'Heart, spirit, teamwork' - Leeds United supporters…

'Heart, spirit, teamwork' - Leeds United supporters glean positives from Allardyce bow at Man City

Sam Allardyce's Leeds United managerial bow has resulted in a respectable 2-1 defeat at Manchester City, with the Whites displaying a much-improved performance from the one that saw them beaten 4-1 by Bournemouth.

Ilkay Gundogan's impressive first-half brace was enough to see off Allardyce's men, who pulled one back five minutes from time courtesy of a sharp finish from Rodrigo.

And while United were fortunate that self-confessed Leeds fan Erling Haaland was without his shooting boots on a rare occasion, the defensive frailties that plagued 'Big Sam's' predecessors, Marcelo Bielsa, Jesse Marsch and Javi Gracia, were a whole lot less evident.

As a matter of fact, it was the visitors who piled on the on pressure prior to the full-time whistle at the Etihad, a concept unthinkable to most when Gundogan beat Joel Robles for a second time on the Spaniard's Leeds Premier League debut in the 27th minute.

Such was the extent of encouragement from the performance, Allardyce and the Whites were greeted with an overwhelming round of applause as they thanked the visiting support. The prospect of survival now suddenly seems a lot more realistic.

Here is how Leeds fans reacted to the City defeat and Allardyce's first match in charge of the club on Twitter...

@OliWhiteMOT93 - Let’s be honest, we all expected a loss today, but we didn’t embarrass ourselves. Have to build on this and make Elland Road a cauldron of noise against Newcastle. Marching on TOGETHER!

@_Ryan246 - It was never really about getting points out of this game, it’s more about building confidence for the next 3, and I think they’ve done that.

@LB130 - Finally, Heart, spirit, teamwork all on display today, that goal gives confidence for the Newcastle game.

@LUFC96Robo - Well in today lads, great result considering what we were up against. Got to get something out the next three. All behind you lads.

@road_lowfields - Did really well. That fixture should’ve harmed our confidence but it actually boosted it.

@Dar1901gk - We actually had City wasting time. Happy with the fight the boys showed, surely Rodrigo's goal means Bamford is now going to get benched. These next 3 games, I have faith we can pull something off, at least a bit of hope has been restored in me. Good start for Big Sam!

@MWardy21 - Not pretty but didn’t expect anything else given our situation and the fact it was away at City. No disgrace in a 2-1 loss and worked hard and showed some fighting spirit today. At least if we battle these last 3 games we’ve given it a shot.

@PlayAllTheWay - A gritty defensive display, can't fault the lads today when everyone expected an absolute battering. Hope well and truly restored!! MOT.

@MCSangster - Many positives to build on. Still lots to figure out. Big Sam has at least given the team some much needed confidence.

@rickster_patel - This will give the team huge confidence for the remaining three games and Rodrigo has to start from the beginning. Robles was good too.

'Heart, spirit, teamwork' - Leeds United supporters glean positives from Allardyce bow at Man City

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