The Tilehurst End - Reading FC 0-3 Leeds United: Full CoverageReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2019-03-15T07:30:00+00:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/180254482019-03-15T07:30:00+00:002019-03-15T07:30:00+00:00Reading FC 0-3 Leeds United: The Alternative View
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<img alt="Reading v Leeds United - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gpsg3_BzFkDFO1L3yYWjJKfN9Og=/133x0:3435x2201/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63240706/1135389462.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>We saw two teams a class apart on Tuesday night.</p> <p id="KIVLoq">After two decent results Reading welcomed second place Leeds to the Madejski for a midweek fixture that had interest at the top and bottom of the table. Realistically, most Royals fans should have realised that anything from this game would have been a bonus, as Leeds have been one of the standout teams in the Championship this season. </p>
<p id="klOfVH">The undeniable star of the show was Pablo Hernandez, someone that is really too good to be playing at this level. Marcelo Bielsa’s side as a whole have to be given credit though, as after defeat to QPR last month, many pundits were suggesting that they would ‘burnout’, pointing to Leeds’ annual implosion. However this season it seems that it could be different, as they do actually look destined to make the top two. </p>
<p id="0HGIzE">Let’s take a look at what both the Twittersphere and the press had to say on the game...</p>
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<h1 id="R4YVNC"><strong>Social</strong></h1>
<h3 id="717lhG"><strong>Pretty much on the mark</strong></h3>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Another outstanding performance, another team display, commitment, passion, enjoyment, ruthless....now we can talk about Saturday....bring it on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lufc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lufc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mot?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mot</a></p>— Martin Sykes (@MartinSykes6) <a href="https://twitter.com/MartinSykes6/status/1105607279380971520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2019</a>
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<h3 id="ND6wfE"><strong>Yeah he was good, but there’s been better</strong></h3>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pablo Hernandez heat map from tonight..... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lufc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lufc</a> <a href="https://t.co/s28SigJugJ">pic.twitter.com/s28SigJugJ</a></p>— Adam Webster (@adswebbo) <a href="https://twitter.com/adswebbo/status/1105606604492296193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2019</a>
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<h3 id="rXKaxg"><strong>Would explain things!</strong></h3>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/lew_baker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lew_baker</a> Was it your parking that Bielsa didn’t like ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lufc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lufc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ReadingFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ReadingFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/8qgXL0cT9i">pic.twitter.com/8qgXL0cT9i</a></p>— Dean Sowden (@chefdelano) <a href="https://twitter.com/chefdelano/status/1105598988491866113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2019</a>
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<h3 id="MCe3dX"><strong>That is pretty impressive</strong></h3>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Leeds now have the BEST record (18 wins, 0 points dropped) after scoring first this season in the top two tiers of league football in England, France, Italy, Spain and Germany. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LUFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LUFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/0fmztluHCH">https://t.co/0fmztluHCH</a></p>— LUFCDATA (@LUFCDATA) <a href="https://twitter.com/LUFCDATA/status/1105597721119989760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2019</a>
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<h3 id="LtXhOz"><strong>Don’t remember Leeds beating Liverpool last year? #PastGlories</strong></h3>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Leed United! We are Champions of Europe and Top of the League! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lufc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lufc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MOT?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MOT</a> <a href="https://t.co/mTDcbQRITP">pic.twitter.com/mTDcbQRITP</a></p>— Torbjørn Sølsnæs (@tsolsnes) <a href="https://twitter.com/tsolsnes/status/1105590259939770369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2019</a>
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<h3 id="KbRep5"><strong>Oh that just hurts....</strong></h3>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">First double over Reading for over 90 years <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lufc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lufc</a> <a href="https://t.co/b6Qy0M5PtD">pic.twitter.com/b6Qy0M5PtD</a></p>— CllrRichardRobinson (@drummerrich1) <a href="https://twitter.com/drummerrich1/status/1105588462940573696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2019</a>
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<h3 id="wCgxOM"><strong>Oh for Leeds to finish third...</strong></h3>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Never thought it would happen like this but one of us 3 could end up with 90 points and in playoffs, would destroy me if it were Leeds - really good we push on and knock sufc back on Saturday <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lufc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lufc</a></p>— Graham Marchant (@gmarchy14) <a href="https://twitter.com/gmarchy14/status/1105584909597532166?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2019</a>
