Leeds United returned to their home turf for the second time this week, facing off against Bristol City.
The Whites had triumphed over Queens Park Rangers at Elland Road on Wednesday evening. They now squared up against the confident Robins, who had also secured a victory midweek against Rotherham United.
Daniel Farke introduced two changes for this match, bringing Glen Kamara and Dan James back into the XI to take on Nigel Pearson’s team.
Leeds had two promising opportunities early in the game. Sam Byram set up Crysencio Summerville, who provided a cross for Georginio Rutter, but the striker failed to find the mark.
Shortly after, Ethan Ampadu seized the ball on the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike, only to be thwarted by a splendid diving save from Max O’Leary.
In a closely contested first half where Leeds dominated possession, the pressure eventually paid off with the opening goal. Georginio delivered a cross from the right, and waiting at the back post was James, who calmly slotted the ball home with his left foot.
The Robins had seen little of the ball, but within four minutes of added time, they equalised through Kal Naismith. Following a deflection that sent the initial effort wide, a corner was granted. Naismith rose highest in the box to nod a header into the net, leveling the scores just before the halftime whistle.
HALF TIME: Leeds United 1-1 Bristol City
No changes were made during the break, allowing both sets of starting players to come out in search of a winner.
Leeds reclaimed the lead with their first genuine effort on target after the break. Glen Kamara passed the ball to goal-scorer Joel Piroe on the edge of the box. Piroe steadied himself before driving the ball low into the net.
In a game marked by scrappiness, chances were scarce as both teams battled for possession in midfield.
A chance was crafted by the nimble feet of Georginio. He broke through the midfield and played it left to Summerville, who advanced into the box and fired a left-footed shot, only to be met by O’Leary’s exceptional save, tipping the ball onto the post and wide.
Moments later, the same combination nearly produced another chance. This time, Georginio crossed to the back post for Summerville, who stretched out fully to connect with the ball but couldn’t quite steer it on target.
Chances were now flowing, and Leeds eventually found the back of the net, only to be denied by the flag. Sam Byram saw his goal-bound effort saved by O’Leary, and Georginio converted the rebound, but was ruled offside.
A crucial opportunity at the other end meant Leeds had to remain focused and vigilant. Sam Byram was perfectly positioned to clear off the line from Andreas Weimann’s header following a corner.
In the final 15 minutes of the match, Farke made three substitutions to help secure the three points. Jaidon Anthony and Patrick Bamford were the first to enter, followed by Liam Cooper, Luke Ayling, and Ilia Gruev in stoppage time.
After an additional six minutes, the final whistle blew, bringing the game to an end and securing another three points for Farke’s side as they head into the international break.
FULL TIME: Leeds United 2-1 Bristol City
