Leeds United v Preston North End Sky Bet Championship Sunday 21st January 2024

The first of three home games this week for Leeds United as they welcomed Preston to Elland Road, just a few weeks after Preston beat them on Boxing Day, so could Leeds get revenge on this Sunday lunchtime,and keep their unbeaten Elland Road run going,  or would Preston do the double?

It was played at Elland Road

Two early Preston chances inside the first minute or so, as Potts shot from centre of box missed to the right, and then Millar’s left footed shot from centre of box close, but missed to the right.

1^st Preston goal- Keane close range

After two minutes, Preston stunned and silenced Elland Road, as Millar crossed a freekick in and Keane was there to turn it home from close range, could Leeds respond?

Leeds equaliser- James header

Four minutes later, Leeds responded in the perfect way as good buildup ended with Firpo standing a cross up, and James headed past Cornell well to get Leeds level, what a start to this match.

A minute later, Riis’ right footed shot from right side of box blocked.

After 10 minutes, Summerville’s right footed shot outside box blocked, then a minute later,  Millar shot inside box tipped over by Meslier superbly.

On the quarter hour, Hughes’ header back to keeper was poor and Bamford was there to nick in front of him, but Cornell got touch on it to prevent a clear opening.

After 21 minutes, Rutter’s right footed shot from left side of box blocked, then Summerville’s left footed shot too high.

Four minutes later, Potts right footed shot outside box blocked.

Just before half hour, Firopo whipped freekick just over.

Just after the half hour, Jensen’s right footed shot outside box blocked before James crossed wonderfully and Bamford’s header was saved, Bamford tried his best to generate power on his header.

After 35 minutes, Ampadu’s right footed shot from right side of 6 yard box saved bottom right .

After 42 minutes, Rutter was unmarked and will have been disappointed as he headed over as he mistimed his header.

In stoppage time, Summerville’s right footed shot outside box blocked.

Halftime score: Leeds United 1-1 Preston North End

A frantic start to the match, and after that Leeds had chances to go in front, but couldn’t take them, could Leeds find a winner 2^nd half?

Also at half-time, PDC world Darts champion and Leeds fan Luke Humphries was on the pitch to parade his World Championship trophy to all 4 sides of Elland Road.

Two minutes into 2^nd half, nearly a quick start again as Summerville did great work to dance into the box, and produced a pullback for Rutter whose first time shot hit the post. Then a minute later, Bamford shot way over.

Three minutes later, Cornell didn’t clear his lines and ball fell to Bamford whose shot was cleared behind for a corner.

After 53 minutes, James pace caused Preston defence problems as he burst through one on one, went for spectacular lob but it hit the roof of the net.

After 73 minutes, Cornell fumbled Firpo’s cross with Bamford looking to stab it home, but he gathered it just in time, and Rutter’s left footed shot outside box blocked.

Two minutes later, Storey header from centre of box missed to left.

After 85 minutes, James left footed shot outside box blocked.

Two minutes later, Rutter’s left footed shot  from centre of box missed to left, then Piroe’s left footed shot outside box saved bottom right.

In 90^th minute, Bamford’s header from centre of box missed to left.

Leeds penalty for handball- Leadsom handballed it

In the 92^nd minute, Leadsom handballed it and ref pointed to the spot, Bamford picked ball up but then gave it to Piroe.

2^nd Leeds goal- Piroe bottom corner

Piroe stepped up and buried it into the bottom corner and looked to have won it for Leeds United and Elland Road erupted .

Fulltime score: Leeds United 2-1 Preston North End

They left it late, but Leeds got the three vital points and on the balance of play deserved the win, to close the gap on Southampton and Ipswich to 4 points.

Highlights of the game are at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXBBoj4dtk4

Next for Leeds is their 2^nd home game this week as they welcome Norwich to Elland Road on Wednesday 24^th January 2024 with a 7:45pm kickoff.

Leeds United v Birmingham City Sky Bet Championship New Year’s Day 1st January 2024

A new year started with a game of football as Leeds United took on Birmingham City. Leeds are still unbeaten at Elland Road this season, but had lost their last two games of 2023, so could they start 2024 with a win, or would Birmingham make it 3 defeats in a row for Leeds?

