Leeds United vs. Newport County: Three Talking Points from the 5–1 win
Leeds are still undefeated as they manoeuvre around a stubborn Newport side to advance in the League Cup.
The score did flatter us somewhat last night as Newport arrived at Elland Road and had a real go, but the quality shined through in the 2nd half as Kemar Roofe and company ran riot in the last 45 minutes to win the game 5–1.
The win means that we are still undefeated, and we will be in the draw on Thursday morning. This sort of win can give us the confidence for the Forest game on Saturday as well.
Here are the three main talking points from the game on Tuesday night:
Sacko’s exclusion
After the signing of Sacko, I discussed how I believed that he could be effective this season. However, his poor performance against Port Vale has seemed to be the nail in his coffin. I fully expected him to be in the 18 last night, especially when the 18 included the likes of Gomes, Stokes, O’Connor and Wilks.
Sacko was brought back into the team before Thomas Christiansen’s appointment. I often look at these games as a marker of where certain players lay within the Head Coach’s plan.
The fact Sacko was not included highlights the fact that it is unlikely we will see much of him going forward, unless he has some sort of secret injury. We currently have players within the squad who can embrace the pace of Sacko but are also able to score and create chances regular in games, something that Sacko has failed to do consistently.
Something still missing from Vurnon Anita
Personally, I have been disappointed by the performances of former Newcastle starter Vurnon Anita. I just feel there is something missing in his game. Last night, he was completely bossed by Newport wingers. It felt that every time he was on the ball or involved in the game, he was unable to deal with the physicality of Newport. A reminder, Newport County is a League Two side.
We have Luke Ayling who is playing brilliantly (and was brilliant once again last night), we have Cameron Borthwick-Jackson who for me looks like a real threat and got better as the game went on, and we of course have Berardi, who should come back sometime in early September. Anita needs to step up his game or risk being left behind.
The game yesterday was one of a few games where he has struggled to be effective. Against Fulham, I felt that he struggled with his positional awareness too: he often looks lost.
The fact that he needed to be substituted in a game against a League Two side further highlights that he still has that little something missing that made him a real talent when was at Newcastle. I know he picked up an injury, but regardless he was still very poor.
On-Fire Roofe saved Leeds from getting burned
Newport set themselves up to have a real go at Leeds, and in the first 45 minutes, they did to really good effect. Once again we were intimidated by a team who came and pressed us; the Newport players won every battle in that first half and deservedly took the lead. What made the difference was the goal by Kemar Roofe late in the half. Newport had put everything into the half hoping they would have something to hold to in the second.
That did not happen, and the goal essentially finished the Newport threat. In the second half, the fitness of Leeds ran through led by the quality of Roofe and the team’s ability to smell blood. In the end, they completely dismantled Newport in the second half, as they should have.
I have always rated Roofe but have questioned his ability to lead the line and score goals. Last night, his two goals in the 2nd half were brilliantly taken and showed he has the ability to lead the line if needed. His work rate on and off the ball throughout the game added something Wood never did.
The question is can he it do against a Championship side? He might get his chance against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
I think what impressed me the most was Thomas Christiansen’s aggressive approach in the game to ensure we won, to bring on Saiz and Alioski when we were already winning shows the refreshing siege mentality of our new Head Coach.
The third round draw is on Thursday morning, and Leeds United will be in it. Remember to set your alarm. MOT.
