Adam Elliott

Sat 21 December 2019 11:04, UK

This column is part of a regular series from our panel of Leeds United Super Fans. Each week, our Super Fans will deliver their verdicts on the biggest talking points and news stories around Elland Road and Thorp Arch 

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It felt like a loss didn’t it? 3-0 up and playing arguably the best game and football of our season so far.

The Whites were head and shoulders above Neil Harris’ side. Then, an absolutely shambolic last 30 minutes threw away the game.

There was an ominous feel of last season creeping in, a distinct loss of control, and mental fragility leading to some basic errors. Leeds ripped through Cardiff with ease for 60 minutes and looked every bit the side who had put a 10 game unbeaten run together before a couple of moments of magic from Lee Tomlin and Sean Morrison snatched away the extra two points.

It wasn’t all bad news for Leeds. Hernandez played arguably the pass of the season for the first goal… it was a sublime assist and Costa continues his hot streak of form at the moment. Bamford collected his eighth and ninth goals of the season too and looks full of confidence once again. 

The issue is that the game left many fans with flashbacks to the games against Derby and Wigan at the end of last season. Leeds had only conceded 10 goals in the league and never more than two in one game going into Saturday’s game. Records are obviously there to be broken but Leeds’ consistency for shutting out games and maintaining control has been apparent all season; a real central part of their game. 

The main positive to take is that Leeds still remain unbeaten since October the 5th, and can put this disappointing draw right with a win against Fulham today.

If they manage that they will have 50 points at the exact halfway point of the season and on course for a 100-point season. That’s a huge marker to put down.

This is a Fulham side completely out of form and lacking in confidence. A win would put Leeds 15 points clear of their hotly tipped promotion rivals; how’s that for incentive lads?

It is easier said than done with Fulham boasting a wealth of attacking talent with the likes of Cairney, Mitrović, Cavaleiro, Knockaert, and Reid on their books. But nothing seems to be clicking for them at the moment having lost the last three games. This is a real opportunity for Leeds but it would only take a couple of those players to turn up and Leeds will have problems. 

Skipper Liam Cooper’s return appears timely to say the least, but he could have his hands full – Tom Cairney’s recent record over Leeds is truly excellent. He has played 10 career games against us, won five and drawn five of them… again, records are there to be broken, right?

Adam Elliott is a member of the MOT Super Fans panel and provides his post-match thoughts on Leeds after every game

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