Leeds United fans were gutted earlier when they fell to a second consecutive defeat under Marcelo Bielsa for the first time ever. The Argentine manager can’t really be blamed for the loss, though, as Kalvin Phillips gave Nottingham Forest the numerical advantage when he was sent off for a horror challenge on Adlene Guedioura.
RED CARD: Kalvin Phillips. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) January 1, 2019
In truth, the Phillips red card should have seen the match levelled up in terms of numerical advantage, but the referee has previously bottled the chance to send off Forests’ Jack Robinson for a heavy last-man challenge that was surely denying a clear and obvious goal scoring opportunity. Had that red card been given then the chances are Leeds would have come through will all three points.
At the time of Phillips’ red card, the Whites were 1-0 down and staring down the barrel of what looked to be a certain defeat. Bielsa’s side may have taken a 2-1 lead in the second half, but the fact that they lost was no surprise given the extra work the rest of the team had to do to make up their ill-disciplined teammate. The issue now, will be working out how to set this Leeds side up without Phillips for the next three games which he’ll be suspended for.
You can read the Whites’ thoughts on Phillips’ red here:
We seem to be hitting the self destruct button today. #lufc
— Steve O (@Methleylad) January 1, 2019
It's correct decision unfortunately
— Keith Kelly (@keith_kelly30) January 1, 2019
Ridiculous tackle. Thanks Phillips. Costs us 3 points. The real Leeds are back
— Decky Quinn (@DeckyQuinn) January 1, 2019
Bad tackle, shame as #Ayling will have to stay on now. He’s been weak
— John Salt (@John_Salt) January 1, 2019
Stupid challenge, this could be the point that turns out season, tired performance, passing has been poor no coincidence that Harrison is our best player being the freshest, more players needed and rotated if we want to get automatic promotion.
— Ian Smith (@wolfeysmith) January 1, 2019
https://twitter.com/bushnutbrog/status/1080128109070991368
The Whites were far from happy with Phillips when he was dismissed, but will still back themselves to bounce back as he serves his suspension.