It was played at Elland Road

After three minutes, Bamford’s left footed shot from left side of box blocked.

Five minutes later, Longelo’s left footed shot for Birmingham blocked.

Then 2 chances for Rutter in the space of a minute as he had a left footed shot blocked, followed by a another shot which was close but missed to the right.

Two minutes later, Bamford’s left footed shot from right side of box saved in centre of goal.

After 26  minutes, Summerville’s left footed shot from left side of box saved in centre of goal, then James had a left footed shot blocked.

Just before the half hour, Bacuna’s right footed shot high and wide to the left. A minute later, Rutter had a right footed shot blocked.

1^st Leeds goal- Bamford header

After 34 minutes, Leeds took the lead their play deserved and a rare goal for Bamford as James crossed and he headed in from very close range.

Just before halftime, James’ left footed shot from centre of box saved in centre of goal.

2^nd Leeds goal- James scored top centre

In 1^st half stoppage time, Leeds doubled their lead as James fired one in from the penalty spot area into the top corner.

In 3^rd minute of stoppage time, Dembele’s right footed shot from left side of box saved in centre of goal.

Halftime score: Leeds United 2-0 Birmingham City

It was a comfortable first half for Leeds and Birmingham only had half chances really, could Leeds see it out 2^nd half?

After 48 minutes, Rutter’s left footed shot too high.  A minute later, Bacuna’s right footed shot from centre of box missed to the left.

Six minutes later, Cooper’s header from centre of box saved.

Just before the hour, Sunjic’s right footed shot outside box saved, then Bamford’s left footed shot outside box saved in bottom right, and James’ left footed shot from centre of box blocked.

On the hour, James’ right footed shot from right side of box close, but missed to the right.

3^rd Leeds goal- Summerville bottom corner

After 67 minutes, Summerville’s right footed shot from centre of box went into bottom right corner.

After 80 minutes, Gardner’s right footed shot outside box too high.

2 minutes later, Rutter’s left footed shot from left side of box blocked, then Firpo hit the post with a header from very close range, then Ampadu’s right footed shot from very close range save din centre of goal.

After 87 minutes, Stansfield’s left footed shot outside box blocked.

In 1^st minute of stoppage time, Stansfield’s right footed shot outside box missed to left.

2 minutes later, Ampadu’s right footed shot from centre of box saved in top centre  of goal.

2 minutes later, Piroe’s left footed shot outside box high and wide to left.

Fulltime score: Leeds United 3-0 Birmingham City

A comfortable afternoon for Leeds and they could have had more goals as well, they remain in 4^th place on 45 points.

Highlights of the game are at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOAcUD8bJ00

Next for Leeds is the FA Cup 3^rd round as they travel to face Peterborough United on Sunday 7^th January 2024 with a 2pm kickoff.

Blackburn Rovers v Leeds United Sky Bet Championship Saturday 9th December 2023

This was a game between 2 in form teams as Blackburn were just outside the playoffs and Leeds were still chasing the top two, so were we in for a thriller in the rain?

It was played at Ewood Park

After 9 minutes, Blackburn broke and Pickering’s cross whipped in and just evaded Szmodics.

Four minutes later, 1^st real shot as Carter’s shot outside box blocked, Szmodics shot also blocked.

Two minutes later, impressive play by Leeds ended with Kamara passing to Summerville whose right footed shot outside box missed to the left.

After 19 minutes, Piroe’s left footed shot outside box blocked for corner, from corner Byram’s header high and wide to the left.

Six minutes later, Rutter’s left footed shot missed to the right.

1^st Leeds goal- James bottom corner

Just before the half hour, Leeds went in front as Rutter played James in and his low right footed shot went into the bottom left corner.

After 41 minutes, good save by Meslier forced Blackburn corner, Hill’s header from centre of box missed.

In 1^st minute of stoppage time, Leonard shot but offside.

Halftime score: Blackburn Rovers 0-1 Leeds United

It was a decent game, Leeds edged it and dealt with the Blackburn threat fairly well, could Leeds find a 2^nd goal?

