Phillips gives Leeds cause to herald new era
There are certain things that do not change despite the start of a new season.
The wet and blustery conditions that welcomed Bolton’s return to the Championship remain the norm in this parish, as does the need for new investment at a club currently operating under the constraints of the Football League salary cap. And if some do change, like Kalvin Phillips scoring twice to double his career tally for Leeds, others do not, such as Chris Wood resuming on his goal-scoring note of last year.
While Leeds head coach Thomas Christiansen conceded there is “no guarantee” Wood will still be at the club come the end of the transfer window, he is optimistic the club will retain a forward whose 27 goals in 44 league games last term have made him instrumental to their cause.
Leeds, who began a seventh consecutive season with a different manager, already appear a different proposition with Andrea Radrizzani now in sole control of the club. There is finally an indication that the club are well placed to take advantage of their rich history.
Alongside Christiansen, eight new players arrived during the summer and their Elland Road stadium, sold amid a financial meltdown in 2004, has finally been returned to club ownership.
The reprisal of another old routine, though, set them on their way here. The Teddy Sheringham corner. Made famous at Tottenham Hotspur two decades ago, the short delivery caught the hosts off-guard and allowed Phillips to sweep the ball into the top left-hand corner with seven minutes on the clock. “It was the first corner but I believe that the team played good football in the first half. We created opportunities,” Christiansen said.
As the volume intensified from almost 5,000 visiting supporters, Leeds doubled their advantage. This time a slick interchange set Kemar Roofe away and when his delivery was headed back towards goal by Ezgjan Alioski, Wood pounced to nod the ball in off the underside of the woodwork.
The aerial route brought Bolton back into it, Gary Madine’s header reducing the arrears from a Josh Vela corner after 39 minutes.
Phillips, who signed a new contract on Friday, restored Leeds’ two-goal cushion three minutes later and, while an Adam Le Fondre penalty ensured a tense finale, Bolton’s day was compounded by injuries to David Wheater and Vela, who was carried off. “The worry for us is that [David] Wheater has come off and Josh [Vela] has had to go to hospital,” said Phil Parkinson, the Bolton manager.
“Sammy Ameobi damaged the cartilage in his knee and has had an operation and, with the restrictions we have from the Football League, we can’t afford to lose too many.” Bolton Wanderers
Subs Leeds United
Subs Referee