Alfonso Pedraza ⭑ From A-Z since '92
If joining Leeds was a surprise to Pedraza, he didn't show it, striding purposely into Huddersfield's half and forcing a save from 25 yards as if Championship football was easy.
If joining Leeds was a surprise to Pedraza, he didn't show it, striding purposely into Huddersfield's half and forcing a save from 25 yards as if Championship football was easy.
The net had evaporated. Fires were burning behind the goalmouth. The ref gave the goal; he hadn't seen the ball once it left Berardi's boot but there was no other explanation. As hail began to fall, television technicians tried to rewind the tape. There was nothing there: all the tapes were blank.
I believe in coaching, but after so many years of regressing defenders, I no longer believe in it at Leeds. Perhaps we fell foul of a curse, and need Norman Hunter and Jack Charlton to bless our centre-halves using whichever parts of their fists are most persuasive.
The other players seemed slow to join Chris Wood. Perhaps they were waiting to see if he was about to produce a bike chain from somewhere and pile into the supporters, finishing what he started on Tuesday night. He was shouting a lot, but I'm willing to assume it was all nice things.
Let's use Chris Wood here as a metaphor for Leeds United; because until we're not scuffing headers from three yards, we've not proven anything, and there's nothing to gain from being cocky.
Luke Ayling had a solid debut at right back, playing arrogantly in a good way; he'll probably make several eyecatching mistakes (it's the ponytail) but he'll probably also score a couple of sensational goals and serve some long suspensions for winning fights (it's the ponytail). He'll be popular.
Whether there will be anything more to celebrate on Saturday, I’m less sure about. But I’m certain it depends on Pablo Hernandez.