Gary Lineker makes ‘turgid’ admission after Leeds United playoff clash v Norwich City
Gary Lineker has admitted that the playoff clash between Leeds United and Norwich City was part of a “turgid” weekend of Championship action.
Daniel Farke’s side picked up a reasonable first-leg result at Carrow Road as they drew 0-0 on Sunday (12 May) leaving the tie firmly in the balance ahead of the return fixture at Elland Road on Thursday (16 May).
In the other semi-final, West Brom and Southampton also drew a blank at The Hawthorns and while Lineker admitted he found that game more entertaining, he was disappointed with the lack of goalmouth action.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football (13 May, 0:43) he said: “I don’t know about you two but I sat and watched three football matches today and saw one goal.
“The two playoff games were pretty turgid, to be honest. I thought West Brom and Southampton got a bit lively towards the end, but it was all cautious wasn’t it and then of course the big game at Old Trafford.”
Will Leeds United beat Norwich City and win the playoffs under Daniel Farke?
While Lineker and most of the neutrals watching would have agreed the game wasn’t a great watch, the result was a good one for Leeds United and it leaves them in an excellent position to book their place at Wembley.
There is always a feeling in the playoffs that you will typically be okay if you can win at your home ground. Farke’s side may not have yet managed that, but they have stopped the Canaries from taking a lead at Carrow Road.
It won’t be easy to beat David Wagner’s side, especially with Patrick Bamford sidelined and Josh Sargent expected to be fit after a late injury scare, but for so much of the season, the Whites have made Elland Road a fortress under Farke.
Hopefully, the Leeds crowd can help push their side over the line once again and help them book their place at Wembley. Farke and the supporters won’t mind if it is turgid once again as long as the Whites find a way to win.
In other Leeds United news, one journalist has been named the frontrunner to sign Luke Ayling following his Elland Road exit
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