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<h3 id="AGG10b"><strong>Um...it was and should have been red</strong></h3>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">These commentators really need to get over Ayling not getting a second yellow <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LUFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LUFC</a></p>— Michaela LUFC (@MichaelaStuart4) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelaStuart4/status/1105578514303107072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2019</a>
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<h1 id="87LqUd"><strong>Media</strong></h1>
<p id="Wdli89">A quick skip amongst the media outlets, primarily as most of them have the same report sees the game picked up by a few nationals as the media love-in with Leeds continues.</p>
<p id="tmDgJ6">We may as well start with Leeds favourite fans <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/reading-vs-leeds/392980">Sky</a>. They have three minutes and thirty seconds of highlights and two things jump out - firstly a lesson in how not to take your chances, and secondly just showing how good Hernandez actually is.</p>
<p id="WYvuvJ">Changing channels to the <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47450243">BBC</a>, and they say that the game was over when the third goal went in; however this is probably one of the longest write ups that we have had for a long while – shame it was a defeat!</p>
<p id="Q7xgFu">Phil Hey at the <a href="https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/reading-0-leeds-united-3-phil-hay-s-verdict-royals-victory-sets-up-yorkshire-derby-show-stopper-with-sheffield-united-1-9646319">Yorkshire Evening Post</a> was eulogising as you would imagine about this Leeds side, but did acknowledge that Ayling could and should have been sent off with Bielsa subbing him straight after.</p>
<p id="u2uvdI"><a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6801009/Reading-0-3-Leeds-Pablo-Hernandez-strikes-twice-victory.html">The Daily Mail</a> as always have a decent write up, again announcing the Hernandez masterclass, but they also give us a mention unlike some of the other outlets, and still reference the Wembley defeat – hangover anyone?</p>
<p id="LFkVLK">Now the <a href="https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/765036/Leeds-news-Patrick-Bamford-Mateusz-Klich-Reading-Championship-Marcelo-Bielsa?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+daily-star-football+%28Daily+Star+%3A%3A+Football+Feed%29">Daily Star</a> has a totally different take on the game, saying that Leeds fans were drooling over Bamford’s performance. I mean missing a hat trick who wouldn’t (cows backside, barn door etc etc)!</p>
<p id="mtNkHp">Finally, <a href="https://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/leeds-united-class-apart-loader-15967931">Football.London </a>have their usual round up of the game, with the talking points being the interesting one: Loader badly needing a goal, debuts for East and Olise, and the lack of a midfield. It’s interesting as midfield was the area at the beginning of the season that we seemed to be overloaded in. Now we don’t actually have anyone to play there!</p>
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<h1 id="1sUx3D"><strong>Summary</strong></h1>
<p id="sjFsWZ">I hate it, I really do – having to give Leeds praise does stick in the throat a little, but it has to be done. What we do need to bear in mind however is that this Leeds team is probably three years and £40 million in the making. </p>
<p id="667wdC">Whilst we can all point at clubs throwing money at getting decent players in, to actually do that and not waste it is an art form. I mean, we only have to look at Aston Villa as an example of a team who since being relegated have spent cash and not really put much of a challenge up. Wolves however had a project and got to the Premier League and now Leeds will probably do the same.</p>
<p id="DbxKbC">Reading on the other hand have spent cash and seen all £7.5 million drift over to China (an example of when it goes wrong). It would be an interesting stat to actually look at the last clubs to get promoted and see what they spent on players to get there. </p>
<p id="MUkp2f">So, what does this mean then? Are academies important or is promotion earned by buying yourself out of the league? Being realistic, Reading’s academy have produced some good players, but we haven’t really seen a player come through and cement a place since Liam Kelly. I know everyone will point to Rinomhota as an example, but he hasn’t had a full season yet and Kelly, when he broke through, had a similar purple patch. </p>
<p id="RczdYL">I still believe that we need to bring players through the academy system, as it does bolster the squad and every so often you will produce excellent players (McCarthy, Gylfi etc) but what we don’t have is the ability to find an Hernandez, or even anything close to him. What it does show is the importance of a scouting network and connections - our Director of International Scouting was sacked and as far as I’m aware is yet to be replaced!</p>
<p id="F8PORF">Hopefully we can get through this season and ask our lovely owners to put their hands in their pockets and pull us out a gem of a player or the eight that we need, so just for once we can have a decent stab at getting promoted. Because let’s face it, it’s been a little bit horrible being at the wrong end of the table.</p>
<p id="BQx4PF">Oh by the way – C’mon Sheffield United, stuff Leeds!!!!</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/3/15/18266179/reading-fc-0-3-leeds-united-the-alternative-view-royalsdavemc_exile2019-03-14T07:44:37+00:002019-03-14T07:44:37+00:00Jose Gomes Looks For Positives After Leeds United Defeat