After 48 minutes, Szmodics’ right footed shot outside box missed to the left.

Seven minutes later, Hill’s header from centre of box blocked, then Rutter caught offside for Leeds at other end.

After 69 minutes, Carter’s header from centre of box just too high.

Four minutes later, Gnonto’s header from right side of box just too high.

2^nd Leeds goal- Summerville chip over keeper

After 78 minutes, Leeds wrapped it up as they broke quick and Gnonto played in Summerville who chipped the keeper and had composure to chip him and ball into net.

After 82 minutes, Sigurdsson’s header saved in top right by Meslier.

After 88 minutes, Szmodics right footed shot from tight angle close but missed to the right.

Fulltime score: Blackburn Rovers 0-2 Leeds United

A comfortable afternoon for Leeds, half decent chances for Blackburn but 2 well taken goals by Leeds saw them close the gap on the top two temporarily.

Leeds stay third on 41 points.

Highlights of the game are at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GF8OC1-rI9Q

Next for Leeds is another away trip this time to the North East as they take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday 12^th December 2023 with a 8pm kickoff.

Leeds United v Middlesbrough Sky Bet Championship Saturday 2nd December 2023

The end of a busy week for Leeds as they welcomed another in form team in Middlesbrough to what is turning out to be fortress Elland Road, as Middlesbrough are 10^th but just outside the playoffs, so could Leeds continue their fine home form, or would Middlesbrough continue their fine form?

It was played at Elland Road

After 2 minutes, Piroe’s shot outside box too high.

1^st Middlesbrough- Latte Lath top corner

A minute later, early setback for Leeds again as Middlesbrough struck first as Latte Lath turned Gray and shot into top left corner.

After 5 minutes, James’ right footed shot from right side of box blocked, then Rutter’s shot saved.

1^st Leeds goal and equaliser- James header

In the same minute, one of the smallest men on the pitch got Leeds level as James header from very close range went into the bottom right corner.

2^nd Leeds goal- Summerville header

Two minutes later, Leeds in front as Summerville headed it from centre of box into the net, and a frantic start again to a Leeds game.

A couple of minutes later, Latte Lath’s right footed shot from centre of box too high.

Just after quarter of hour, Lath’s shot from centre of box saved in centre of goal.

A minute later, Howson’s shot outside box blocked.

After 19 minutes, Rutter’s right footed shot saved.

Four minutes later three shots from Leeds as Byram’s header blocked, Rutter’s shot blocked and Summerville’s shot blocked.

Just after the half hour, Rutter’s left footed shot outside box too high.

Leeds penalty- Rutter fouled

After37 minutes, Rutter tried staying on his feet but he went down and ref said penalty.

3^rd Leeds goal- Piroe bottom left

Piroe stepped up and slotted it into bottom left corner and a two goal lead for Leeds.

After 40 minutes, Lath’s header missed to right.

2^nd Middlesbrough goal- Lath’s 2^nd 

The scoring wasn’t over in this first half as just before halftime, Lath’s header from close range went into the top left.

Halftime score: Leeds United 3-2 Middlesbrough

A frantic first half again involving Leeds with 5 goals and chances or both teams to score more, how would the 2^nd half go?

After 48 minutes, Clarke’s header from centre of box too high.

Two minutes later, Rutter’s right footed shot from centre of box close, but missed to left.

After 55 minutes, Gray’s right footed shot outside box missed to the right.

Just before the hour, Jones right footed shot outside box saved in centre of goal.

After 63 minutes, Dijksteel was sent off for Middlesbrough.

After 68 minutes, Byram’s header from from centre of box missed to right, then Rutter’s right footed shot from left side of box saved in centre of goal.

After 75 minutes, Rogers right footed shot centre of box blocked, then Byram’s right footed shot blocked.

Three minutes later, Rutter’s left footed shot outside box high and wide.

After 87 minutes, Summerville’s right footed shot outside box blocked.

Two minutes later, Bamford’s header from left side of six yard box saved in centre of goal, then Piroe’s  right footed shot saved.

