DALLAS CALMS THE NERVES AS LEEDS WOBBLE
THE documentary makers from Amazon returned to Elland Road last night and with it came a suspicion of stage fright among Marcelo Bielsa’s Championship leaders.
It was at this juncture last season, with seven games remaining and a 1-0 defeat at Birmingham, that the cameras captured the onset of a collapse that would see Leeds win just twice more and lose in a play-off semi-final to Derby. The resulting television series —
Take Us Home — was a little too polished and did not climax with the promotion for which they hoped. Plans for a second season were shelved.
But the production team are back and what they witnessed would have felt entirely familiar, an unconvincing performance at the business end of the campaign.
Stay At Home would perhaps be an apt title this time given the empty stands. Not that fans would have enjoyed this, save for the sight of Stuart Dallas rescuing the point that keeps them six clear of third.
The matchday programme carried a front cover of former captain Gordon Strachan lifting the First Division title 28 years ago. But the remainder of this season is not about lifting trophies for Leeds, it’s simply about elevation back to the top flight after 16 years away. Perhaps that explains the nerves.
Luton’s Callum McManaman got last night’s game off to a fiery start within 60 seconds of kick-off as he thundered through Jack Harrison at the expense of a yellow card.
Those on the touchline erupted in protest, the hosts in fury at the challenge, the visitors to contest the booking. Only Luton coach Mick Harford — hitman and hardman of old — remained motionless on the bench, barring a shrug of indifference at the whole furore.
Come half-time that feeling of disinterest was the overriding emotion among every other observer inside Elland Road. It was a half low on incident and even lower on quality.
For all they see of the ball — 72 per cent possession after 45 minutes — Leeds can have spells where they do little with it.
Defender Luke Ayl in g’ s commentary was informative, his frustration at the lack of movement in front of him audible to all.
Pablo Hernandez was a half-time introduction against Fulham on Saturday and his wizardry was the difference in a 3-0 victory.
Bielsea again chose to keep the 35-year-old next to him in the dugout during the first half and it was a surprise when he remained there entering the second. And so it was that a change by opposite number Nathan Jones was to break the tedium and the deadlock. Harry Cornick, on at half- time, had barely touched the ball five minutes later when he was sent clear in the inside left channel.
He looked a little rusty, too, as he checked his run, seemingly in search of back-up. He did not need it, instead digging out a rightfooted curler that arched beyond the fingertips of Illan Meslier and into the far corner.
At least it served as a livener for the home side, who were only denied an equaliser when Luton goalkeeper Simon Sluga produced a fine double save to palm clear a Kalvin Phillips free-kick before blocking Ezgjan Alioski’s follow-up.
Belatedly, on the hour, on came Hernandez. Within three minutes Leeds were level.
However, it was fellow sub Alioski the creator as Dallas swept home his pass from 12 yards.