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<p>The Royals were comfortably beaten, but that didn’t completely dampen Gomes’ mood.</p> <p id="AfodkL">Outclassed and outplayed. Leeds United were the visitors to the Madejski Stadium last night and showed why they are set to be in the Premier League next season with a thumping 3-0 victory. It was all over at half-time, but we played much better in the second half to keep Leeds at bay. </p>
<p id="SvZzV9">Here is what Jose Gomes had to say after the match; he spoke to the <a href="http://www.readingfc.co.uk">official club website </a>and <a href="https://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/reading-fc-boss-jose-gomes-15964263">Football.London</a>.</p>
<h3 id="OpDB9H"><strong>Gomes on the game</strong></h3>
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<p id="ucWQUl">“It was a good game and we started by playing very well – good football, good actions and motions near their goal. We missed one opportunity and, in their second attack, they scored. At that moment, I don’t think we deserved to concede a goal – but that’s football.</p>
<p id="J66lrZ">”We played against one of the strongest offensive dynamics in this league. Very good movements, good intensity, very fast movements between all the players. They have quality - you can’t hid it - and they can create opportunities from nothing. That’s why they are in the position that they are.</p>
<p id="b9j62a">”After four shots on goal, they had scored three goals. Even if they are under pressure, without any space at all, one small touch - half a step - and the ball was in the back of the net. They quality they have is difficult to stop.</p>
<p id="OOEhDN">”When you are in a good moment, good things happen. And they are in a good moment right now. We are not happy, because you cannot feel happy when you lose 3-0. But we had a lot of very positive things that we must hold onto for the future.”</p>
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<h3 id="G8wwmY"><strong>Gomes on confidence</strong></h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="ffELBR">”The players showed more confidence to play football and move the ball and we had more academy players involved tonight too. Ryan East started and Michael Olise came on from the bench – and they played well. They didn’t show any fear, so that’s another positive thing.</p>
<p id="jZptfd">”They have been working very well with us. And we used them because they are part of the club family and they are working very well. So we need to use the academy players if they deserve to play.”</p>
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<h3 id="IGPTtD"><strong>Gomes on it being a fair scoreline</strong></h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="E8b2gW">“We started the game well but in the moment we conceded the first goal we didn’t deserve to. After four shots, they scored three goals. Without any space - the third goal was just a small touch and the ball crossed Martinez’s hand. It was a fantastic goal.</p>
<p id="2PiNPx">“The quality they have is difficult to stop. Their dynamic and mobility - we tried to stop it. When we are in a good moment, good things happen. Leeds are in a good moment so that’s what happened.”</p>
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<h3 id="76Twsj"><strong>Gomes on a possible red card for Ayling</strong></h3>
<blockquote><p id="W0SfPQ">“I think, yes. The referee forgave him. It was a second yellow card in my opinion. The game could have been different of course and the end could have been different but the difference is they scored three goals before half time.”</p></blockquote>
<h3 id="2ivrEH"><strong>Gomes on Ryan East’s debut</strong></h3>
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<p id="1bTgoQ">“He showed he was comfortable in the game. He gave very good passes, he recovered a lot of balls. In the second half, Danny (Loader’s) pass could have put him in front of the goalkeeper but it was behind him.</p>
<p id="pyDEMz">“He did well, like Michael (Olise). He played very well for the time that he played. They have more to show, but I am happy with what they did.”</p>
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<h3 id="RRDOSC"><strong>Gomes on Liam Moore</strong></h3>
<blockquote><p id="EfLxGb">“He’s not completely free of pain, but he’s brave and he showed again that he is brave.”</p></blockquote>
<h3 id="obUigN"><strong>Gomes on Liam Kelly</strong></h3>
<blockquote><p id="xNeiNJ">“He is not injured. He wasn’t selected. The reason is, remember the last time that he played. I must work inside me to bring him back to the team. I didn’t like what happened at Sheffield United. He’s still my player, he’s like my son. But I have children and sometimes we must punish them. He is still training with the first team.”</p></blockquote>
<h3 id="7lBbTV"><strong>Gomes on moving forward</strong></h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="onHmNz">”We didn’t have time to celebrate after beating Wigan and we don’t have time to cry now we have lost to Leeds.</p>
<p id="JFA90D">”Now we just need to prepare, recover, and think about the next game against Stoke City. We need points to move away from this position as soon as possible. We must fight for three points again on Saturday.”</p>
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<aside id="Rbwr50"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Match Report: Royals Outclassed By League Leaders","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/3/13/18263388/reading-fc-0-3-leeds-united-royals-outclassed-by-league-leaders"},{"title":"Reading 0-3 Leeds United: Player Ratings","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/3/13/18263407/reading-fc-0-3-leeds-united-player-ratings-royals"}]}'></div></aside>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/3/14/18263391/jose-gomes-looks-for-positives-after-leeds-united-defeat-reading-fc-royalssophierfc102019-03-13T08:52:57+00:002019-03-13T08:52:57+00:00Reading 0-3 Leeds United: Player Ratings