Fulltime score: Leeds United 3-2 Middlesbrough

Similar second half as more chances for both sides but it remained 3-2 and its another win at Elland Road for Leeds which makes it 7 successive home wins this season for Leeds.

Leeds remained 3rd on 38 points which is still a 7 point gap to Ipswich.

Highlights of the game are at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_L_VRrMqpeA

Next for Leeds is an away trip to Lancashire as they go to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday 9th December 2023 with a 12:30pm kickoff

Leeds United v Swansea City Sky Bet Championship Wednesday 29th November 2023

Leeds were looking to respond to their draw last time out, with the 1^st of 2 home games this week as they welcomed Swansea to Elland Road, under the lights. Could Leeds get back to winning ways, or could Swansea get the win?

It was played at Elland Road

1^st Swansea goal- Paterson chip

Leeds thought they’d scored in the first minute but James offside, then down the other end Paterson controlled and looped a beauty over Meslier into the net, superb start to the game.

1^st Leeds goal and equaliser- Piroe  bottom corner

Three minutes later, Leeds equalised as Leeds poured forward and and Kamara released Summerville in space, he found Piroe who slotted it cal;mly into the bottom corner, frantic start to this game.

After 9 minutes, Strijk’s right footed shot from centre of box close but missed to the left.

Three minutes later, Summerville’s left footed shot from difficult angle saved.

After 20 minutes, Summerville’s right footed shot outside box blocked. A minute later, Lowe’s shot outside box blocked.

A few minutes later, Grimes left footed shot outside box blocked.

Just after the half hour, James’ left footed shot outisde box saved, then Key’s l;eft footed shot from right side of box high.

After 43 minutes, Summerville’s right footed shot from centre of box blocked.

2^nd Leeds goal- Rutter exquisite finish

Leeds went in front just at the right time as Ampadu’s long ball brought down with ease and composure by Rutter who slotted coolly into the bottom left.

Halftime score: Leeds United 2-1 Swansea City

A fast start with 2 goals in the 1^st 5 minutes, bit of a lull in the middle and goal just before halftime had Leeds in front, could they finish Swansea off 2^nd half?

After 49 minutes, two Piroe shots blocked.

Five minutes later, Summerville’s right footed shot from centre of box too high.

Just before the hour, Key’s rightfooted shot for Swansea from right side of box blocked, a minute later, James right footed shot saved.

3^rd Leeds goal- James

Just after the hour, Rutter played it into James who ran into box and left footed shot from centre of box into the high centre of the goal.

After 76 minutes, Bamford’s left footed shot from centre of box close, but missed. A minute later, Bamford’s shot close but saved.

After 84 minutes, Bamford’s shot from difficult angle on left blocked. In the same minute, Rodon’s left footed shot from left side of 6 yard box blocked.

Two minutes later, Walsh right footed shot from centre of box blocked.

In 2^nd minute of stoppage time, Darling header from centre of box saved, and a minute later, Anthony’s header too high.

Fulltime score: Leeds United 3-1 Swansea City

Good 2^nd half by Leeds as they didn’t have to do much, Swansea didn’t play Leeds but its another win at home for Leeds.

It kept Leeds in 3^rd on 35 points 7 points behind Ipswich

Highlights of the game are at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4wVMWF5hlc

Next for Leeds is another home game as they welcome Middlesbrough to Elland Road on Saturday 2^nd December 2023 with a 3pm kickoff.

Leeds United v Plymouth Argyle Sky Bet Championship Saturday 11th November 2023

Leeds were superb in their win at Leicester last week, but now they were back at home to face Plymouth Argyle.

It was not only the Remembrance Day fixture, but a game I’d been looking forward to since I got tickets, as it was against my friend Jody’s team, as he is a Plymouth fan, and I was desperate to get the bragging rights, so could Leeds sign off for another international break with a win, or could Plymouth get their 1^st away win of the season?

Before kickoff the Last Post was played and a minute’s silence was held.

It was played at an atmospheric Elland Road.

It was a good start by Leeds but took 15 minutes for the first shot as Summerville’s right footed shot from left side of 6 yard box was blocked.

Then from a corner, Rodon’s header missed from centre of box to the right.

