Leeds defeated QPR 1-0 at Elland Road to get back to winning ways in the Championship thanks to an early strike from Crysencio Summerville.
The first half appeared to be too simple for the hosts, who got their first victory due to Summerville within of 10 minutes and were attempting to win two games in a row at home for the first time this season.
Despite missing a few opportunities in the second half from Patrick Bamford, Dan James, and Pascal Struijk, the Whites hung on to earn their second victory at home this season after goalie Asmir Begovic was dismissed in stoppage time.
When QPR were dispossessed in the centre of the field in the ninth minute, Georgino Rutter slipped through to Summerville, who hoisted over Begovic.
Liam Cooper’s head was touched by Summerville’s inswinging corner in the early going, but Cooper headed just wide as Daniel Farke’s team looked to avenge their weekend 3-1 loss to Southampton.
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In the first period of the game, it was clear that QPR was out of form. When Rutter again set up Summerville for Leeds, another goal could have been possible, but his attempt was somehow stopped from behind.
Sinclair Armstrong broke through for the visitors but his cross-shot easily went out of play after they struggled to make an impact in the opening 45 minutes.
When there was just one goal separating the teams, the energy in the stadium changed, and in the 66th minute, QPR had their first chance on goal. Ilias Chair had room to shoot from 20 yards out, but Illan Meslier parried his attempt.
Substitutes Leeds had an opportunity to score again with 15 minutes remaining, but Begovic easily saved the latter’s deflected shot. Off the bench, Bamford and James energized the squad.
After Leeds sought to turn the tide two minutes later, Bamford intercepted Rutter’s long ball forward before his first effort was parried behind.
After Begovic diverted James’ goal-bound cross back, Leeds played their best football of the game at the end of the second half. Leeds should have added another goal at that point, but Struijk strangely missed from three yards out from a corner.
When Jimmy Dunne flicked a long ball onto the boot of Lyndon Dykes, who was closing in, with two minutes left, QPR almost made Leeds pay, but Meslier saved them.
I’m overjoyed and satisfied. I told the guys that I was happy of them because after one disappointing loss, it may be very challenging to continue your winning streak, like we had before the Southampton game. The confidence isn’t as strong as it once was, and getting a result takes hard work—never champagne or football fireworks. In a game of this nature, you have to be present to be able to rejoice. It is amazing to get this narrow lead over the line and be there again with a clean sheet, a win.The opponent thinks there is a possibility when you don’t score the second goal. It becomes more anxious since you don’t score a second goal. We
We’ve had a few such collapses in my time, so I’m really impressed of the lads’ tenacity. They contributed everything, but I wished for a little bit more production and a little bit more of the dedicated work rate, which we got tonight. I believe we will perform far better than many anticipate.
He doesn’t touch him (Bamford), Begovic said. Both players have confirmed to me that there is no interaction. Patrick is a lovely kid who merely jumped out of the referee’s way when he believed he had him. I don’t know whether we can get it reversed, but we may.