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<img alt="Reading v Leeds United - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-2w8hNK-4app-2NSCpj9kCdlnPQ=/0x0:2859x1906/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63229593/1135410150.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Not the worst performance, but not good enough to deny a rampant Leeds side who went top of the league on Tuesday night.</p> <h3 id="WpExm7"><strong>Emiliano Martinez: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="VzoUDh">Not at fault for any of the goals, but made a big save in the second half to keep the score at 3-0. </p>
<h3 id="RwThP8"><strong>Andy Yiadom: 7</strong></h3>
<p id="48THQ2">Back to his best going forwards, and managed to carve out a few clear sights of goal for himself on a night when they were at a premium for the forwards. Generally got forward well, bombing down the wing confidently and getting into the box. Decent defensively, and improved after the break. </p>
<h3 id="3Fti4j"><strong>Matt Miazga: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="LQCvX1">Played out from the back pretty well under pressure, and helped keep the score down on a night when the back four lacked midfield cover. </p>
<h3 id="sCAJt2"><strong>Liam Moore: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="9JPb9m">Same as Miazga. Also went on the odd surging run forwards. </p>
<h3 id="TsVfOb"><strong>Tyler Blackett: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="Mf1zaf">Didn’t have the same attacking impact as Yiadom. Pretty good defensively and used his strength well - a far cry from the Blackett of last season who was often more a liability than an asset. </p>
<h3 id="y9U5xt"><strong>Ryan East: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="STJls1">A tough night for the debutant. He seems to be a ball-playing midfielder, and struggled at times without the security of a ball winner next to him. Gave possession away cheaply in the build-up to the second goal. </p>
<h3 id="RXpQxG"><strong>Lewis Baker: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="ltTCOJ">His lack of experience as a holding midfielder showed, with Leeds finding space around the area too easily on a few occasions. Good on the ball without creating much bar a storming run forward in the second half that ended with him tamely testing the ‘keeper. </p>
<h3 id="Tp4ezW"><strong>Yakou Meite: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="UaUg3n">Worked hard as per, and managed to get in behind the Leeds defence on a few occasions, but lacked the composure to conjure a clear-cut chance. Wasted the opportunities that did come his way. </p>
<h3 id="1GVTWp"><strong>John Swift: 4</strong></h3>
<p id="pvZolZ">Very poor. Gave the back away cheaply too many times, didn't create enough going forwards - bar setting Meite free down the right in the first half, was weak defensively and had poor set pieces. </p>
<p id="KeClFK">I do hate to pick on him, but he’s really in good form at the moment, and could probably benefit from being taken out of the side for a few games. </p>
<h3 id="ZBqKwi"><strong>Modou Barrow: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="3ceBMU">For me he was one of Reading's best attacking outlets. Caused Leeds a few problems down the left with his pace, drawing two fouls from Luke Ayling - which should have been met with two yellow cards. Missed a crucial challenge just before the opener. </p>
<h3 id="pok4Qb"><strong>Danny Loader: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="2MZueE">He struggled to get into the game. Couldn't win much aerially or stretch the play with movement/pace. Going up against a resolute Leeds defence was always going to be tough, so hopefully he can learn from the experience. </p>
<h2 id="a6z7QO"><strong>Subs</strong></h2>
<h3 id="AS1c7G"><strong>Callum Harriott: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="XfdYld">Worked hard down the right, not much came off for him. Could use a few more starts to give him a proper opportunity to impress ahead of his contract expiring in the summer. </p>
<h3 id="iTN7Zs"><strong>Michael Olise: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="SePA4N">He was never likely to have a huge impact on the game, but what you want to see from a 17 year-old debutant is a positive attitude; trying things and seeing if they come off, rather than hiding. He did that soon after coming on by trying to take on about three Leeds defenders in the corner, and even pulled off an eye-catching cross-field pass later on. </p>
<p id="djmz4z">With the other wingers not convincing, there could be an opportunity for him to get more game time in the future. However, we need to be patient with him, as with Loader. </p>
<h3 id="qQdenK"><strong>Garath McCleary: N/A</strong></h3>
<p id="LVFtXY">Didn’t do too much bar a shot from range that was easily saved. </p>
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<h3 id="pXAX4C"><strong>Average: 5.46/10</strong></h3>
<p id="lBxnkQ"><em>Who was your man of the match against Leeds United? Vote below, or </em><a href="http://www.easypolls.net/poll.html?p=5c88c426e4b070a0255c0ad4"><em>through this link right here</em></a><em>. </em></p>
<div id="mxL37A">
<script type="text/javascript" src="https://host1.easypolls.net/ext/scripts/emPoll.js?p=5c88c426e4b070a0255c0ad4"></script><a class="OPP-powered-by" href="http://www.objectplanet.com/opinio/" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="font: 9px arial; color: gray;">survey service</div></a>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/3/13/18263407/reading-fc-0-3-leeds-united-player-ratings-royalsBucksRoyal2019-03-13T07:52:58+00:002019-03-13T07:52:58+00:00Match Report: Royals Outclassed By League Leaders
