WATFORD, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Tom Cleverley newly appointed interim head coach at Watford FC gives his first press conference at the clubs training ground in London Colney on March 14, 2024 in Watford, England. (Photo by Alan Cozzi/Watford FC/Getty Images)
Leeds future’s uncertain, but 27-year-old has showed that he is essential to Farke’s side right now.
Leeds United’s clash with Watford on Friday night was threatening to evoke memories of that Cardiff City game when football returned in 2020.
On that day, Leeds had the opportunity to open a 10-point gap to third place Fulham. But Marcelo Bielsa’s side were punished for a lacklustre display.
Of course, the wait for Friday’s game at Vicarage Road was a lot shorter than the three months between Luke Ayling’s volley against Huddersfield and the defeat in South Wales.
But given the drama of the international break for a lot of our players, it cannot have been easy for Daniel Farke‘s men to pick up where they left off, particularly with Junior Firpo, Ilia Gruev and Willy Gnonto all having to drop out of the starting lineup.
Four years ago, both Fulham and West Brom had failed to win before Leeds faced the Bluebirds. This time around, Leicester were beaten at Bristol City, and Southampton’s automatic-promotion hopes were dealt a further blow thanks to a late equaliser from Middlesbrough.
Unfortunately, Watford also looked to be more than happy to take Cardiff’s place; taking the lead twice at Vicarage Road, with former Leeds target Emmanuel Dennis putting the Hornets back in front just before half-time.
Leeds rusty on return from international break
Most Leeds fans would have felt that the Whites would have been incredibly lucky to go in level had Crysencio Summerville‘s moment of magic proved to be the final goal of the half.
Leeds were extremely poor; struggling to deal with Watford’s intense pressing. Patrick Bamford barely seemed to get a kick in the first-half.