A minute later, half chance for Plymouth as Azaz’s right footed shot from outside box saved easily by Meslier.

1^st Leeds goal-James rifled one in

After 21 minutes, the Leeds dominance told as Rutter went down in box, no penalty but seconds later Kamara won ball back and teed James up who rifled one into the top corner.

Six minutes later, Summerville scored but offside.

2^nd Leeds goal- Piroe bottom corner

Just before the half hour, it was two for Leeds as Summerville forced Plymouth to give it away, Piroe gave it back to him, Summerville went into area and played Piroe in who slotted it into the bottom corner from 6 yard box , and it was too comfortable for Leeds.

After 33 minutes, James right footed shot blocked.

Two minutes later, Cundle’s shot for Plymouth blocked.

A couple of minutes later, Rutter’s left footed shot from left side of boxsaved.

After 41 minutes, Piroe’s left footed shot from left side of box saved.

A minute before the scheduled end of the first half, Azaz’s left footed shot from left side of box blocked.

Halftime score: Leeds United2-0 Plymouth Argyle

It was a comfortable first half for Leeds, Plymouth had a few half chances but nothing to test Meslier and 2 good goals by Leeds, could they continue 2^nd half?

Two minutes into 2^nd half, Whittaker’s left footed shot from outside box save din bottom right.

After 50 minutes, Piroe’s left footed shot from cnetre of box blocked.

Three minutes later, Kesler-Hayden’s shot for Plymouth outside box missed to left.

Then two chances for Rutter one with his right foot which was saved, and one with his left foot that was too high.

Just after the hour, Piroe’s header from centre of box just too high.

Couple of minutes later, Kesler-Hayden’s shot blocked.

After 69 minutes, Whittaker’s shot from outside box missed to right.

After 83 minutes, Anthony’s shot for Leeds with his right foot saved well by Cooper.

1^st Plymouth goal- Waine into centre of net

A minute later, a good ball down the line by Scarr to Cundle who got into are,and crossed for Waine who scored into the centre of the net, nervy last 5 minutes or so for Leeds?

After 88 minutes, Waine’s header from very close range from a corner just too high.

In 1^st minute of stoppage time, Rutter’s right footed shot too high.

Last chance for Leeds in 5^th minute of stoppage time was Anthony’s right footed shot blocked.

Fulltime score: Leeds United 2-1 Plymouth Argyle

Leeds not as good 2^nd half, and Plymouth had a go 2^nd half but Leeds got the win which was all that mattered, Plymouth may do Ok this season to stay up.

Leedsstay 3^rd on 31 points but only 8 points off Leicester and Ipswich.

Highlights of the game are at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=envuQmqV6Sg

Next for Leeds after the international break is a South Yorkshire derby as they go to Rotherham on Friday 24^th November 2023 with a 8pm kickoff.

Leeds United v Burnley Premier League Sunday 2nd January 2022

This was Leeds United’s 1st match since before Christmas as they had their 2 Christmas games postponed due to covid and injuries, and it was the “classic 6 pointer” against Burnley who were in the bottom three going into this game, so could Leeds start 2022 as they mean to go on and get a crucial win?
It was at an very rainy Elland Road as it was absolutely chucking it down

Teams at Elland Road

After 17 minutes, it was a slow and scrappy start, the 1st shot went to Dallas and was a right footed shot from left side of the box which was saved in centre of the goal. Harrison then had a left footed shot from the left side of box blocked. Then a minute later, Leeds fans held their breath as Raphinha spotted keeper off his line and tried an effort from more than 35 yards out, but he hit the bar, would have been a special goal.

After 21 minutes, Firpo’s right footed shot from centre of the box was saved in bottom right corner. Then Dallas’ right footed shot outside the box was blocked.
Just before the half hour, Raphinha’s left footed shot outside the box was too high.

Four minutes later, the 1st Burnley chance as Taylor crossed and Wood’s right footed shot from very close range was saved in centre of goal, then at other end Roberts had a left footed shot from centre of box blocked, then a big chance as Ayling crossed and Roberts header from centre of the box missed to the right.
Three minutes later, Westwood’s right footed shot outside the box blocked.