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<img alt="Reading v Leeds United - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sGKo3WMpYEWiIyTI3D3o3BkPsFY=/0x0:3660x2440/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63229548/1135409101.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Reading were sent straight back down to earth after the euphoria of the last couple of games against Wigan and Ipswich by Leeds, as the visitors comfortably went top of the Championship.</p> <p id="Mtnq1k">Tuesday night was always really a bonus game; any kind of result would’ve been fantastic, but the odds were always stacked against us. Leeds United are a top, top team and showed it. We started reasonably well and threatened on a couple of occasions, but once Klich fired home from inside the penalty area, it was plain sailing for Marcelo Bielsa’s men.</p>
<p id="i1MEM5">The performance overall was probably better than the one against <a href="https://pieeatersfootie.sbnation.com/">Wigan Athletic</a> on Saturday - but we just came up against a team who are streets ahead of us in pretty much every department.</p>
<p id="VOLRWk">Somehow - after dislocating his shoulder on Saturday - captain Liam Moore kept his place in the starting lineup, and there was a big moment for under-23 skipper Ryan East who made his debut for the first team; yet another academy graduate to do so under Gomes.</p>
<p id="AAg3NK"><em>Martinez; Yiadom, Miazga, Moore, Blackett; East, Baker; Loader, Swift, Barrow; Meite.</em></p>
<h2 id="ZEyl6G"><strong>First half</strong></h2>
<p id="77GMCj">As I previously said, we started pretty well. The first real opportunity of the game fell to Andy Yiadom who somehow managed to find himself with space in the <a href="https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/">Leeds United</a> penalty area - but could only find the feet of Casilla with his left footed shot.</p>
<p id="mZejk0">Barrow and Meite were both causing their respective full backs a few problems as well, before Leeds started to turn on the gas. A silky move from midfield - with help from a poor attempt at a slide tackle from Mo Barrow - ended with Klich stroking home for 1-0.</p>
<p id="v6DOVH">Although Leeds were good, we didn’t really help ourselves as eight minutes later Ryan East’s weak clearance could only find Pablo Hernandez who somehow managed to double United’s lead from the edge of the box.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Reading v Leeds United - Sky Bet Championship" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PGw7VM5g8M6puZCjorQQqRfbBAA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/15958419/1135392211.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="4fYvIi">Once Leeds had stamped their authority on the game, we became pretty toothless. I’m a big fan of John Swift but he really didn’t have his best game (although that might have something to do with the fact that Kalvin Phillips hardly moved from within two feet of him for the whole game). Debutant East and former Leeds man Baker couldn’t live with the quality and intensity of their opposition midfielders.</p>
<p id="k30kvZ">And just to rub salt into the wounds, Hernandez scored another absolute peach - this time sweeping home from the edge of the box past Martinez. The celebrations of the Leeds fans were almost cancelled out by the sound of the Royals crashing back down to earth after the last couple of games, and the realisation that this relegation scrap is far from over.</p>
<h2 id="WXTxHF"><strong>Second half</strong></h2>
<p id="AktO3y">Bit of a nothing half really, wasn’t it? Yiadom and Baker both tested Casilla without really testing him (if you know that I mean) and Luke Ayling was lucky not to be shown a second yellow for a challenge on Barrow - but let’s be honest, the game was pretty much done and dusted at that point.</p>
<p id="AaCEoB">The only real fun of the closing 45 came from Patrick Bamford - who seemed to be running his own personal competition for miss of the season; the best entry probably being a glorious one-on-one chance being put out for a throw in. It’s actually pretty impressive being able to put it out for a throw-in from six yards out so, bravo Mr Bamford.</p>
<p id="LziDK6">Yet another academy graduate made his debut with Michael Olise replacing Mo Barrow for the final 20 minutes. It really is refreshing and exciting seeing the amount of faith Jose Gomes has in our youngsters. Eamonn wouldn’t half be proud - his legacy continues to live on.</p>
<div id="z8EeiV">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Straight into it! <br><br> Michael Olise ⚪️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OneOfOurOwn?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OneOfOurOwn</a> <a href="https://t.co/4y3W81meb8">pic.twitter.com/4y3W81meb8</a></p>— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReadingFC/status/1105582397591035904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="OeAM1v">Leeds saw out the game well and showed why they’ll more than likely be in the Premier League next season. While we couldn’t really lay a glove on them and showed why we haven’t been above 19th in the league all season.</p>
<h2 id="DT5wbB"><strong>Final thoughts</strong></h2>
<p id="nYAqMa">Ah, the sour taste of reality. We have a long way to go to secure safety in the Championship, but this kind of games is always a bit like a bonus round on a TV quiz show. If you get a result, fantastic. If you don’t, there are bigger matches to come.</p>
<p id="u0dAB6">Our next one, on the other hand, is one we can be confident of getting a result in. Stoke have probably been one of the flops of the season, and if we play how we have in a few games under Gomes, there is no reason why can’t travel back from Staffordshire with at least a point.</p>
<p id="oEDLiu">It’s never nice to lose, but the bigger picture is definitely needed after results like Tuesday night. Onwards and upwards, as they say.</p>
<p id="W7RStC">URZ.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/3/13/18263388/reading-fc-0-3-leeds-united-royals-outclassed-by-league-leadersharry.chafer2019-03-12T12:23:48+00:002019-03-12T12:23:48+00:00Leeds Fan On Promotion: I Don’t Even Like Thinking About It
<figure>
