Window of Opportunity as Leeds head to St Andrew's
Leeds United head to Birmingham City this Friday looking to maintain their firm grip on a play-off spot. United go there on the back of a tense derby win over Sheffield Wed and will be backed by another vociferous travelling support.
A little under a year ago Leeds visited the same arena, devoid of inspiration after yet another insipid season marred by off-field drama and a lack of unity all too apparent within the squad. They ran out 2-1 winners in the end but despite having a 2 goal lead at half time they almost contrived to throw the 3 points away. Chronic defensive weaknesses yet again threatened to derail them, with fragile goalkeeper Marco Silvestri targeted via an aerial bombardment in the second half. In the end Leeds survived the onslaught to record a good win.
The game itself was pretty meaningless from a Leeds perspective with yet another season spent meandering aimlessly in the Championship under the chaotic ownership of Massimo Cellino. Uwe Rosler had been sacked after just 11 games with his replacement Steve Evans faring little better as he failed to see beyond the end of the season as Cellino’s notorious lack of patience became apparent once more. Brief flickers of light under Evans such as the rousing 2-1 win against Hull were undermined by listless defeats to the likes of relegation strugglers Rotherham. The season ended with Leeds mired in mid-table mediocrity, finishing 15th and having endured a club record 11 game winless run at Elland Road stretching back to March 2015.
How times have changed. The surprise appointment of Garry Monk in June heralded the dawn of a bright new era for the football club. Having dispensed with the services of Evans, many fans were stunned by the hiring of a manager that had not too long before that showcased his credentials by leading Swansea City to their highest ever finish in the Premier League and been linked with the England manager job.
Monk’s appointment immediately brought a renewed sense of optimism amongst the Elland Road faithful and that he could be the manager to finally restore Premier League football to Leeds. He has done an outstanding job so far with Leeds well placed in 4th. Leeds’ soft underbelly has been cured while crippling defensive weaknesses have been firmly eradicated. A rocky start had fans worried that Cellino could yet again wield the axe but a late winner from summer signing Kyle Bartley at home to Blackburn earned Monk a reprieve and he hasn’t looked back since. A strong spine has contributed to United’s success with former England goalkeeper Rob Green looking a shrewd signing. Bartley has formed an impressive centre back partnership with charismatic Swede Pontus Jansson. Jansson has played not only a pivotal role in defending but also in helping to bridge a gap between players and fans. Combative midfielder Liam Bridcutt returned in the summer and adds vital leadership and experience in midfield. Classy Spaniard Pablo Hernandez possesses creativity and flair in abundance behind talisman Chris Wood, who reached 20 league goals on Saturday.
All in all Leeds look good value for a play-off spot. With a 10 point gap to 2nd place automatic promotion looks unlikely but a Top 6 finish will represent United’s best finish since 2011 and enhance hopes of a return to the top flight after 13 long years out of it. United need a maximum of 5 wins from 12 to secure a play-off spot and Birmingham look there for the taking given their wretched form since the baffling sacking of Gary Rowett. The main selection dilemma for Monk revolves around the irrepressible Gaetano Berardi, who has filled in admirably at left back in the absence of fit-again Charlie Taylor.
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