1st Leeds goal
After 39 minutes, Harrison’s initial left footed shot from difficult angle on the left was saved in bottom corner, it came back to Harrison whose right footed shot from difficult angle went into the bottom left corner, Elland Road went crackers and a crucial Leeds goal.

Four minutes later, Raphinha’s right footed shot from centre of box blocked. Then Dallas’s right footed shot outside the box blocked, then Firpo’s left footed shot from left side of box was just too high.
In first half stoppage time, Roberts’ right footed shot from right side of the box was saved in centre of the goal. Then Gudmunsson’s left footed shot outside the box was blocked, then Wood’s left footed shot from centre of the box was too high.

Halftime score: Leeds United 1-0 Burnley
On the balance of play, Leeds were deservedly ahead in the rain, but could they keep it up 2nd half?
After 47 minutes, 2 Roberts chances for Leeds were both right footed shot outside the box and both were blocked.

Five minutes later, Roberts had a right footed shot outside the box was high and wide to the right.

Burnley equaliser
Two minutes later, Burnley won what the crowd thought was a soft freekick, Cornet stepped up and put it into the bottom left corner with a left footed shot.
Midway through the 2nd half, Westwood crossed and Cornet had a left footed shot from very close range which was close but missed to the left.

After 72 minutes, big Leeds chance as James crossed and Raphinha had a right footed shot from difficult angle on the right which missed to the right. A minute later, Cornet’s left footed shot from left side of 6-yard box missed to the left. Then Raphinha had a left footed shot from centre of the box blocked.

2nd Leeds goal
With 13 minutes remaining, Leeds went back in front as they worked a corner short and Klich laid it off for Dallas who had a left footed shot outside the box which went into the bottom left corner and Elland Road erupted once again, could Leeds hold on this time?
In the 90th minute, Gelhardt’s left footed shot outside the box was blocked.

3rd Leeds goal
In the 2nd minute of stoppage time, this felt like it happened in slow motion as Gelhardt crossed for the smallest man on the pitch in Dan James, his header was saved by Hennessey, but it made it into the bottom right corner, and a sense of relief in three quarters of Elland Road.

In the 4th minute of stoppage time, Cornet’s right footed shot was high and wide.

Fulltime score: Leeds United 3-1 Burnley
It was a solid enough performance by Leeds in the rain, some good goals, and more importantly a massive three points and a win for Leeds United. It’s the 1st win I’ve seen at Elland Road this season in the 6th match I’ve been to this season.

It kept Leeds in 16th place but perhaps importantly took them onto 19 points 8 points clear of Burnley and 9 clear of Newcastle and Norwich in the bottom three.

Highlights of this game are at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHyefUjIZXU
Next for Leeds is a FA Cup 3rd round tie in London at West Ham United on Sunday 9th January 2022 on ITV1 with a 2pm kickoff.

Manchester United v Southampton Premier League Tuesday 2nd February 2021

This was another chance for Manchester United to kickstart their home form against a Southampton team who have lost a bit of form and were depleted coming into this game, so would Manchester United score some goals at home and go level on points with Man City, although Man City do have 2 games in hand.

It was played at Old Trafford

Disastrous start for Southampton

After just 2 minutes, it was the worst possible start for Southampton as Jankewitz caught McTominay high up on the thigh with a nasty, high challenge and the red card came out. Could United now take advantage of having a man advantage?

Six minutes later, Fred was 25 yards out , he opened his body up and went for goal, but it went a few yards high and wide.

After a quarter of a hour, McTominay curled one in from the right, aimed for Fred and Cavani, but Bednarek just flicked it away.

1^st United goal

Three minutes later, Lindelof spread it to Rashford on the left, he gave it to Shaw and his lovely ball flew over Bertrand’s head and Wan-Bissaka arrived at the far post to finish past McCarthy, and United had their first goal.

After 23 minutes a freekick was taken by Shaw, it reached Lindelof but turned it wide.

