5 things we learned

5 things we learned from the win over Brighton

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What a win and what an atmosphere, possibly the best game since Bristol Rovers? The game taught us a lot, first of all:



1) Leeds can win and play well without Pontus Jansson – When the team came out, I and many others were instantly worried about the game when I saw that Cooper was playing, with Jansson on the bench. Cooper stepped up and fair play to him, played at an extremely high level. The shot he had at Green could have happened to anyone and was unlucky, to say he hasn’t played much recently to put in that performance against one of the best teams in the league was extremely impressive. It’s been a good few days for him, being called up to the Scotland squad.



2) Rob Green has earned his contract extension – Another game, another clean sheet, another great game from Rob Green. His reaction save from Cooper was unreal, he dealt with every ball into the box and made a few other key saves too. After a shaky start he’s been a massive player for us, just as important as Chris Wood. If we get promoted, he’ll be a good teacher to another keeper, presuming we sign one.



3) Chris Wood physically can’t stop scoring – Even when he missed a few chances yesterday, I always had faith in him to find the back of the net and he did just that. He’s now got 24 league goals to his name, 27 in total. I still can’t believe just how well he’s doing, he’s looking like he could score at a higher level with the rate he takes his chances at.



4) We have a fullback dilemma – Ayling is still suspended from another game so Berardi and Taylor will start against Reading, but then what? Say Berardi and Taylor play exceptionally well again, who starts after that? Luke Ayling has been great this season but so have Taylor and Berardi. Berardi is my favourite current Leeds player but Ayling has been so good this season I’d find it really hard to drop him. At least it’s a nice problem to have.



5) Automatic promotion is still a possibility? – We’re currently 8 points behind Brighton and 9 behind Newcastle, with them still to play. It seems ridiculous but what if Brighton go on one of their typical bottling runs and we just keep winning? Saturday’s game felt like one of those season defining games and I really think we have a chance. If not, I’d fancy us against anyone at Elland Road, especially with Fulham starting to falter.

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