Paul Heckingbottom took control of Leeds for the second game today, his first game in charge of the Whites at Elland Road.
His first game in charge, the Yorkshire derby against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane last weekend, saw him suffer a début loss. This came from a brace from ex-White Billy Sharp that was enough to see the Blades cut it enough for the 2-1 win with Pierre-Michel Lasogga’s precision header Leeds’ only consolation.
Lax defending was to blame for Sharp’s second minute opener, the striker being left unmarked on the penalty spot and his sumptuous volley reward enough for his 200th professional goal. Lax defending is something that Leeds United have become renowned for of late – often gifting sides scoring opportunities and, indeed, goals.
So it was against the Robins this afternoon, who didn’t really have to peck away at Leeds to make inroads. All it took were a couple of long throws from Hordur Magnusson and a soupçon of panic and City were two goals to the good and looking good for it.
11' Goal Bristol City, Famara Diedhiou scores 0-1
— Leeds United (@LUFC) February 18, 2018
16' Goal Bristol, Bobby Reid scores 0-2
— Leeds United (@LUFC) February 18, 2018
In essence it was a half of few chances for Leeds United and one where, unfortunately for Whites fans, they were schooled by a more organised, indeed superior-looking Bristol City side. The 45 minutes, for Leeds United fans, was summed up perfectly by match commentator Adam Pope.
A shocking half which started decently but a failure to deal with set pieces has allowed Bristol City to boss this. #lufc
— Adam Pope (@apopey) February 18, 2018
Leeds United fans weren’t as forgiving nor as kind with their summary of a half of football that saw their side go in 2-0 down.
Leeds United fans react to shocking half of football vs Bristol City
Live scenes every fucking time O’Kane is on the ball #lufc pic.twitter.com/aSMKdodIzg
— T O M M Y (@thomasleaning) February 18, 2018
What has happened to this team… #LUFC
— Colson Smith (@colsonsmith) February 18, 2018
Now I know why cellino didn't hand out big contracts to #lufc players! Do any of these lot actually care it's shocking
— Cuddy (@CudwSam) February 18, 2018
#lufc pic.twitter.com/EUWVn7Wg17
— Richard Lay (@richlay) February 18, 2018
Pathetic side. Every single 1 of them is pap #LUFC
— Rich (@richnutting) February 18, 2018
This possibly the worst shit I’ve ever watched. Absolutely embarrassing #LUFC
— AL 🦚 (@al_fandango) February 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/BeyondApathy/status/965281189711007744
One of the worst performances I have EVER seen from Leeds! This isn’t our club
— DirtyLeeds&Proud! (@JoshLoweLufc) February 18, 2018
How many more points do #leeds need to stay up? These players are devoid of any firm or confidence. Its gonna be a long end to the season #lufc. You can blame managers all you want but the majority of signings are muck
— Robert Giles (@Rob_E_Giles) February 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/BeyondApathy/status/965280699430461440
#lufc marching on together, down the league table. Maybe the next manager will be someone with the right experience.
— Geoff Ritcher (@IP171AF) February 18, 2018
Absolute torture watching this #LUFC
— Austin Pillay 🇿🇦 (@Austin4evaLEEDS) February 18, 2018