2^nd United goal

Two minutes later, United doubled their lead as Maguire found Shaw , he darted past Djenepo and fed Greenwood at the byline, Greenwood pulled it back for Rashford on the penalty spot, and he opened his body up and directed it past McCarthy.  This was going to be a long, long night for Southampton.

Four minutes later, Southampton had a freekick which Ward-Prowse took, he went for top right rather than top left over the wall and De Gea tipped it over well.

After 33 minutes, Fernandes tried a shot from 25 yards out, it was curling for bottom corner but McCarthy got down well to save, the corner came to nothing.

A minute later, there was a wonderful ball from Fernandes from the right, it was a wonderful header over by Stephens, the resulting corner fell to Shaw who drove it into the ground, McCarthy saved at the enar post.

3^rd Man United goal

In the same minute, United had their third goal as Rashford had space on the right side of the box, he curled a wicked cross in and Bednarek reached it 1^st but he stuck a leg out and diverted it into his own net.

After 39 minutes, another dangerous United attack as Fernandes flick was brilliant for Wan-Bissaka who powered past Stephens , he crossed and Cavani fluffed his effort from 6 yards out.

4^th United goal

In the same minute, United had their 4^th of the evening and Southampton were crumbling. Shaw with a wicked delivery from the left again, he found Cavani in between Stephens and Bertrand and Cavani powered a header into the left corner past McCarthy.

Penalty to United or was it?

After 42 minutes, Cavani piled his way through, he was challenged by Ramsay, the referee pointed to the penalty spot.  VAR had a look , because it may have JUST been outside the box, but it did look on the line. VAR said no penalty as they thought it was just outide the box, which meant freekick for United.

After 45 minutes, Fernandes took the freekick, he went low under the wall, the ball bounced off the wall and Maguire for a goalkick.

Halftime score: Manchester United 4-0 Southampton

It was a wonderful first half from Manchester United, albeit Southampton weren’t helped by the stupid challenge 2 minutes in, but United took full advantage and scored 4 first half goals. I feared for Southampton it could end up a similar score to when they played Leicester last season, so would the night get even better for United and even more painful for Southampton in the 2^nd half?

After 50 minutes, it was another well worked move by United and Maguire fed Martial who played a nice 1-2 with Fernandes but his shot blocked.

Southampton goal ruled out

After 53 minutes, Southampton had a freekick, it was taken quickly , Adams got into the box, his first shot was blocked by Wan-Bissaka , he got a 2^nd chance and he squeezed it in from an angle. The goal was ruled out for offside.

Just before the hour mark, Fernandes tested Mccarthy  from the edge of the box, the ball bounced just in front of McCarthy and he gathered as Van de Beek was looking to pounce.

Fifth United goal

After 69 minutes yet another goal for Man United as Fernandes clipped a well-weighted ball through to Martial in the box. Martial was onside and he wrestled Bednarek  away, he turned and shot and it flew into the roof of the net, how many more were United going to get?.

Sixth United goal

With 19 minutes to go, a sixth goal went in for United as Greenwood at an angle forced a good save by McCarthy, but the ball squirmed to McTominay 25 yards from goal, he ran onto it, controlled his effort and it flew into the bottom corner.

Two minutes later, a rare Southampton chance as Redmond squared to Adams in space in the box but he blazed over.

With fifteen minutes to Martial was released through on goal, McCarthy rushed out and Martial dinked it over him but the ball dropped just wide of the far post.

After 78 minutes McTominay found Martial on the edge of the box but he was crowded out this time. The ball fell to Fernandes who curled an effort just wide.

Penalty to United and another red card for Southampton

After 83 minutes Martial took a tumble after little contact from Bednarek and the referee gave a penalty. VAR looked at it 20 times, then they told the referee to look at it himself. Eventually the referee gave the penalty and sent Bednarek off to make things even worse for an already depleted Southampton, although his sending off was a bit harsher than the 1^st sending off.

7^th United goal

Because it took about 4 minutes for VAR to sort it out, the penalty wasn’t taken for another 4 minutes but once it was taken Fernandes sent McCarthy diving to his left while slotting the penalty away in the other direction, this was really good from United, really painful from Southampton.

