Leeds United were a side in the depths of a slump in form. Four defeats in six was testament to that. That’s what made today’s game against Middlesbrough so vital.
It was a game coming off the back of a weak display against Norwich City last time out at Elland Road, a display where Leeds were tamed by a 3-1 defeat.
For both the players and the fans, it was a game which demanded a bounceback performance. Whilst today’s performance was hardly one to catch the eyes, the 1-1 draw was a valuable point for the Whites that puts them back at the top of the Championship pile. For the moment.
Norwich City play tomorrow in what will be a bitterly contested derby encounter against Ipswich Town. Leeds scored a late consolation against Norwich City, but it was an even later equaliser by the Whites in today’s game against Middlesbrough.
Boro had taken the lead through the impressive Lewis Wing early in the second-half. It was deep, deep, deep into time added on that United’s equaliser came through local lad Kalvin Phillips.
KALVIN PHILLIPS IN THE 101ST MINUTE #lufc pic.twitter.com/ZfK9YcUYUL
— LUFC Goals (@LUFC_Goals) February 9, 2019
The 12 minutes added on was due to an incident where Leeds youngster Jack Clarke fell ill in the dugout after being substituted. He was attended to at pitchside and is now in hospital receiving further attention and undergoing further checks.
Up until Phillips’ equalising goal, the mood of the Leeds United fans was one of rising ire. Yet, the equaliser saw that mood changed irrevocably. Here’s how Leeds United fans responded in both these situations. First up, some reactions from before the equaliser.
1-0 down with Boro Wing’in it – Leeds United fans react
Got some abuse when said we will regret no new outfield players in and we will be play offs at best.
Abuse away.
We are use to disappointment, carry on lads, championship again next season.
Bielsa worked miracles with poor players but couldnt last— helicopter squad (@helicoptersqua1) February 9, 2019
Newport gave Boro a stiffer test wheels are truly off.
— SAMUEL 🇬🇧🇦🇺 (@Murray__87) February 9, 2019
Let face it our goals have dried up we should have replaced Saiz in January ..we are short of ideas and we not that clinical. why we took Clarke off and left that Useless Harrison on?
— chris Moore (@gallowayisanazi) February 9, 2019
Usual crap…….as you called it Phil…..not bringing in better quality….who would wanted have joined…has not happened.
— Carstairs (@CarverMonsoon) February 9, 2019
People said Bielsa teams implode in the second half of seasons. I didn’t believe them………………….
— AS (@toellandandback) February 9, 2019
The winter of Leeds fans’ discontent was suddenly made glorious summer with Kalvin Phillips’ equaliser. Here’s how that was received.
Et tu brutal – Leeds United go all Shakespeare for equaliser
OHHHH PHIL TAKE ME OUT FOR A NICE SEAFOOD DINNER AND NEVER CALL ME AGAIN
— luke (@MyBoringMind) February 9, 2019
Arguably the most important goal of the season so far
— Mark Devaney 💙💛 (@markwd1) February 9, 2019
I do love an equaliser in the 11th minute of injury time 🙂
— Simon Walker (@SimonWa19449827) February 9, 2019
One of the best I’ve ever read, this one! Massive, massive point that. However – We really need to kick on very soon and start putting some wins together 🙏🏻 💙💛
— Pete 💙💛 (@PeteA28) February 9, 2019
— LUty💙💛 (@LUty___) February 9, 2019