Gnonto’s gesture
Wilfried Gnonto is always among those Leeds United players to wander out onto the pitch before the warm-ups begin to check out the surface and take in the surroundings. This time, though, rather than hurrying back down the tunnel to get ready, Gnonto spent a good 10 minutes or so signing autographs and taking pictures with the children that were gathered near the dugouts at the foot of the West Stand.
The Italy international didn’t leave until every request had been satisfied and he seemed to relish spending time with the supporters. Gnonto was named as a substitute for the second game running against Brighton, but he helped to change the game in the second half when he came on and picked up the assist for Jack Harrison’s effort.
The Chief returns Elland Road
Former Leeds skipper Lucas Radebe made a rare appearance at Elland Road this week and he was invited onto the pitch before kick-off to say hello to the crowd that used to idolise him during his playing days. The South African was interviewed on the field and he spoke of his favourite memories as a Leeds player, including that goal against Spartak Moscow in the Champions League.
Read more: Leeds United player ratings as Jack Harrison responds but Robin Koch struggles in Brighton draw
Radebe made 256 appearances for the White and Javi Gracia would have loved to have been able to utilise his leadership against the Seagulls, no doubt.
Ayling’s gratitude
From the very start of the game it was clear that Kaoru Mitoma had the beating of Luke Ayling, who didn’t have an answer for the Japan international’s pace down the flank. Mitoma could be see latching onto long balls over the top and into the space behind the right-back on a regular basis.
On one occasion Illan Meslier was forced to come off his line and bail out the skipper, who was left trailing in Mitoma’s wake. Meslier dived to collect the ball before rapidly releasing it as his momentum carried him out of his 18-yard box.
Fortunately, the Frenchman had enough about him to clear the danger regardless before Mitoma could get there and Ayling took the opportunity to thank him with a nod and a subtle thumbs up as he took his position and prepared for the throw-in.
Rodrigo rage
Like Gnonto, Rodrigo made an impact when he entered the fray in the 66th minute of the game and while he missed the previous six weeks of action, he looked relatively sharp. He provided a threat with his runs and despite struggling to carve out a clear opening, he did well.
However, in the 83rd minute of the game, he gave Brenden Aaronson both barrels after the American failed to release the ball and feed him on the break. Aaronson did well to turn and catch the Seagulls out before being hacked down by Moises Caicedo, who rightfully received a yellow card.
Had he picked his head up, though, he would have seen Rodrigo steaming away into the space down Brighton’s right side, with no one at home. The Spaniard made his frustration known as Aaronson picked himself up and dusted himself down.
Two ball controversy
There was an element of controversy to Leeds’ second equalising goal, with an additional ball entering the field of play as Harrison engineered the chance to shoot. Looking to take a corner quickly, Gnonto grabbed the first ball available to him, put it down and played it along the floor to Harrison, who had managed to meander across the box unnoticed.
However, the original ball that Leeds had used to win the set-piece was thrown on as Gnonto took it. The Italian stylishly scooped it out of play with his hand before joining Harrison as he celebrated his goal.
The ball wasn’t interfering with play and the goal was allowed to stand, much to the delight of the home support.
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