8^th United goal

After 90 minutes, United made it EIGHT as Wan-Bissaka whipped a cross in from the right, and Martial had time to chest it down and smashed it home from close range.

After 90+2 minutes Greenwood crossed from deep out on the right and Martial couldn’t quite get enough of it.

NINTH United goal

After 90+3 minutes Southampton’s misery was complete as another cross from the right and Fernandes cushioned the header into the path of James who finished from very close range.

Fulltime score: Manchester United 9 (NINE)-0 Southampton

What can I say a ruthless performance from Manchester United against a depleted Southampton team.

I never thought I’d have to write a match report where one of my teams  scored nine goals.

It’s the first time in a top division game Manchester United put nine past an opponent since 1995 when they put nine past Ipswich Town.  It certainly helped United’s goal difference. It was a memorable night for all Man United fans.

Highlights of this incredible performance for United  are at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2NDfyQHIhY

It means Manchester United are joint top with Man City on 44 points, but Man City have 2 games in hand. Man City’s goal difference at time of writing is +24, United have got theirs up to +19.

Next for Man United is a home game with Everton on Saturday 6^th February with an  8pm kickoff where I assume there will be a minutes silence as it’s the anniversary of the Munich Air disaster.

Manchester United v Istanbul Basakhesir Champions League Tuesday 24th November 2020

This was Manchester United’s fourth Champions League game of the season, they couldn’t qualify on Tuesday night for the last 16 but they could take a big step closer if they performed better than they did in Turkey.

It was played at Old Trafford.

After two minutes, Rashford’s right footed shot from centre of box was saved.

After seven minutes,  Fernandes scored a stunning goal as his right footed shot from outside the box  went into the high corner of the goal following a corner.  Wait until you see it on the highlights I’ll attach at the end.

After 14 minutes, Fernandes’ right footed shot from outside the box was close, but missed to the left. Ba then had a left footed shot for Istanbul from centre of box but it missed to the left.

A minute later, Rashford’s right footed shot from the right side of the box was blocked.

After 19 minutes, United had their 2^nd and Fernandes had his 2^nd as his left footed shot from very close range went into the goal after Istanbul’s keeper missed the ball from a cross.

Five minutes later, Kahveci’s left footed shot from centre of the box was blocked.

Just before the half hour Visca’s right footed shot from outside the box just too high.

Just after the half hour, Ba’s left footed shot from outside the box was saved.

Two minutes later, Rashford was fouled by Bolingoli and a penalty was awarded, it went to VAR but they agreed.  Fernandes had the chance for a hat-trick but he passed the opportunity to Rashford who scored into the bottom right corner, and United were 3-0 up.

There were a couple more chances before halftime but no more goals.

Halftime score:  Manchester United 3-0 Istanbul Basaksehir

So a confident first half from United,  some good football and  one superb goal, could they add to      their tally in the second half?

After 49 minutes, Cavani’s right footed shot from centre of box was blocked.

Three minutes alter, a header from Cavani from centre of box missed to the right.

Just before the hour, Rafael had a left footed shot from outside the box but it went high and wide to the elft.

After 62 minutes, Greenwood’s header from the right side of the six yard box was blocked. From the corner, Maguire’s header was too high.

After 70 minutes, Greenwood’s left footed shot from centre of box was blocked.

With 15 minutes remaining, Istanbul got a goal back as Turuc’s freekick went into the bottom left corner, it looked like De Gea had kept it out, but the goal line technology said goal.

 With ten minutes left, Visca hit a shot from outside the box which hit the bar.

After 87 minutes, Visca’s right footed shot from left box of the box was saved.

After 90+2 minutes, Greenwood squared the ball to James who’s right footed shot from centre of box slotted calmly into the bottom right corner.

In the last action of the game after 90+5 minutes, Greenwood had a shot but it was saved.

Fulltime score:  Manchester United 4-1 Istanbul Basaksehir

So a good attacking performance from Manchester United with some good football at times and Manchester United need only a point from one of their last two group games to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League.

Next for Manchester United is an away trip on the south coast to Southampton who are having a good season in the Premier League on Sunday 29^th November with a 2pm kickoff.

Highlights from this game are below: