Chris Wood, much-maligned goal machine
The phenomenon of three wins on the bounce for Leeds United is not simply a welcome change for long-suffering Whites fans – it’s more like something approaching a state of nirvana. Free from the worries and stresses accompanying defeat after defeat, the average Elland Road regular can relax for once, spared the jibes of a hostile media and annoyingly gloating fans of lesser clubs. Three straight wins – it’s as near to bliss as we’re likely to get right now.
Of course, it can’t be denied that this minor miracle has been achieved without the pulling-up of too many trees. Our victory at Cardiff dumped the Bluebirds unceremoniously at the foot of the table, and the other two victories – one in the league, one in the EFL Cup, were narrow affairs against another club struggling in the Championship’s basement, Blackburn Rovers. So it might not be much to write home about, although I’m clearly intending to get a blog out of it. Still – three wins is three wins, and it might just turn out to be a platform for better things to come. A victory against Mick McCarthy’s Ipswich Tractor Boys on Saturday, and we really would be on a roll.
The most notable factor in the trio of triumphs over the past week or so may well be the emergence of Swedish international centre back Pontus Jansson as the next Whites folk hero. Jansson’s performance at Cardiff was simply sublime; I’ve not seen a better defensive debut in many a moon. He’s the sort of colossus who you feel would head away anything fired at him, up to and including an intercontinental ballistic missile. And when he wasn’t wielding that impressive head, he was sliding into last ditch tackles or nipping in to make handy interceptions from frustrated Cardiff attackers. Wherever the ball entered our danger zone, there was Pontus to deal with it. The man was a revelation, a magnet for the ball, a man among men and one to hang on to if at all possible. Whoever the resident defenders are at Torino, his parent club, they must be a bit good to allow for the release of Jansson on a season’s loan. The Italians’ loss will, hopefully, be Leeds United’s gain.
Among other high points from the last few games was that Pablo Hernandez “worldy” strike to clinch the points at Cardiff. If he can start to put in more of a full shift, the ex-Swansea playmaker should be a real asset for United as the season goes on. And it’s good, also, to see Chris Wood scoring regularly. His winner against Blackburn in the EFL Cup was not a thing of beauty but, like Wood himself, it got the job done. And the boy takes a good, decisive penalty, putting them away hard and true with admirable cool as he did to open the scoring against our former nemesis Cardiff. Wood may have his detractors, but he’s undeniably effective.
Last, but not least, it’s lovely to see United make progress in a Cup. Norwich City are next up in a game at Elland Road that could see Leeds make a rare Quarter Final, and then – who knows? Maybe a big fish at home, like Manchester City, if they can overcome their own local minnows.
Now, that WOULD be bliss!
Life, Leeds United, the Universe & Everything 
Your assessment of Pontus,Rob,was totally accurate.He’s been a revelation especially against Cardiff,he was impregnable. Saturday however could be the benchmark,could it be four from four with The Pilot scoring???
LikeLike
Fingers crossed! MOT
LikeLike
Makes you wonder where we would be if we had prepared better in the run up to this new season? Hope its a lesson learned. I don’t know about you but I feel like we are playing catch up. Not in our league position but in where we should be as a squad and possibly even fitness levels? Maybe this run and confident displays by some of our players will be the start of better things to come and Mr Jansson can Pontus is the right direction. ( sorry, couldn’t resist! )
LikeLike
I feel exactly the same about the lack of preparation, and I know who I blame, too.
LikeLike
Calm down Rob, reading that makes me think you are verging on the happy. I’m getting worried for you.
LikeLike
I’m trying the glass half full approach, mate. Plus, I’m on holiday 😎
LikeLike
Almost spot on for pontus, but not his debut,
LikeLike
I didn’t say it was his debut – I know he played at Luton. But I think Cardiff was where we saw a Leeds superstar born.
LikeLike
As usual, great blog. For once I am feeling signs of optimism but not getting carried away. A win on Saturdy would be oh so brilliant and without being defeatist right now I would take a good draw, preferably nil nil and clean sheet. Jansson is class and Hernandez reminds me of Tony Curry, brilliant on his game but tends to drift away at times.
We need at least a solid striker, someone with a proven track record and then I think we are there. Wood will only improve if he gets the service but I’m sure it will come. Onwards and upwards Rob.😂😂
LikeLike
I wish we did have a Tony Currie. Hell of a player, he was.
LikeLike
Are you on the Yorkshire coast rob?
yes things are looking more positive after a 3 game win spree…
LikeLike
Lancashire mate, believe it or not!
LikeLike
Don’t forget to wipe your feet before you come back rob
LikeLike
On way back now, Mr. O. – thanks for the reminder!!
LikeLike
Hi Rob, I tried to “like” your comment about who you blame for the lack of preparation in pre-season but, having been bounced around WordPress, it was easier to write.
LikeLike
I’ll consider it liked 😉
LikeLike