Leeds United’s fans have their say on the final day defeat at West Ham and the club’s season as a whole.
Leeds United’s season ended with a 3-0 defeat at West Ham but ultimately comfortable Premier League survival - but have the club’s fans thought to it all? Here is what our YEP Jury have had to say on Sunday’s reverse at the London Stadium but surviving the club’s first season back in the country’s top flight with an FA Cup semi-final appearance to go with it.
NEIL GREWER
If ever there was a game Leeds did not need to win this was it.
Yet, at half-time they should have been ahead with several ‘half-chances’ not being taken and clearly being the better team with the Hammers looking nervous.
The second half was a different story with Leeds having ‘gone to the beach’ during the break. Passing was sloppy at times, decisions poor and players underperforming.
Strangely, Joe Rodon was guilty of looking tired for the first two West Ham first goals (on 67 and 79 minutes) but we can forgive that given the season he has had.
Jaka Bijol was commanding until withdrawn to facilitate a move to 4-4-2 as Daniel Farke chased the game after the first goal.
Substitutes Dan James, Willy Gnonto, Joel Piroe and Facundo Buonanotte failed to ignite Leeds and Callum Wilson completed the scoring in injury time with a shot from outside the area.
So, ultimately the result did not matter given a 14th-place finish and FA Cup semi-final to show for the season – just a shame the unbeaten run came to an end. Marching On Together.
Man of the match: Jaka Bijol.
‘European places looking achievable for a lot of teams’
ANDY RHODES
Although this wasn’t the end to the season Leeds United and Daniel Farke will have hoped for, we can still look back on a successful campaign.
To finish closer to the European places than the relegation zone is a testament to this side and their attitude even in the season’s early months.
For a while, it looked like Leeds and West Ham would be contesting a relegation decider on the final day and, if they had, you suspect it wouldn’t have finished 3-0.
The Whites have never shown the ‘on-the-beach’ attitude, despite being safe for weeks. Injuries, though, have mounted but, fortunately, it hasn’t affected Leeds’ survival.
The summer is crucially important and, with the European places looking achievable for a lot of teams this season, it may give Leeds confidence for the upcoming campaign.
It is important that Leeds make key decisions early and avoid being led down the garden path by bigger targets angling for bigger moves.
Man of the match: Karl Darlow.
DAVID WATKINS
Not a great way to close out the season for Leeds, a lacklustre performance in the main, albeit in heatwave conditions.
It reminded me of the away game at Brighton when we lost by the same score. Having said that, Leeds probably edged the first half with West Ham inevitably showing a few nerves.
There were good chances for both Nmecha and Calvert-Lewin while, at the other end, Pablo had a shot deflected over the Leeds bar, and a long-range Fernandes shot brought the best out of Karl Darlow.
It looked like it was all to play for in the second half but, just before the break, news came through that Spurs had a lead against Everton.
It may have been that news that spurred the home side to greater effort in the second half, but there was still nothing in it until slack marking allowed Taty Castellanos to head home in the 67th minute.
Conceding so late and in the debilitating heat, it was no surprise Leeds didn’t have the appetite to fight back, and a poor pass from Pascal Struijk then led to Jarrod Bowen going through to finish well, and more poor closing down allowed Callum Wilson to fire home.
It was a poor performance, but the fans enjoyed the sunshine, and it’s now all about rigging the ship for next season.
Man of the match: Karl Darlow.
‘All with Ampadu traffic cones on their heads’
KEITH INGHAM
Leeds finished their league season with a less-than-impressive performance at West Ham.
First half wasn’t that bad but, after wholesale changes, we allowed them to dominate proceedings and they ended up winning 3-0. The less said about the defending for all three goals is probably best.
I’d like to look back on the positives of this first season back in the Premier League so here’s my high’s and a few lows.
Best games: Chelsea H, Liverpool H, Palace H, Man U A. Best Moment: Walking up Wembley Way after waiting my whole life to see my team play in an FA Cup semi-final.
Worst Moment: The final whistle at Wembley and walking out of the ground.
Funniest Moment: A group of fans at Wembley all with Ampadu traffic cones on their heads in tribute to Ethan Ampadu’s celebration on the celebration tour of Leeds.
Goals of the Season: Calvert-Lewin at Sunderland, Anton Stach’s free kick at Villa and, of course, Noah Okafor’s two at old Trafford.
Player of the Season: Anton Stach.
Worst Signing: Facundo Buenanotte.
I’ve really enjoyed this season and I just hope there is now sensible recruitment. Enjoy the summer and, maybe, just maybe, England might get further in the World Cup than I expect.
Man of the match: Nobody stood out at West Ham.
Despite the return of Jayden Bogle and Pascal Struijk, the Whites line-up looked disjointed.
This was mainly because of a depleted midfield. Nevertheless, for the first hour, they traded blow for blow with Hammers in the sweltering heat.
Taty Castellanos out-jumped the Leeds defence for the first West Ham goal and, 12 minutes later, an uncharacteristic defensive error let Jarrod Bowen in for the Hammers’ second.
The game was effectively over when Callum Wilson hit a screamer to make it 3-0.
West Ham managed to do what they have been unable to do for most of the season and they have paid the price for it while it would be churlish to criticize the Whites after their magnificent season.
Better to reflect on their achievements on their return to the Premier League: 47 points, 14th position, the win at Old Trafford and a good cup run were certainly the highlights.
Their 'roadto-Damascus' moment came in November against Manchester City and, since then, they have become a very hard side to beat, even improving their previously dire away form.
Thanks for the memories lads, have a safe summer and see you in August.
Man of the match: Ethan Ampadu.
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