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Leeds put in good performance on night that had much bigger meaning – Match Report

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Image for Leeds put in good performance on night that had much bigger meaning – Match Report

Title-chasing Middlesbrough came to Elland Road in the hope to attain
the much-needed three points in an attempt to leap-frog Hull City.

The home side haven’t been in the goals at Elland Road recently,
scoring just four goals in their last five.

With the signing of striker Jordan Rhodes from Blackburn for a modest
£9m, you could say that the away side were going in to the game with
high hopes.




Boro went in to the game instantly on the back foot, as United looked
to get off the mark almost instantly. Perhaps the best chance from
this period of pressure came from Dallas, who’s header just looped
over the goal, leaving no stress for Konstantopoulos

Boro tried to reply by adding on the pressure, but the ball was
cleared off the line by Giuseppe Bellusci after a scramble of sorts in
the box. Not long after this chance, United’s Teesside rivals had a
goal disallowed for offside after the £9m signing Jordan Rhodes
thought he had bagged his 12th of the season.

Three minutes in to the second half, Elland Road played tribute to
former BBC Teesside radio presenter Ali Brownlee, who recently passed
away, age just 56.

As the second half went on, both sides were looking for a much-needed
goal to break the deadlock.

Chances were going by for the two sides, as Jordan Rhodes headed wide,
and not for the first time this game. Doukara also nearly getting on
the score sheet with a downwards header, although was denied by one of
the saves of the season by Konstantopolous.

As the game reached it’s ending point, both sides were trying to force
a mistake, and mistakes were made. Boro went down to 10-men as Ben
Gibson’s late tackle on Lee Erwin forced the referee’s hand and he
showed him his second yellow of the game.

The game ended at a goalless draw. Leeds may feel discontent & unlucky
with a draw, what with the chances they created being more than enough
to grab a goal, but Boro defended valiantly, and also wasted their
fair share of opportunities to gain the lead.

After the game, Evans said that his side were “fortunate” that Rhodes
missed his late chance, although a 1-0 win to Middlesbrough would’ve
been a “big injustice”. “Aitor Karanka will feel very lucky”, he
added.

The game was somewhat over-shadowed by prior events.

Before the game, projections were shown on the East Stand in protest
of Massimo Cellino’s tenure at Leeds United.

Evans was asked to comment on the issue, but said it wasn’t his place
to, “get involved.” Although, he went on to add that, “supporters are
the life blood of any club.”

There’s no doubt that Massimo Cellino will see the projections,
regardless of geographical location.

The images went viral on social media. Reaching the BBC & the biggest
magazine for sport in France, L’Equipe.

A good effort on the pitch by the players, and an even better effort
off the pitch by the fans to get their voices heard.

In their next game, United face Premier League opposition away from
home in the form of Watford, as United look to extend their cup run.

Evans mentioned that Chris Wood may have a chance at starting, but is
still a major doubt.

The next league game for Leeds United will be Fulham at home next
Tuesday for an evening kick off. Leeds would be looking to close out
another prolific striker as former whites skipper, and now Fulham
leading goalscorer, Ross McCormack returns to Elland Road.

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