Leeds fans boo Daniel Farke’s side as Cardiff supporters mock hosts after shambolic Championship return
Cardiff fans couldn’t resist taunting Leeds United with their chant of ‘Leeds are falling apart again’ after the latter’s disastrous start to life back in the EFL. The match, which marked Leeds’ return to EFL action following their relegation from the Premier League last season, saw their own fans booing them off the pitch at Elland Road after a torrid first half.
Despite some promising performances from Crysencio Summerville, Daniel James, and Wilfried Gnonto, it was Cardiff who took the lead through on-loan Nottingham Forest star Josh Bowler in the middle of the first half. The situation worsened for Leeds as former Chelsea academy graduate Ike Ugbo capitalized on some shambolic defending from Daniel Farke’s side, making it 2-0 just 39 minutes into the game.
The first half drained away any pre-match optimism, with Cardiff’s supporters reveling in their shock lead against the promotion favorites. However, the second half started on a positive note for Leeds as club captain Liam Cooper headed home to pull one back. Unfortunately, he had to be immediately replaced by Charlie Cresswell due to an awkward landing, adding to the hosts’ woes.
Leeds now face the challenge of strengthening their squad in the transfer market as they aim for an immediate return to the Premier League. It took them 16 years to escape the EFL after their relegation in 2004, and they will be eager to improve on that this time around with a swift promotion.
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Leeds United’s return to the Championship was marred by an outburst of boos from their own supporters, as well as mock chants and jeers from Cardiff City fans on Saturday.
The upset was palpable from the home side’s supporters, as Leeds narrowly lost the game 1-0. Daniel Farke’s side found themselves the focus of fan wrath when their own display proved something of a disappointment at Elland Road.
The defeat was in stark contrast to Leeds’ ravishing form last season which saw them top the league and get promoted to the Premier League. But a combination of a new-look Leeds line-up, and a determined performance from Cardiff, resulted in a goal in the 52nd minute from Will Vaulks.
The anguish of Leeds supporters was made clear when they began to boo their team in the closing stages of the game. This seemed to spur the away side on, as chants of “Oh Leeds are falling apart again” echoed around the stadium.
Despite the shambolic performance from Leeds, there were some positive takeaways from the game. Gjanni Alioski impressed on the left flank and Kalvin Phillips provided a range of creativity from a central midfield position. But the toothless performance of neither team made the afternoon one to forget for Leeds fans.
Farke will be hoping for better when his side next take to the Elland Road pitch. With a return to the Premier League at stake, it remains to be seen how United will fare in this competitive Championship season.