Leeds United got the job done against another struggling team in the Championship, securing a 3-0 victory over Coventry City at Elland Road on Saturday. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Whites.
Leeds dominated the first half with 10 total shots, while the away side didn’t manage a single one. They took the lead in the 16th minute when Wilfried Gnonto found the back of the net, putting the home team ahead 1-0.
In the second half, Leeds toned down their attacking play, recording just three shots. However, that was still enough to add two more goals for some extra security. Jayden Bogle extended the lead to 2-0 with a goal in the 49th minute, and Joël Piroe came off the bench to score again in the 79th minute, marking his second consecutive match with a goal.
Ethan Ampadu appears to have injured his knee
While the home side secured a second straight win, it’s not all celebrations for Daniel Farke and his team. Late in the first half, with the home side already leading by one goal, captain Ethan Ampadu had to leave the game due to an injury.
He went in for a tackle and, despite trying to continue after receiving treatment, he was eventually substituted for Japan international Ao Tanaka. The BBC provided commentary and they dread that it isn’t an ACL injury which could put the player’s season at risk.
“Not good for Leeds this,” the BBC broadcast said (h/t Give Me Sport). “Skipper Ethan Ampadu makes a 50-50 tackle and wins the ball but comes off the worse for it. The Wales international gets some treatment and gets out there to try and give it a go but he’s not right.
“Concern for Leeds at half-time after club captain Ethan Ampadu went off with what looked like a knee injury. It happened in a shuddering 50-50 challenge where the ball was sandwiched between two boots and there was nowhere for the impact to go but up his leg. They’ll hope it’s not those dreaded three letters, ACL.”
Leeds are already dealing with injuries to key players; if Ampadu is out for a significant time, it will spell trouble for the squad.
