BBC journalist Adam Pope has posted footage of the Elland Road pitch ahead of the Premier League game between Leeds United and Crystal Palace tonight.
The pitch is on everyone’s mind after it was replaced prior to the defeat against Everton last time out.
The Leeds players struggled to keep their feet on the surface with BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson saying he had heard that it was “like it had been treated with olive oil”.
There was also worry from some fans that more adverse weather would have affected the pitch and possibly even put the fixture in doubt tonight.
It takes a lot more than a bit of snow and rain to see off a Premier League fixture, though, especially with no concerns over fan safety.
And, in footage posted on Monday evening, we’re pleased to report that the pitch looks absolutely perfect, with one fan describing it as a “carpet.”
You can see the Elland Road pitch in all of its glory below.
Quick look at the pitch at ER ahead of #lufc v Palace. pic.twitter.com/quj4nZtg8X
— Adam Pope (@apopey) February 8, 2021
Breakfast TV presenter Mike Bushell made mention of the issues that Leeds players had suffered last time out, saying, “Hopefully not too much ‘olive oil’ this time Adam.”
Hopefully not too much “olive oil” this time Adam
— Mike Bushell (@mikebreakfast) February 8, 2021
We hope that the Leeds players have spent some time testing different studs on the surface after Marcelo Bielsa made mention of the problem in his post-Everton press conference.
It would also be good to get a win on the surface before some fans can make even more of the ‘London curse’ after we purchased the pitch from rivals Tottenham.
Here are the best reactions to the footage…
Obviously solution…… pic.twitter.com/Q4HrTzg1dZ
— Frainy_180 (@frainy_180) February 8, 2021
Zamboni been out for tonight yet? 😉 pic.twitter.com/9xEEluTOfK
— Stephen Elliott (@selliott92) February 8, 2021
Looks can be deceiving. 😁
Hopefully not as much slipping tonight.
— Martin Canning (@martincanning40) February 8, 2021
Looks great,was worried about the snow
— Russ💙💛🏆 (@russcausier) February 8, 2021
@sb_kieran_90 looks grand
— lee speight (@vinnyboy123) February 8, 2021
Looks fabulous – was worried the game would be cancelled due to snow – phew 🥰
— Lizzy Wood (@Lizzyloo88) February 8, 2021
Looks good 🤣 pic.twitter.com/HE6S69WMpR
— Sean O’Connell (@finbarferocious) February 8, 2021
Looking good. Here’s hoping for 3 points tonight. Come on Leeds!
— Jonathan Brook (@JonathanBrook84) February 8, 2021
Like carpet.
— mick coughlan (@revie61) February 8, 2021
Like carpet.
— mick coughlan (@revie61) February 8, 2021
Game on, would love 3 points tonight with it being my birthday 🎂😁🥳🍺👍
— Peter Rooke (@p_rooke) February 8, 2021
Looks brilliant, can’t wait
— AllNervesAren’tWe? (@FootyIns) February 8, 2021
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay claims never-seen 19y/o Leeds attacker ‘the pick’ after early team news v Palace