Twitter Reacts as Cardiff Stunt Leeds' Championship Title Chances

21 June 2020 03:33

Since last summer, Leeds have been playing like a team possessed. Determined to shake off their growing reputation as the EFL's resident bottle merchants after throwing away the title last term and losing to Derby in the playoffs, prior to the break they were looking unbeatable.


Five wins on the spin without conceding a single goal had seen them recover had seen them recover from a frail February, and they sat a point clear at the top of the division - with seven points between them and third.


With main challengers West Brom dropping points to Fulham on Saturday then, they could hardly have been in a better mood heading into their clash at the Cardiff City stadium. Look, just ask this guy.


But life comes at you fast.


Coming off the back of taking 16 points from 18 games, it seems harsh to say, but in truth it was a performance very much in line with what we've come to expect from Leeds when the ball is in their court.


The pattern was all too familiar; starting well, tailing off, falling behind, and losing the plot. An encouraging start was smashed to pieces when Junior Hoilett powered in an impressive first-half opener, though there were more than a few Leeds players at fault.


The first goal was followed by a touching tribute to Cardiff legend Peter Whittingham, who passed away in March.


Despite Bielsa's increasingly animated touch-line antics, his players failed to respond, and any residue of that pre-match positivity was eradicated completely on 71 minutes when some awful defending - if it can even be described as 'defending' - allowed Robert Glatzel in for an impressive second.


The replies to that one were about exactly what you'd expect - utter carnage, with even Arsenal taking a snide bodying.


Cardiff were well worth their win, and some took that fairly well.


Others not so much.


If anyone was wondering what a football stadium looks like in the current climate, BBC Wales had you covered.


The new surroundings seemed to have a positive effect on a rejuvenated Cardiff, who continued their supernaturally good record against Leeds.


All in all, it wasn't a *complete disaster* for United. WBA and Fulham both dropping points on Saturday mean they've got away with one, just about, but it will feel like an opportunity missed.


The form table, meanwhile, suggests they might well need to improve, or risk becoming English football's laughing stock once again come the end of July.


But while Leeds' slip-up has grabbed the headlines, you'be remiss in not lumping some serious praise in Cardiff's direction. Neil Harris has pieced a struggling team back together, and they are now within goal difference of a playoff spot.


Those hopes of an immediate Premier League return live - just about.


Source: 90min