It was an abject first 45 minutes of football for Leeds United fans to endure against Rotherham. It was a performance that they were definitely quick to comment on.
A jobbing performance it was, one that a Sunday League side would have been ashamed of in fairness. Leeds were second-best to everything, 50/50, second balls, passes…everything.
They were also second-best on the scoreboard too. A fantastic piece of work down the left, with first-touch interplay that left Semi Ajayi in acres of space. He drove forward, Kalvin Phillips was in reverse, Ajayi beat debutant Kiko Casilla from around 20 yards out.
It was no more than Rotherham deserved for their hard work and industry. It was also no more than Leeds United deserved for their lacklustre display in the opening 45.
A half-time Bielsa gritando was needed, something that would gird the loins of the Whites, get them out and firing. One change at half-time was made by Marcelo Bielsa, Jack Clarke being replaced by Tyler Roberts.
Leeds were a different beast at the start of the second-half, much more direct and positive. After plugging away at a solid-looking Rotherham side, it was more fortune than skill that drew Leeds United level.
GOALLL LEEDS 1-1 NOT A CLUE WHO IT WAS #lufc pic.twitter.com/Ff5Iasz3WZ
— LUFC Goals (@LUFC_Goals) January 26, 2019
It sparked a raucous version of ‘Kilch is scoring goals’ but this wasn’t his blockbuster effort, more of a dabbed stab at a bobbling ball. Thing is though, they all count. It was a goals that brought the Whites level, gave them that base to chase a win, rather than rescue a draw.
It was also an equalising goal that drew some comments from Leeds United on Twitter. Here’s what some of them had to say.
40 yards or 4 yards – Klich is scoring goals – fan reactions
Oh Phil I love you
— Abi Carpenter (@Abi_Carpenter) January 26, 2019
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Geeetttt iiiinnnn, come on Leeds
— Iljplumit (@Iljplumit1) January 26, 2019
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There you are Phil, there you are 🤪🤪🤪😘
— Ollie💙💛W (@ollieunited) January 26, 2019
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— Saiz doesn’t matter (@pepper_rafa) January 26, 2019
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4 Yards.
Brilliant 😂😂😂😂😂
— Bielsa’s cheese wedge ultras (@ColinCarmichae2) January 26, 2019
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Lucky goal..but now we are back in this game.. cmon Leeds we need to capitalise on this ..#lufc
— H Ramsden (@Abyss1307) January 26, 2019
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Klich went on to score a more orthodox finish for his second goal of the game. It was a goal that gave Leeds United a 2-1 victory, cementing their place at the top of the table.