Good Morning. It's Monday 20th May, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Saints or Sinners Southampton booked their place in the Championship Play-Off final with a comprehensive 3-1 win over West Brom on Friday night, but the game will be remembered for the ugly scenes that ensued. Upon the final whistle, as many as a thousand home supporters broke through the security cordon and invaded the pitch, with many making a bee-line for the 3000 travelling fans. Police immediately set up a wall of bodies to keep the fractioning parties away from each other, which could lead to The richest financial prize in World club football is at stake, with the losers leaving with nothing. With so much at risk, tensions are already running high in both camps. All hell could break loose should fans from either side invade the pitch at Wembley, with a very different outcome expected by the footballing authorities should Leeds come out victorious. please log in to view this image Piroe or Bamford Leeds Manager Danie Farke has a big decision to make on Sunday on whether Joel Piroe or Patrick Bamford (assuming he's fit) should start on Sunday. Whilst Bamford maybe a better fit to spearhead the team, his finishing can be erratic, and all round contribution lacking. In 1487 minutes of league game time this season, the 30yo has netted 8 times and contributed 1 assist (one goal every 185 mins). Whilst averaging a goal every two games isn't terrible, he only has a 'Whoscored' rating of 6.94, placing his 19th in the Leeds ratings. Piroe too averages a goal every two games (every 187 mins). He has netted 14 times and 3 assists in 2623 of game time but has a higher ranking of 6.71 (12th in the Leeds ratings), but his lack of pace in the final third has been a constant cause of concern for Daniel Farke this season. If both were fully fit, who would you choose? please log in to view this image Albion fume over dirty tricks Although completely outclassed in the end, Albion will feel hard done by for the dirty tricks employed by the home side during the second leg at St Mary's. Extra advertising hoardings were employed by Southampton to make it more difficult for Albion's long throw specialists, and prior to the game, the Baggies team bus was held up outside the ground for an extra 20 minutes, giving Carlos Corboran and his team just 75 minutes to prepare. This may sound like minor inconveniences, but every tiny advantage can make a difference. Southampton deserved their win, and technically didn't break any rules, much like Bielsa over the Spy-gate saga, yet it didn't stop Leeds getting reprimanded and fined £200,000 (which Bielsa insisted on paying himself). please log in to view this image
Can I be the first to congratulate Kalvin Phillips on City’s league title. I know he’s loaned out to W Ham these days but, fairs fair, he did nearly as much to make this happen this year as in last years triumph. I hope his 4 appearances this season qualify him for a winners medal.
He was hanging outside the city dressing room after the game like a bad smell. Obviously wasn't going to leave without his bag of goodies. Just think though, on the plus side, if we win Sunday you can all spend the summer discussing spending 35m to bring him back
They'll be plenty of banning orders coming from Southampton for this, they can't be held responsible imo but have to be seen to be doing the right thing. Actually thinking about it, as Soton beat Albion by 2 goals, then they should start the final on -2, that would put a stop to the pitch invasions Kalvin needs to continue his career outside of England imo, too much scrutiny on him now, the press will be waiting for him to fail wherever he goes. Even if we got him on a free loan, the wages are too high, not that I think he should come back.