Leeds United’s automatic promotion hopes are now all but over after Ipswich Town’s victory last night.
The Tractor Boys were in action at Coventry City for their game in hand going into the final day and managed to hold their nerve with an impressive 2-1 victory.
Ipswich now sit three points clear of Leeds going into Saturday’s finale and know they only have to avoid defeat at home to all but mathematically relegated Huddersfield Town to secure promotion.
Leeds will now have to pick themselves up to go again in the play-offs, something Martin O’Neill believes could be difficult. However, it can also be a time for reflection over the mistakes that have been made over the course of the season.
While supporters will understandably be frustrated at Leeds’ form since the international break, it is a 46 game season and there have been moments from across the season which have played a part in this failure.
So, with that in mind, LeedsUnited.news have attempted to narrow it down to three key moments/decisions which look likely to cost Leeds in their push for top two.
Patrick Bamford penalty miss vs Stoke
One of the most bitterly disappointing nights of the season came all the way back in October at a pretty atrocious, out of form Stoke City side.
Daniel Farke opted to make a number of changes to his starting XI that night, which was certainly reflected in a very abject performance. However, Leeds should’ve come away with three points.
With 15 minutes to play, Leeds were awarded a penalty. Despite having missed key spot-kicks against Arsenal and Newcastle United last season, Patrick Bamford again stepped up to take it, despite Crysencio Summerville’s desire to do so.
Bamford then produced one of the worst penalties you will ever see as he blazed it over the bar and into the away end. Just five minutes later, Stoke City then went and found themselves a winner.
That mini spell in the game was the difference between three points and none. All ifs and buts, but had Bamford scored, Leeds would’ve had top two in their hands ahead of Saturday.
Illan Meslier red card vs Preston North End
Fresh from an incredible 4-0 victory over Ipswich just before Christmas, Leeds went into their Boxing Day trip to Deepdale full of confidence.
Having said that, Leeds were poor for the majority of the first half that day, but still managed to go in level at the break, which gave them a chance of three points in the second 45.
However, that all changed just eight minutes after half-time as Illan Meslier got involved in a ridiculous altercation which saw him given a red card for a push to the face on Milutin Osmajic.
While it was unbelievably soft, it gave the referee a decision to make. It also meant Leeds’ backs were to the wall from that moment on, conceding an opener to just four minutes later.
Though Pascal Struijk’s penalty did get Leeds back level, Liam Millar – who had absolutely rinsed Archie Gray all game long amid Farke’s complete refusal to sub him – scored a late winner.
Based on Leeds’ first half performance, it was certainly far from certain the Whites would’ve won the game. However, that red card was a big moment.
Farke decision to change back four vs Watford
Leeds returned following the international break in March with a number of fitness concerns. Willy Gnonto, Ilia Gruev and Connor Roberts all picked up injuries, while Junior Firpo returned late from international duty.
As such, in Leeds’ first game back at Watford, Farke opted to change half of the back four which had been performing so unbelievably well.
Between New Year’s Day and the win over Millwall, Leeds conceded just three goals in 13 matches, none of which were from open play. Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon’s partnership was at the heart of it.
At Vicarage Road, however, Farke moved Ampadu into midfield and brought Liam Cooper in at centre-back. Immediately, Leeds looked considerably more shaky and conceded two before half-time.
Though clearly Farke was a little short on options that night, breaking up that partnership just never should’ve been an option.
Since then, Leeds’ defence just has not been the same. Farke’s side have shipped 13 goals in their last seven matches and who knows how different it could’ve been if the Whites boss never changed it around.
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