Why Leeds Fans Should Be Angry About Brighton Loss

Life seemed sweet for Leeds fans heading down to the South Coast last night – They had seen manager Brian McDermott re-instated as boss and they had won two games on the spin. With that under their belt and a chance to rejuvenate their hopes for a play-off place the supporters were in high spirit before their game with Brighton. They might have turned up in strong numbers, but their players certainly didn’t.

Brighton, who now sit  just one point outside the top six, enjoyed 58% of the possession and completely out-passed the Yorkshire side. However, that was to be expected – Albion are led by former Barcelona man Oscar Garcia.

There was very little fight from the Leeds players though and it looked as though they were happy to see the game out for a 0-0. Although the central midfield players looked composed, those in the wider areas – I’m looking at you Jimmy Kebe – were largely ineffective.

Leeds completed just 64% of their overall passes and were successful in just three of their 23 attempted crosses, and although they had nine shots at goal, Tomasz Kuszczak in the Brighton goal never looked threatened.

It didn’t help McDermott’s men that the Albion centre-backs had a wonderful game – between Gordon Greer and Matthew Upson they won five interceptions and made 13 clearances.

Leeds fans who made the trip down, on a wet and windy Tuesday evening, were treated with a tame performance. Everything was half-paced and was like they expected to take something home, and if I had travelled down then I would be angry with the players’ attitudes.