, Taylor, Sacko

QPR: Smithies, Furlong, Hall, Onuoha, Lynch, Bidwell, Wszolek, Luongo, Freeman, Washington, Smith Subs: Goss, Mackie, Ingram, Ngakoto, Sylla, Manning, Morrison

The Game:

A drab draw at Elland Road as Leeds failed to break down a very counter attacking QPR team that came with a plan to snuff Leeds out.

Talismanic striker Chris Wood was largely marked out of the game with QPR opting to stick three defenders next to the New Zealand forward in a very astute 5-3-2 formation.

A game of very few but significant chances, Leeds had opportunities with a few clever break aways but once again could not offer a good enough final ball to make their chances count.

QPR started the game very well and had two glorious opportunities fall to striker Conor Washington. The Norther Irish forward was unable to convert from a ball that dropped to him in the six yard box and then Rob Green making his 600th career appearance stopped an onrushing Washington to prevent an early shocker.

Luke Ayling then made sure that he was returning to a happy wife and newborn as he followed through on a lost ball and picked up his 10th yellow of the season. He will now miss the games against Brighton and Reading.

Leeds then came into gear as a beautiful cross field ball found Kemar Roofe lurking on the left hand side. With a dropped shoulder he marched into the area only for his shot to be deflected wide.

Man-marked Chris Wood’s luck did not change for the better in the second half as he was put through on two occasions only to be judged offside.

Had Sacko was then brought on to make difference and at times looked deadly. Unfortunately for Leeds he still seems to be pissing a good pair of shooting boots.

Head of Content Keith Ingham called Leeds pedestrian at best and you can see why as Leeds showed a lack of urgency to grab a scruffy goal in front of the kop.

The referee then received a rapturous atmosphere as he made howler after howler in the final 10 minutes.

Leeds failed to pick up what could be a vital three points in the promotion race as Sheffield Wednesday, Reading and Newcastle all dropped points. Fulham however were able to claim three more points making it 6 points and a game in hand between the Londoners and Leeds.

Post Match:

Garry Monk: Never did enough to win. Usually high standards at Elland Road. Poor mentality, but it's still a point.

No excuses for the busy weak. Didn't reach their usual performance. Nine huge games left and the club is fighting like hell to pick up points.

Ian Holloway: Happy with the teams performance but thought that they could have stole a win. Pleased with his pre-season prediction for Leeds, Huddersfield fans still hate him.

Pleased with how Garry Monk has got Leeds working, knows he'll be successful because he improves players.

Championship is one of the best leagues going, doesn't know why any club would want to leave. Premier league is boring and I've been there.

By Ryan Ingham