Stoke City 2 – 1 Leeds United: Match Report + Twitter Reactions
Leeds United lose their firm grip at the top of the table with a 2-1 defeat at Stoke City in a game where they had ample of possession to create more chances than they did. Sam Clucas and Joe Allen were the goalscorers for the home team, while Ezgjan Alioski pulled one back late to make the scoreline better.
After a goalless first half where both teams tried to create and score, the final ball was lacking. Four minutes after restart, Clucas was on hand to pounce on a weak clearance from the Leeds defence.
A terrific James McClean cross was expertly finished by Allen in the 88th minute to all but secure three points against by then 10-men Peacocks. The away side were reduced to 10 men in the 76th minute, when Pontus Jansson pulled back Benik Afobe cynically to earn the second yellow card. The first was for dissent, which did not help the cause.
Marcelo Bielsa’s men did score a goal in the 95th minute through Alioski, who again started at left-back due to the absence of Barry Douglas.
This defeat did keep Leeds at the top of the table, but their lead is trimmed to just a single point. Norwich City won yesterday to climb to second and put pressure on the Peacocks. On the other hand, it was a pressure-relieving win for Stoke, who get up to 15th place in the table, eight points away from the playoff spots.
Here’s how the Leeds fans reacted on twitter after a disappointing loss away at the Bet365 stadium:
Done by a ref yet again!
— Janey (@Scoutsa) January 19, 2019
we came back fighting- never gave in, but well done to them. We are still top of the championship. Love leeds united 💙💛💙 MOT
— Dr Susan Bruce (@susanfbruce) January 19, 2019
To little to late at the end. But come on boys pick yourselves up for the next game. Your fans are right behind you.👍
— Nigel Ponting (@Skippy561) January 19, 2019
I don’t think we played bad just couldn’t get through the final 3rd, because stoke decided to be boring and turn into a brick wall most of the game 🙄
— Carl (@reload090HD) January 19, 2019
Spend some money for god sake! Dont you dare bottle this again!
— ROSSii (@MrROSSii1990) January 19, 2019
These performances happen. Regroup, brush ourselves down and go again. Keep fighting boys! Never a 2nd yellow btw. @PJansson5 just feel over and made no effort to trip efobe. Poor referreeing yet again!!
— Col (@col1984) January 19, 2019
Leeds need reinforcements as can’t win with a bench of U23’s
— Matthew Bass (@matt_sa2011) January 19, 2019
