The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Monday 9th January) Wing backs wreak havoc against Forest
Good Morning. It's Monday 9th February, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Wing backs wreak havoc Forest
The wing-back threat proved to be a game-changer for Leeds United as they took on Nottingham Forest on Friday evening, with their dynamic duo of Gabriel Gudmundsson and Jayden Bogle wreaking havoc down the flanks. From the opening 15 minutes, it was clear that Leeds had identified Forest's vulnerability down the left channel, and Gudmundsson was quick to exploit it, leaving Zach Abbott, Nicolas Dominguez, and Elliot Anderson in his wake. The Swedish wing-back's pace and delivery caused chaos in the Forest box, with numerous venomous crosses testing the visitors' resolve.
Leeds' tactic of targeting Forest's weak spots was a clever ploy, and it paid dividends as the hosts took control of the game. With the security of a back three, Leeds' wing-backs were given the freedom to roam, and Bogle's superb diagonal run from deep in his own half was the catalyst for the opening goal. Latching onto a stunning through-ball from Gruev, Bogle's surging run ended with him slotting the ball past Ortega, sending the Elland Road faithful delirious.
The Whites could have taken the lead a few minutes earlier, when James Justin's delightful outswinging cross (hugging the left flank) found Dominic Calvert-Lewin, whose header crashed against the bar. But it wasn't long before Leeds doubled their advantage, with Bogle's surging run down the right channel setting up Justin, who delivered a pinpoint cross for Okafor to slot home from the edge of the six-yard box.
Leeds' third goal, which put the game to bed just four minutes into the second half, was again orchestrated by Bogle's pace and directness. His run down the right channel ended with Gruev's shot being intercepted by Calvert-Lewin, who cleverly chested the ball past Ortega who was diving in the opposite direction. By the time Forest grabbed a late consolation goal, the game was already wrapped up, and Leeds had secured a valuable three points to move onto 29 points from 26 games.
Throughout the match, Leeds' wing-backs were the key to unlocking Forest's defense, with their pace, energy, and delivery causing chaos in the box. Gudmundsson, in particular, was a thorn in Forest's side, with his constant probing and testing of the visitors' backline. With the freedom to roam, Leeds' dynamic duo was able to express themselves and cause problems for Forest all game long.
The victory was a testament to Daniel Farke tactical acumen, as he identified Forest's weaknesses and exploited them to great effect. The use of a back three gave Leeds the security to push their wing-backs high up the pitch, and it was a tactic that paid off in spades. As the season enters its final stretch, Leeds will be looking to build on this impressive performance and continue to climb the table. With their wing-backs in such devastating form, they will be a force to be reckoned with in the coming weeks.
Hammers fans target safety at Leeds expense
West Ham's impressive 2-0 win at Burnley over the weekend has sent a clear message that the Hammers are far from ready to relinquish their top-flight status. By closing the gap between themselves and Leeds to six points, with Nottingham Forest sandwiched in between, West Ham has reignited the relegation battle. The East Londoners have been on a roll, recording three wins in their last four games, a streak that would have been even more impressive had they not succumbed to a crushing collapse at Chelsea several weeks ago, where they squandered a 2-0 lead.
If not for that dismal performance, West Ham would be topping the form guide, a testament to their resilience and determination. With 23 points collected from 25 games so far this season, the Hammers have reached a milestone that is worth noting. The last time an 18th-placed team amassed such a high points tally after 25 games was during the 2019-2020 season, when West Ham themselves recorded 24 points from 25 games, ultimately escaping relegation with 39 points, at the expense of 16th-placed Bournemouth.
Nottingham Forest, however, cannot be overlooked in the relegation mix, but boast a far more impressive array of talent, that has most fans convinced that either West Ham or Leeds will occupy the final relegation slot. West Ham's recent form has injected a sense of optimism among their fans, who believe that their team can navigate the treacherous waters of relegation at Leeds expense. Both Leeds (away at Stamford Bridge), and West Ham entertaining Manchester Utd face the most in-form teams in the Country right now. Leeds will be desperate to keep their six point advantage in-tact and will look upon the reverse fixture two months ago for inspiration, when the Whites destroyed Chelsea 3-1 at Elland Road.
As the season enters its final stretch, the Hammers will need to maintain their momentum and continue to pick up crucial points if they hope to avoid the drop. With their top-flight legacy on the line, West Ham will undoubtedly be fighting tooth and nail to ensure their survival, making the remainder of the season a thrilling and unpredictable ride for fans of all teams involved in the relegation battle.
The Hammers' resurgence has also raised questions about the fate of Leeds, who are now looking over their shoulders, aware that West Ham is hot on their heels. As the tension builds, the relegation battle is shaping up to be one of the most intense and dramatic in recent memory, with West Ham, Leeds, and Nottingham Forest all vying to avoid the dreaded drop. With each passing game, the stakes will only continue to rise, making every point count in the quest for survival.