Sheffield Wednesday 2 Leeds United 0: Big match analysis

Charlie Taylor scores for Leeds but the goal is controversially dissallowed. PIC: Simon Hulme

GOOD DAY FOR

Gary Hooper: Isn’t this what United are missing? Someone who can consistently stick the ball in the net?

Some of United’s chances were from such a close range that it was almost impossible not to take them but Leeds found a way of passing them up. Hooper, in contrast, was there to finish when it mattered and ultimately he was the difference.

BAD DAY FOR

Anthony Taylor: Refereeing at its worst. The fact is that Cooper’s ‘goal’ should not have stood. Forestieri was still on the pitch and Joao was still on the sideline. But Taylor knew what was happening, he had clear sight of both players and awarded the effort anyway. Leeds caused many of their own problems at Hillsborough but Taylor’s incompetence didn’t help. He might have sent off Pudil too.

KEY MOMENT

Disallowed goal: Whether or not it would have been crucial in terms of the final score is difficult to say but the shambles surrounding Cooper’s disallowed header was quite something. Leeds were on top in that period and Wednesday would have come under heavy pressure in the final 10 minutes if the goal had stood. As it was, United struggled to raise themselves again and the game was gone.

WHAT THEY SAID

Carlos Carvalhal said: “Leeds are a tough team to play against. With a high tempo in the first half there were one or two situations where we lost the balance of the team. In the second half we corrected that.”

Steve Evans said: “I can palate Wednesday taking advantage of our two mistakes. I can’t palate our goal being chalked off. I’ve never ever seen that before.”