<img alt="Bristol City v Leeds United - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XKH8rXd4lIgPGQfNMLwqpnavsgI=/0x64:5088x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63222551/1134710991.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Leeds fan Pete Schlenker talks SpyGate, Marcelo Bielsa’s tactics and more...</p> <p id="KGLma2">Tuesday's game against Leeds United is certainly a big match, so it's worth getting as much info ahead of it as possible. </p>
<p id="5PsnY3">We've already talked to <a href="https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/3/12/18260426/view-from-the-town-end-leeds-united-reading-fc-royals-marcelo-bielsa">Leeds fan and writer Jon Mackenzie</a>, but now we're checking in with fellow SB Nation site <a href="https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/">Through It All Together</a>. They told us about SpyGate, Leeds' Premier League ambitions and more. </p>
<h3 id="2KD25x"><strong>Last time out, you edged Reading to move into second. How have Leeds come on since then?</strong></h3>
<p id="WbjOkT">Well, Leeds are still second, although we’ve been top of the league a good deal in between that time. We have only dropped down to third on goal difference with Leeds, Sheffield United, and Norwich City all separating themselves from the pack. Two out of these three will get automatic promotion with the third having to go through the playoffs. </p>
<h3 id="7X5t1X"><strong>What have you made of Reading this season?</strong></h3>
<p id="Qoxeca">It seemed to be quite the fall from grace to be going from playoffs to struggling to stay in the league in only a couple seasons, but it looks like you guys finally have a manager and some players that can get the team to safety at least. If you guys could be the ones to send Millwall down, that’d be great for the rest of the league.</p>
<h3 id="ttPpyu"><strong>What did you make of the infamous 'SpyGate' incident with Frank Lampard's Derby County?</strong></h3>
<p id="t2MxgK">Given the form of Derby, I think Frank Lampard should be more concerned about Derby County than what an intern may or may not have seen from the road. It is interesting that the EFL couldn’t actually find any rule that Leeds had broken, but rather violated the “charter” which sounds sneakily like they were just mad that someone from Argentina made a fool out of the golden child Lampard. </p>
<p id="mlc1jH">It seems like a lot has been made out of an incident while silence from the EFL on a couple of other subjects which probably deserve more attention, such as the players at Bolton Wanderers not getting paid or whatever is going on over at Coventry.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Derby County v Millwall - Sky Bet Championship" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/M1EQPLeUNoQt9xM_06WTRszJEo0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/15956066/1131002536.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Derby County's Frank Lampard</figcaption>
</figure>
<h3 id="UlJMLE"><strong>If Leeds get into the Premier League, realistically can they stay there?</strong></h3>
<p id="bW1mfC">My heart says yes, but it’s gonna be very, very tough. The gulf between the “haves” and the “have-nots” in England has never been greater, and while Bielsa might be able to keep a rag-tag assortment of players up, I’m not sure if it’s going to be sustainable beyond him. If the club spends its money wisely, then perhaps, but it all seems like counting chickens before they hatch right now. I don’t even like thinking about promotion, much less writing about it, because of superstition. I’m not gonna be the one that jinxes Leeds.</p>
<h3 id="2ns0iJ"><strong>Tactically, how do you think Marcelo Bielsa will approach this match?</strong></h3>
<p id="KP0wzU">There is no “plan B” under Bielsa, for better or worse, so it’s gonna be more of the same. Leeds will play a high press, try to control possession and tempo, and will create a ton of scoring chances. If Leeds can convert at least one of those chances, then it’ll be a good day for Leeds, if not, it will be the Queens Park Rangers match all over again.</p>
<h3 id="KJoGNo"><strong>How do you see the game going, and what will the score be?</strong></h3>
<p id="n8SKmW">Leeds will take a first-half lead and control possession, waste a few chances and ultimately run out as 1-0 winners.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/3/12/18261357/view-from-the-town-end-leeds-united-reading-fc-royalsBucksRoyalPete Schlenker2019-03-12T09:26:28+00:002019-03-12T09:26:28+00:00View From The Town End: Leeds Marching On Under Bielsa
<figure>
<img alt="Leeds United v Norwich City - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0flAk-Q7LQ6jvQ5t3n__-mT4RZA=/0x0:5568x3712/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63218827/1126951339.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by George Wood/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We caught up with Leeds fan and writer Jon Mackenzie to get the lowdown on Tuesday’s opposition.</p> <p id="MGpvqq">Leeds United’s promotion push has been one of the most eye-catching stories of the 2018/19 Championship season. Under the management of iconic gaffer Marcelo Bielsa, the Lilywhites have gone from mid-table ignominy to automatic promotion hopefuls. </p>
<p id="bkPAY3">To find out more about how that promotion charge is going, we checked in with Leeds fan, football writer and all-round lovely chap Jon Mackenzie. Check out his <a href="https://twitter.com/Jon_Mackenzie">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/footymediapod"><em>Team Of John O’Sheas </em>podcast</a> (great name!), <a href="https://twitter.com/FootyMediaPod"><em>Football Media Podcast</em></a>, and <a href="https://jonmackenzie.substack.com/">weekly newsletter</a> on football writing. </p>
<p id="jf0ILS">(They’re all very good).</p>
<h3 id="ZbrvCo"><strong>Could you give us an overview of how the season’s gone so far?</strong></h3>
