, Leeds United fans react as decisive decision ensures table-topping return

Leeds United fans react as decisive decision ensures table-topping return

It was always going to be a tooth-and-nail sort of game today at Oakwell between West Yorkshire visitors Leeds United and South Yorkshire home side Barnsley.

Local/Near derbies always have that added spice to them and this one was no different. It was an encounter that pitted two teams from different ends of the table against each other with the visitors knowing that a win would be good enough to see them wipe away any lingering disappointment from the 1-0 loss to Swansea before the onset of the last international break.

It was the usual, and expected gusto, in the first-half with both teams going at each other. Barnsley’s no-nonsense approach, coupled with Leeds United’s inability to really hit their fluid stride made for an exciting encounter at times. As the half played out, it became more obvious to all watching that this was 45 minutes of football with 0-0 written all over it.

That was what it was. Despite the lion’s share of possession, the visitors were unable to crack open the nut of Barnsley’s resoluteness and it was a share of equality that both sides took into the half-time break. Barnsley game out more pumped up for the second period of the game, as did Leeds United who began to find their fluency in longer segments of the game.

That said, it was Barnsley who had the better chances of the half before Leeds United took the lead through Arsenal loanee Eddie Nketiah. The 20-year-old burst onto a delicately floated-in Kalvin Phillips free-kick, calmly side-footing the ball back across Barnsley keeper Bradley Collins and inside his far post.

That was enough to put Lees top of the Championship pile but there was more to come in the shape of Mateusz Klich’s cool-as-you-like penalty after that man Nketiah was fouled as he burst beyond former White Aapo Halme. The penalty was calmly despatched, Klich sending Collins the wrong way as he stroked the ball into the goal.

However, what was apparent to those watching was a moment from Liam Cooper that showed the authority of his captaincy and just what respect he has from those in his charge. With Mateusz Klich and Pablo Hernandez vying to take the penalty, captain Cooper stepped forward and took charge, giving the ball to eventual scorer Mateusz Klich.

That moment of strong decision-making is something that has resonated with Leeds United fans on Twitter. Below is just a sample of their reactions.

Leeds United fans react to Cooper captaincy decision

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