Another nail-biting finish for Leeds United but three points are all that matters - YEP Jury
DAVID WATKINS
Three more points and another result in line with the expectations of a side capable of achieving promotion.
Anything less than a win against Reading would have raised question marks again but now we can move on with positive thoughts about the upcoming trips to Middlesbrough and Hull City.
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Hide AdOnce again it was as tight as it could be, with Leeds dominating but unable to convert that domination into a thumping scoreline and, in a finish reminiscent of victory over Bristol a week earlier when Nahki Wells thankfully fluffed his lines, we could again have given up a couple of points at the death this week but for a fine save by Kiko Casilla. It was that close!
My guess is every game will now follow this same template; with little sign of any personnel changes – why would any game pan out differently unless we can solve our perennial failure to hit the target more often with the plethora of chances we always create? 18 more this week were attempted, five hit the target but only one found the visitors’ net.
Man of the match: Pablo Hernandez.
MATTHEW EVANS
Reading were a bit better than Bristol City the week before and United were maybe a bit more laboured but all that matters (and I mean ALL) is that we got the same 1-0 final score and three points on the way to where we want to go.
We seem to play exclusively in swirling winds these days but, to be fair, we’ve adapted our style of play well and we were dominant over Reading for most of the game even after Kalvin Phillips had to withdraw with a calf injury.
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Hide AdUnfortunately our profligacy in front of goal meant there was always a chance for Reading to snatch a point and they would have done so at the death were it not for a save from Kiko Casilla enjoying his second clean sheet in a row after his mess up at Brentford.
Luke Ayling, Stuart Dallas and Ben White all did well in multiple positions as Marcelo Bielsa shunted them around following Phillips’ withdrawal. My man of the match vote goes to Pablo Hernandez if only for the winning goal which proves his worth to this team even if he isn’t getting any younger.
Man of the match: Pablo Hernandez.
JACOB STARR
Pablo Hernandez was back to his best as his second half goal against Reading gave Leeds a second successive 1-0 league victory, which in turn consolidates our place in the top two.
Again, it was a game in which the Whites dominated, although Reading did not put every man behind the ball from the first whistle like a number of teams have done when visiting Elland Road this season.
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Hide AdHelder Costa sent an early effort just wide whilst Luke Ayling’s strike was narrowly off target at the angle.
However, United were dealt a first-half blow when midfield talisman Kalvin Phillips hobbled off to be replaced by Gjanni Alioski. The flow of the game didn’t change though, and the hosts found the breakthrough when Hernandez somehow powered his way through a number of challenges and fired into the top corner.
The Royals were denied at the death in what was their only genuine opportunity, when Kiko Casilla saved well from Liam Moore who had shrugged off a coming together with Liam Cooper.
An easy win for West Brom at Bristol City maintains their four point gap at the top, but a draw for Fulham at Derby on Friday night, as well as home draws for Brentford and Nottingham Forest sees Leeds pull five points clear of the chasing pack.
Man of the match: Pablo Hernandez.
KEITH INGHAM
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Hide AdLeeds extended their lead over third-placed Fulham and the other teams in the chasing pack to five points. The only goal scored by Pablo Hernandez just before the hour mark was enough to secure the three points.
Leeds, attacking the Kop end of the ground in the first half had a couple of decent efforts on goal. Helder Costa having the best chance of the half but his goal bound effort was deflected over.
In the second half Leeds finally got the break they deserved after a sustained amount of pressure, Pablo Hernandez took the ball into the box, his first effort came back to the Spaniard off a defender and he side stepped another on-rushing defender to flick it past the Reading keeper.
The goal meant Reading needed to up their efforts and Puskas had an effort that went over. Their best opportunity came right on 90 minutes. Liam Moore found himself behind the Leeds defence but his shot was superbly stopped by Kiko Casilla, the ball broke to Omar Richards who fired into the Kop.
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Hide AdIt won’t be a game that lives long in the memory but at this stage of the season it’s results that matter not performances. Leeds will hope that Phillips' injury isn’t a serious one and he is fit when they travel to Middlesbrough on Wednesday to face a team that has slipped very close to the bottom three of the Championship.
Man of the match: Pablo Hernandez.
MIKE GILL
In many ways, this result was even more satisfying than the Bristol City game – Leeds United had fewer chances but managed to convert one of them.
Pablo Hernandez has not been on top of his game lately but after he scored the game’s only goal, he rolled back the years and reminded us why he is so important to the team.
It goes to show that even a player of his experience can benefit from a boost to his confidence.
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Hide AdThe first half followed a familiar pattern, with United dominating without being able to have a goal to show for their efforts.
Helder Costa came closest to scoring and anxiety levels increased as Kalvin Phillips had to hobble off after sustaining a heavy knock.
Gjanni Alioski replaced him and Ben White took over his vital role. Thankfully the Brighton loanee had his best game in this position.
After the goal, Reading did their best to fight back and Kiko Casilla celebrated back-to-back clean sheets by making a fine save in the dying moments.
Man of the match: Pablo Hernandez.
ANDY RHODES
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Hide AdThey say the best teams can grind out 1-0 wins when in pursuit of promotion. At the moment, Leeds United are certainly doing that.
At times is wasn’t pretty and there were times when Reading looked like a threat, but United had enough to get the job down.
When you’re up against disciplined customers like Reading, having a player who can break don defences is vital.
After a few games below his usual standard, Pablo Hernandez stepped up.
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Hide AdHis performance on Saturday was reminiscent of some of his better days, and his goal proved he still has that magic ability.
It was also a good day for Kiko Casilla. He’s just as in the dark as us about his potential ban, but if he is to spend some time on the sidelines this was a top performances from him.
His last ditch save was priceless.
Yes, it got anxious towards the end of the match, but Leeds never have done things the easy way.
More wins like that, though, and I doubt we’ll care.
Man of the match: Pablo Hernandez.