‘Inability’ – Leeds United fans on Portsmouth draw, Whites man ‘misery’ and Elland Road boos

Leeds United were unable to start their new Championship promotion bid with a victory – and the club’s fans were not particularly impressed.

Here is what our YEP Jury had to say on Saturday’s 3-3 draw against Portsmouth at Elland Road.

This was a game Leeds should have won – and within the first 15 minutes, but almost lost. It’s two points dropped in an entertaining game but ultimately a disappointing outcome.

Leeds hit the woodwork more times in the first 10 minutes than Pompey had credible shots all game. At times Portsmouth’s ‘tackling’ was more suited to Headingley than Elland Road and time wasting was ‘top class’.

However they took their chances, helped somewhat by Illan Meslier’s inability to keep out two stoppable shots and disorganised defending, particularly when Jayden Bogle and Junior Firpo seemed confused as to their respective positions and vacated the right-back position.

On a positive note, I was pleased to see Mateo Joseph start the game and put in a good display and was encouraged by Daniel Farke making multiple substitutions earlier than usual in an attempt to influence the

The substitutions seemed wise in principle but were not as effective as hoped because Pompey gained a foothold in the game although Brenden Aaronson did manage the equaliser and should have won the game with the last kick.

DAVID WATKINS

This was pretty much a re-run of the Cardiff City opener last season! Leeds dominant, but not watertight defensively and not clinical enough up front.

Willy Gnonto blasted against the bar when he should have scored while Ethan Ampadu’s header and Ilia Gruev’s free-kick were more unlucky to hit the frame of the goal as Leeds flew out of the traps. Then, when referee Oliver Langford pointed to the spot after Dan James was felled and Pascal Struijk scored, we seemed to be on our way.

Sadly, a lapse of concentration left a huge gap for a Pompey equaliser and then a poor headed clearance and a fine shot put Pompey ahead before the break. Leeds responded well with a Gnonto solo goal and, hey presto, it was 2-2, just as that Cardiff game ended.

It looked bleak again as a dubious penalty was conceded and scored in added time but back came Leeds to equalise; Brenden Aaronson scoring with a deflected shot. He should then have won it for Leeds seconds later but pulled his shot wide. It’s early days but Leeds look a tad short if we are to put sides to the sword regularly.