Squad quality verdict and Piroe 'strength' question - national media react to Leeds United win
Leeds United returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory on the road at Cardiff City. The result offers a suggestion of a very comfortable afternoon without any drama, but in truth that was not the case at all. Joel Piroe's late goal finally secured the three points against a Cardiff side who played 70 minutes with 10 men.
The result lifts Leeds back into a play-off place in what is a relatively congested top of the table. Here we take a look at what was being said around yesterday's game.
BBC Sport match report
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"Leeds might have wondered how they were only one goal in front. Indeed, there was a hint of frustration in the away end that their team were unable to turn their dominance into a healthier advantage. There was never any danger of losing the lead, though, not when Cardiff were so lacking in any attacking threat.
"As well as their own team’s abject display, the home fans then had to watch former Swansea City striker Piroe come on and score Leeds’ second with an assured left-footed finish."
Jon Newsome, BBC Radio Leeds
“Piroe, I don’t know, he’s had a few games at the end of last season, he’s had a couple of games this season where he’s not played so well. Yes, he’s a good finisher, I think he’s a great finisher.
“Yes, they were playing him as a 10. But is he a nine? Does he lead the line well enough? And what I would say is Mateo Joseph hasn’t scored today, but I thought he still had a decent game. I don’t think he’s played poorly today, I think he’s had a decent game.
“I don’t know if Piroe’s physical enough to lead the line like a nine is. I tell you what I’d like to see, I’d like to see us play with two strikers, I’d like us to play with a Mateo Joseph and a Piroe, you don’t have to play with a 10. You can play with two strikers up there.”
The League Paper
"Before the transfer window closed I said Leeds needed a creative No.10 to pull the strings in midfield. I still think that’s the case, if only to add competition for places, but there’s more than enough quality in that team to win promotion.
"What they really need is a bit of composure and ruthlessness in that final third. Time and again you see them dominate pressure and chances, but it’s like they’re always trying to score the perfect goal. They’ve not scored from outside the box for a long time. They’ve not scored off a set-piece for month..."
Rob Jones discusses the red card on Sky Sports
"Sun shining in Cardiff but the storm clouds continue to gather for Cardiff City, who are down to 10 men for the majority of this game. It’s a brilliant ball down the line from Junior Firpo, up towards Gnonto.
“He has Joel Bagan on his back, and I think he’s a bit too tight on him because Gnonto is able to roll him on the edge of the penalty box and drive into the box. Bagan knows exactly what he’s doing, and has a big tug at his shirt.
“To be fair to Gnonto, he tries to stay on his feet as he stumbles and the referee brings it back.”
Aaronson impresses says Goal.com
"U.S. international Brenden Aaronson's season of redemption continued for Leeds as the midfielder provided a late assist to secure the team's win over Cardiff.
"Aaronson's big moment came in the game's final moments as he helped Leeds lock up the three points. With his side up 1-0 thanks to a 30th minute Largie Ramazani goal, Aaronson played a perfect through-ball into the path of Joel Piroe in the 87th minute. Piroe made no mistake with the finish, earning Aaronson the assist and Leeds the win thanks to a 2-0 scoreline."