Sky Bet Championship
Leeds United 3 (Piroe 67’, Byram 70’, Anthony 89’)
Watford 0
Leeds: Meslier (GK), Ampadu, Cooper (C), Piroe (Gray 84’), Kamara (Gruev 90’), Summerville (Anthony 80’), Shackleton (Ayling 90’), James (Poveda 84’), Struijk, Rutter, Byram. Subs not used: Darlow (GK), Cresswell, Gelhardt, Joseph.
Watford: Bachmann (GK) (C), Sierralta, Hoedt, Porteous, Lewis (Chakvetadze 80’), Ince (Dele-Bashiru 45’), Rajovic, Louza (Asprilla 68’), Kone (Kayembe 45’), Martins (Bayo 45’), Andrews. Subs not used: Roberts (GK), Ngakia, Pollock, Morris.
Venue: Elland Road
Attendance: 36,236
Referee: Jeremy Simpson
Booked: Rutter (Leeds) Andrews, Bayo (Watford)
Leeds United returned to Elland Road to face Watford in this Sky Bet Championship clash on Saturday afternoon and put in an excellent display, claiming a fourth successive clean sheet in the three-goal victory!
The Whites were back on home turf, having faced their previous two opponents away from home, claiming four points from trips to Millwall and Hull City earlier in the week.
Separated by just a point prior to the match, this would be another battle in West Yorkshire as each side looked to take maximum points and the first half would end with no goals scored, despite Leeds dominating for large parts.
Between the posts for Watford, Daniel Bachmann would quickly be forced into an early save from Ethan Ampadu’s powerful strike, which the ‘keeper did superbly well to get a hand on and punch clear.
That would be the first of many for the goalie, as he then denied Georginio Rutter from close range. Rutter would then beat the ‘keeper and find the bottom corner, only to see the offside flag correctly raised to deny him.
United’s number 24 was having a growing influence on the match and causing problems throughout with his strength, power and skill on the ball.
Further efforts came, with Crysencio Summerville twice hitting the target but being denied by the 'keeper. However, despite the dominance, Watford held on until the break and the teams went in on level terms.
HALF TIME: Leeds United 0-0 Watford
The Hornets made a triple change at the break. Having offered rare attacking threat in the opening 45 minutes, they brought on Vakoun Bayo, Tom Dele-Bashiru and Ego Kayembe to try and change that.
Leeds kept pressing forward though and turned the game on its head after the clock had ticked passed the hour mark, by scoring two goals in three minutes, converting the chances into goals.
The first came after clever work from Rutter in the midfield once again, setting Dan James free on the wing. He had work to do and picked out a pinpoint cross to Joel Piroe at the back post, allowing the striker to volley home the opener.
Just three minutes later, it would be two. Again James claimed the assist, this time crossing into the box from a corner and finding the head of Sam Byram, who powered home into the net for the second.
After the goals, Watford then had their best chance of the game. Two players from the bench combined when Bayo crossed for Yaser Asprilla, who struck wide from inside the box when well placed.
Farke made his first change with 10 minutes remaining. Another energetic performance from Summerville saw the winger replaced by Jaidon Anthony for his Elland Road debut.
Showing his quick feet and freshness, Anthony quickly carved out an opening for himself. The winger nutmegged Ryan Porteous on the edge of the box and cut back onto his right foot, only to see Bachmann make another good save.
However, he wasn’t to be denied moments later. A stunning run from Rutter again through the heart of midfield saw the forward release his teammate into the box, where Anthony collected and found the bottom corner with his right foot.
All supporting Leeds United inside Elland Road were already up and applauding after three second half goals and the final whistle raised the noise even further, confirming an excellent three points.
FULL TIME: Leeds United 3-0 Watford
