This was Leeds’ first game of their mini festive period, and it wouldn’t be easy against a Burnley team just starting to get their mojo back.
Could Leeds record their 3rd home win of the season and bounce back from their thrashing they got at Old Trafford last week?
It was played at Elland Road on Sunday lunchtime.
Reference for picture: https://www.facebook.com/LeedsUnited/photos/a.232234313594754/1866939020124267
After four minutes, Ayling played a long ball which went between Burnley’s two centre halves, and Bamford latched onto it, and got fouled by Pope the Burnley goalkeeper and a penalty was awarded to Leeds. Bamford stepped up and confidently dispatched it, to give Leeds United an early lead.
Three minutes later, good play by Leeds and Alioski put over.
After a quarter of a hour, Harrison ball to Raphinha but his header was over the bar but he was offside anyway.
Three minutes later, a controversial moment as Mee was deemed to have fouled Meslier, and Barnes spun and scored superbly, but it was ruled out due to the alleged foul by Mee.
After half an hour, Raphinha squared to Klich and Pope saved.
Three minutes alter, a good cross by Burnley and Wood’s header just wide.
With five minutes of the first half remaining, Raphinha’s shot saved easily by Pope.
The last first half action was an Alioski cross and Rodrigo heading over.
Halftime score: Leeds United 1-0 Burnley
So a half which Leeds on the whole dominated , but their passing was a bit wayward, and Burnley may have felt unlucky not to be level with their goal getting ruled out, would the second half change things or would Leeds win or push on?
After 53 minutes, Lowton’s shot saved.
Three minutes later, Brownhill’s shot saved.
Two minutes later, another Brownhill shot saved. Burnley were improving and on top, could they find an equaliser?
After 66 minutes, Dallas’ shot curled over
After 70 minutes, Hernandez ran a long way and he tried to place it, but Pope saved and the corner came to nothing.
Two minutes later, Wood flicked on to Barnes who did a powerful shot but Meslier saved, original corner cleared and the 2nd corner came to nothing.
With ten minutes remaining, Rodriguez shot over for Burnley.
After 86 minutes, Barnes shot saved by Meslier and the corner came to nothing.
In stoppage time, a Burnley freekick was tipped over by Meslier, then Alioski cleared.
Fulltime score: Leeds United 1-0 Burnley
So a scrappy win for Leeds but nevertheless an important win for Leeds against tricky opponents.
Highlights of this game below:
It was a win that took Leeds upto 11th in the Premier League table on 20 points, but after Wolves drew with Tottenham later on Sunday, it nudged Leeds down just one place to 12th.
Next up for Leeds is their final game of 2020 away to West Brom on Tuesday December 29th at 6pm at the Hawthorns, with Sam Allardyce now in charge of West Brom.
