Phil Hay reveals ‘oldest prank’ outside Leeds United hotel before Norwich City clash
The “oldest prank in the book” was played on Leeds United ahead of their playoff semi-final clash with Norwich City, as fireworks were set off outside the Whites’ hotel in the early hours of the morning, according to The Athletic’s Phil Hay.
The report on 13 May reveals that fireworks were set off near Sprowston Hall – the hotel the Leeds squad were staying at – at around 1am and 4am.
Leeds played out a 0-0 draw with Norwich at Carrow Road in the first leg of their playoff semi-final on 12 May, with the second leg at Elland Road to come on 16 May.
Can Leeds United beat Norwich City and reach the playoff final?
The first leg of Leeds’ clash with Norwich was a cagey affair, to say the least.
The Whites saw more of the ball, as is customary for them under former Norwich head coach Daniel Farke, but racked up a mere 0.25 xG across the 90 minutes at Carrow Road [FotMob].
If some may see that as evidence that the fireworks prank was a success, Norwich did not fare much better on their own patch, registering just 0.51 xG themselves.
The two sides produced a combined three shots on target in a game where both teams looked more intent on not losing rather than winning.
Leeds even deployed a midfield three of Archie Gray, Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev behind Georginio Rutter, who has spent much of the season behind the centre-forward, in a clear effort to improve solidity in the centre of the park.
It is all set up for a dramatic showdown at Elland Road, then – but both sides will need to show more attacking intent to book their place at Wembley.
In other Leeds United news, a Whites player on a hefty contract is now leaving the club on a permanent basis.
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