<p id="Wz0gwe">What are the words in the song? <em>‘And we’ve had our ups and downs’.</em> That’s a fairly succinct summary of the season. We enjoyed something of a Bielsa bounce at the beginning of the season when it became clear that the Argentine’s methods were proving beneficial, but we hit a couple of bumps in the road. Samu Saiz was struggling with life in England and his partner wanted their child to be born in Spain so he moved over to Getafe for the remainder of the season. </p>
<p id="GM2BhZ">Looking at Leeds’ performances since then, it’s been a case of Bielsa trying to fill the number 10 gap in his system and only now, two and a half months later, are we seeing Tyler Roberts grow into the role after a certain amount of experimentation with Mateusz Klich and Pablo Hernandez filling in too. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Leeds United v Bolton Wanderers - Sky Bet Championship" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0Z0Pwc3NnG69K4ebdWb3u_R-yTo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/15954435/1131625925.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by George Wood/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Leeds boast the attacking talent of Tyler Roberts, Mateusz Klich, Ezgjan Alioski and Pablo Hernandez (L-R)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="ECkEsu">Other than that, there has been a fair amount of injury turnover and so there have been weak spots in the team. The defence is looking solid again now that we finally have both centre backs (Liam Cooper and Pontus Jansson) fit and healthy, and Luke Ayling and Barry Douglas are finally approaching match fitness with both having had lay-offs for a month or so recently.</p>
<p id="SYfCiD">We endured something of a slump after Christmas, but we’re seeing signs that we’re moving past that (some of which might be to do with the fact that Kalvin Phillips is sitting a little deeper now compared to before Christmas. It’s just a shame that this is a season where three teams are battling it out for two automatic promotion spots. Everything will likely come down to the game against Sheffield United.</p>
<h3 id="kS89C0"><strong>Have Leeds got enough to get promotion this season, or will they miss out?</strong></h3>
<p id="2bUfJ7">It’s hard to answer this really. On the one hand, I think we’ve done enough to merit promotion. What Bielsa has achieved with a team that finished 13th last season is nothing short of remarkable. The impact he’s had on players like Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips is hard to overstate.</p>
<p id="BTrGgl">That said, as I mentioned, it looks like automatic promotion is going to come down to a fixture against Sheffield United. And per fixture, there are times when Leeds can look scintillating or very average.</p>
<p id="mBIekN">So we’ll see, we certainly have a good chance, but if we miss out on automatic promotion then anything can happen in the play-offs (as you well know). The Leeds fans, though, are negative about our progression through the play-offs...</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Queens Park Rangers v Leeds United - Sky Bet Championship" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/trqcMsPZUwp6ltlbl8jPnR7MP8M=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/15954465/1132355776.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Harriet Lander/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Liam Cooper: a defender rejuvenated under Marcelo Bielsa</figcaption>
</figure>
<h3 id="yGXWwK"><strong>Any fond memories of games against Reading in years gone by? </strong></h3>
<p id="wQ7hj1">Off the top of my head, there was that game in the 2015/16 season when Leeds won having been 1-0 down, then 2-1 up, then 2-2 before Chris Wood scored in the last five minutes. Toumani Diagouraga scored - the man who had Toumani letters in his surname for most of us to manage, so we called him Dave. Also, Brian McDermott was manager so there’s that. But beyond that, it wasn’t really that memorable at all to be honest...</p>
<h3 id="X3EgqJ"><strong>And any you’d rather forget?</strong></h3>
<p id="seV7t0">As a Leeds fan, I’m good at dissociation so... no.</p>
<h3 id="9TfTKt"><strong>Who’s your main danger man?</strong></h3>
<p id="AHrczK">We already know who is playing on Tuesday because Bielsa likes to announce his teams early as a middle finger to Frank Lampard. Pablo Hernandez every time - he’s our creative hub in the absense of Saiz and almost everything we do productively comes through him. </p>
<p id="F4cPdW">If you consider second assists (‘the assist before the assist’ on which the jury is very much out given the amount of noise they can encourage statistically), Mateusz Klich is very important too. He’s a box-to-box midfielder so his ball carrying is very important to what we do.</p>
<h3 id="Y7Nyyu"><strong>How do you see the game going, and what will the score be?</strong></h3>
<p id="M613Ol">Leeds have struggled when teams sit deep against them so it will all depend on how Reading come out. If you can sit deep and look to stymy Pablo Hernandez, who knows what will happen? People will point to the QPR upset recently but, in that instance, Steve McClaren’s side were fairly progressive. Paddy Bamford was a little off and that was that.</p>
<p id="ooLLA7">Needless to say, it’ll probably be a tight and edgy game so I’ll say 0-1 to the visitors.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/3/12/18260426/view-from-the-town-end-leeds-united-reading-fc-royals-marcelo-bielsaBucksRoyalThe Tilehurst End Guest Writer2019-03-12T08:00:00+00:002019-03-12T08:00:00+00:00Match Preview: Leeds A Tall Order For In-Form Royals
<figure>
<img alt="Leeds United v Reading - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vuKSe6ZVt8se8KT2RBnteY9sRwQ=/0x0:4662x3108/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63216360/1073312308.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by George Wood/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It’s Jose Gomes vs Marcelo Bielsa. Who comes out on top?</p> <p id="SiPgaI">A mid-week Championship tie sees Reading welcome automatic promotion contenders Leeds United to the Madejski Stadium. 34 points separate the two sides in this David vs Goliath game, with both teams desperate to pick up a win.</p>
