Leeds United picked up a sixth Championship win of the season on Tuesday night but it came at a double cost, with Leeds now set to be without two key players on Saturday.
Goals from Largie Ramazani and Brenden Aaronson saw Leeds pick up a 2-1 win at Elland Road, despite an improved Watford in the second half that did get a goal back through Kwadwo Baah on 48 minutes.
But even Tom Cleverley was impressed by Leeds, praising the Whites for not playing at their best but still seeing out a victory. Everyone says it, but it is form of Champions, to win when not playing at their best.
Two disappointing elements, though. Ramazani was forced off moments after his third goal of the season after suffering what was an impact injury, and it might keep him out of Saturday’s trip to Bristol City.
Tony Dorigo says Jayden Bogle got lucky against Watford
Going into the game, three Leeds players were on four yellow cards. The other disappointment then, was Junior Firpo picking up a yellow card and it will now see the left-back miss Saturday afternoon’s outing.
Joe Rodon and Jayden Bogle are on four yellows ahead of the trip to Ashton Gate, but it could have been worse according to Tony Dorigo. Commentating on LUTV, he says Bogle was lucky to escape a yellow.
In the 88th minute, Bogle went full-blooded into a challenge with Watford sub Ken Sema – but missed player and ball completely. Luckily, the tackle went unpunished and Sema’s cross was a poor one.
Dorigo said on Bogle’s challenge: “What a weird passage of play. Bogle had a right swipe at him [Sema], if he connected that would have been his fifth yellow card. The timing of the challenge was awful.”
How Leeds can cope with the defensive trio on four yellow cards
At least, it was only one of the three that will now miss Bristol City. But Firpo will return a week later, with a bit of breathing space and can afford to pick up a couple of yellows if required to take one for the team.
For Rodon and Bogle, the duo will need to be careful. But realistically, they are going to get booked at some point, so in terms of damage limitation it is key that both do not get suspended for the same game.
Leeds are lacking in defensive depth with Max Wober injured. Sam Byram is the likelist to deputise for Firpo according to Simon Grayson, and he is probably the most likely to replace Rodon at centre-back.
He would even be in with a shout of replacing Bogle should he get a one-match ban. Leeds can afford to lose Firpo, Rodon and Bogle one game at a time, but not all in the same match given the lack of depth.
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