Mateo Joseph played 89 minutes in Leeds United’s 2-0 win over Cardiff City. The 20-year-old provided the assist in the opening goal from Largie Ramazani in the 30th minute, leading to praise from a pundit.
The Whites received a boost in the 23rd minute, which helped them take the lead and hold on for the rest of the match. Cardiff City defender Joel Bagan was shown a straight red card for a last-man foul, putting his team at a disadvantage.
Daniel Farke and his squad registered 11 shots in the first half, while the Bluebirds managed only one, finding it tough to adapt after going down to 10 men. Despite their strong performance, Leeds couldn’t put the game away until the later stages of the second half.
In the second half, many expected Leeds to take advantage of a struggling Cardiff City side, but that didn’t play out as many thought. Leeds only managed four shots in those 45 minutes. Then, in the 87th minute, substitute Joël Piroe scored, giving them a crucial insurance goal.
Mateo Joseph earns praise for performance
While Joseph didn’t score a goal, the young player provided an assist, but the striker provided more to the contest to make life difficult for the Cardiff City defense as former Leeds forward Michael Bridges highlighted.
“Nothing’s better for, say, myself and Stu (Dallas) playing as two attacking midfielders in behind a striker that leads the line,” Bridges said (h/t Leeds All Over).
“When you’re running that way and the opposition have got to follow you, it creates space for us to get on the ball – the three defenders of Cardiff are absolutely petrified of Joseph’s pace and runs in behind.
“So then that dictates play in the midfield to give us an advantage. He might not see a lot of the ball, he played a part in the goal. He’s leading the line so well.”
A win is a win, and Leeds come away from Wales with all three points. This victory puts Farke’s squad back in the top six, but questions will linger about their performance against Cardiff City. Leeds is now shifting their focus to another struggling team in the Championship: Coventry City.