<p id="7H3ghm">After a weekend which had everything - altercations on the touchline, a controversial drop ball, Club 1871 and an amazing last minute winner through Yakou Meite’s header - the belief that Reading can stay up is growing. </p>
<p id="FdjrPQ">This fixture is going to be very tough for the Royals. They will have to play at their best if they have any chance of taking a draw or win. </p>
<h2 id="KZiNOq"><strong>The last five</strong></h2>
<h3 id="pgoMCc"><strong>Reading: WLDWW</strong></h3>
<p id="ao2NLw">Ovie Ejaria and Liam Moore are doubts for this game after suffering injuries against Wigan Athletic; the latter has a dislocated shoulder. Sam Baldock, Andy Rinomhota, Jordan Obita, Saeid Ezatolahi and Nelson Oliveira are also currently on the Royals’ injury list. Danny Loader, Ryan East and Michael Olise could feature on the bench for the home team again, while Jose Gomes hinted that Josh Barrett could also be involved with the first team quite soon.</p>
<p id="DYnR8H">In my last match preview, I wrote that Reading needed to start turning draws into wins - something they have since done brilliantly in their past two matches. If the fixtures against Ipswich Town and Wigan Athletic ended up as draws, Reading would be in the relegation zone right now and just three points ahead of Bolton Wanderers. With Bolton having several winnable games before the end of the season, it was vital that Reading won both of the last two games.</p>
<h3 id="rBOBsb"><strong>Leeds United: WWLWW</strong></h3>
<p id="01qQtJ">Patrick Bamford and Kalvin Phillips will be monitored after suffering first-half injuries in their last fixture against Bristol City. Both were able to continue after half time but Bamford was substituted early on in the second half. Adam Forshaw and Kemar Roofe are unlikely to feature at the Madejski Stadium, but several other players have come back from injury in the past few games. They include Gaetano Beradi, Barry Douglas, Izzy Brown and Stuart Dallas. Jack Clarke may also return to the first team squad after recovering from a virus.</p>
<p id="Nb9f1K">The only loss that Leeds United have suffered in the past five games came at Loftus Road, where the Whites lost 1-0 at QPR. Their most impressive result in those last few games was arguably their 4-0 win against West Brom, who have won over half of their away league games this season. With Sheffield United hot on Leeds United’s tail for an automatic promotion spot, the away side can’t afford to slip up against Reading on Tuesday.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Bristol City v Leeds United - Sky Bet Championship" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nPY7scNCnjjsNTHHqkbn0zdSDNc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/15953600/1134846261.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h2 id="520Cxt"><strong>Previous meetings</strong></h2>
<p id="734OMv">27/11/2018: Leeds United 1-0 Reading</p>
<p id="57aJ5s">10/3/2018: Reading 2-2 Leeds United</p>
<p id="PNSzIt">14/10/2017: Leeds United 0-1 Reading</p>
<p id="OiKtBw">1/4/2017: Reading 1-0 Leeds United</p>
<p id="RqmMts">13/12/2016: Leeds United 2-0 Reading</p>
<p id="INr5Fg">Marc McNulty’s saved penalty in the last meeting between these two sides denied the Royals a share of the spoils at Elland Road in late November last year. Only four of those players who started in that fixture featured from the off against Wigan Athletic at the Madejski Stadium at the weekend. Tiago Ilori and Leandro Bacuna, who started in Yorkshire last November, have left the club permanently since that fixture.</p>
<p id="nECtbR">However, Reading have picked up two memorable wins against Leeds United in the past couple of years. Mo Barrow’s strike against his former club in the October 2017 tie dragged the Royals out of relegation trouble that day. The match between the two sides at the Madejski Stadium in April the same year boosted Reading’s promotion chances, through Yann Kermorgant’s strike past Robert Green in the Leeds goal.</p>
<h2 id="Prsdma"><strong>Quick-fire stats</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li id="T4V9YP">Reading have only lost one of their last eight league games, which was their 4-0 defeat at Bramall Lane against Sheffield United.</li>
<li id="ykopcV">The Royals are currently eight points off their total of last season - our tally of 44 points last season was just enough to keep them up. We will be looking to beat that total this season with 10 games left to give us a fighting chance of staying up.</li>
<li id="Ff8WwX">Reading have one more point than they did at this stage last season (36-35). </li>
<li id="omVHmc">Leeds United have picked up ten more points so far this season than they did the whole of last season. They have ten more games to play this season to widen that gap even further. All about the tens.</li>
<li id="hdWaP7">After their winner at Bristol City at the weekend, they have now also scored more goals this season than they did last season (60-59). Kemar Roofe has contributed heavily towards that with 14 strikes.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="y9pIJF"><strong>Prediction</strong></h2>
<p id="WAbPfb">In our current form, I should be quite optimistic that we can at least pick up a point at home against any side. However, I can’t help but feel that the Royals will have run out of steam after two breathtaking wins, and Leeds United under Marcelo Bielsa are a force to be reckoned with. Despite Reading picking up back-to-back wins, their performances have not been the best. </p>
<p id="asv8v0">There is the risk of the Royals being on the end of a heavy defeat if they perform poorly on Tuesday. However, the belief is certainly there that we can stay up regardless of this result!</p>
<p id="qLf8dt"><strong>Reading 0-2 Leeds United</strong></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/3/12/18259781/reading-fc-vs-leeds-united-match-preview-royalsajonesrfc