Leeds United took care of business on Saturday with a commanding 3-0 win over fellow Championship strugglers Coventry City at Elland Road. Despite the scoreline, the match wasn’t entirely smooth for the Whites, as they lost their captain to injury midway through the game.
The home side dominated the first half, firing 10 shots while Coventry failed to register a single one. The breakthrough came in the 16th minute when Wilfried Gnonto slotted home to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
In the second half, Leeds eased off the pressure with just three attempts, but it was enough to seal the win. Jayden Bogle made it 2-0 in the 49th minute, and Joël Piroe added a third in the 79th minute after coming off the bench, scoring for the second game in a row.
Despite earning their second consecutive win, it wasn’t all good news for Daniel Farke and his squad. Late in the first half, with the team already up by a goal, Ethan Ampadu was forced to exit the game due to an injury.
Only a scare for Ethan Ampadu?
The BBC commented on the incident, expressing hope that it’s not an ACL injury. Ampadu tried to play on after receiving treatment following a tackle, but he was eventually replaced by Japan international Ao Tanaka.
“Not good for Leeds this,” the BBC broadcast. “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.
Following the match, the BBC’s Adam Pope relayed information that might ease the fears of supporters who were fearing the worst.
“Farke very pleased with the finishing, speed of passing & solidity when out of possession,” Pope wrote on X. “Knee injury for Ampadu who is in pain but positive after game ‘our most important player. We have to wait for the assessment.’”
Farke very pleased with the finishing, speed of passing & solidity when out of possession.
Knee injury for Ampadu who is in pain but positive after game“our most important player. We have to wait for the assessment.” #LUFC
— Adam Pope (@apopey) September 28, 2024
Leeds are already dealing with injuries to key players; if Ampadu is out for a significant time, it will spell trouble for the squad, but as of now, it seems that might not be the case.
