Championship: Burnley win at Leeds
Leeds United 0 - 1 Burnley
Luca Koleosho's goal helped Burnley return to winning form, as Leeds United suffered their first Championship defeat of the season.
Koleosho capitalised on Manor Solomon’s unfortunate slip, sprinting 70 yards before firing a low shot across goal that beat goalkeeper Illan Meslier, ending Burnley's two-game winless run in the league.
A closer look at what happened
Leeds United v Burnley. Two teams who should be in the promotion picture next spring. Leeds are unchanged and unbeaten so far this season. #lufc #burnleyfc #twitterclarets pic.twitter.com/tM0ck4C6I0
— Ross Heppenstall (@rosshmediaman) September 14, 2024
Despite Burnley’s poor record at Elland Road, with seven losses in their last nine visits, goalkeeper James Trafford played a key role in securing the victory, making crucial saves from Wilfried Gnonto and Ethan Ampadu.
The visitors finished the match with 10 men after Bashir Humphreys was sent off in stoppage time for a second yellow card.
Leeds dominated possession and territory in what was a spirited and intense match. They should have taken the lead within the first minute, but Mateo Joseph missed a golden opportunity, firing wide when through on goal.
A lot of pressure but not enough quality for Leeds
That miss set the tone for a frustrating afternoon for the home side. Leeds struggled to capitalise on the few chances they created, while Burnley's well-organised defence absorbed wave after wave of second-half pressure.
Despite controlling around 75% of the ball in the first half and nearly 72% overall, Leeds were unable to make their dominance count. Burnley, meanwhile, posed a constant threat on the counter-attack.
Leeds had another great chance after just 45 seconds, but Joseph pulled his shot wide after a Maxime Esteve mistake allowed him to break free from the halfway line.
Trafford, alert and composed, made key saves, including stopping Gnonto from close range. Other than that, he had little to do before the interval.
Leeds also had a penalty appeal waved away after Joe Worrall’s challenge from behind on a Leeds player, which, despite winning the ball, could easily have been given as a spot-kick.
Scott Parker’s Burnley side grew in confidence after Koleosho’s goal, defending deep with discipline and organisation. The pace and directness of Jaidon Anthony and Hannibal Mejbri caused problems for Leeds at the other end.
Meslier denied Zian Flemming’s strike, Anthony shot wide, and Worrall headed over from a corner.
After the break, Trafford was busier as Leeds increased the pressure. He made a stunning fingertip save to push away Joseph’s curling effort and deflected Ampadu’s shot over the bar.
Though the Leeds supporters rallied behind their team, they were unable to inspire a late comeback and preserve their unbeaten start to the season.
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