Leeds United defeated Cardiff City 2-0 in Wales.
Leeds United’s Pablo Hernandez
Leeds United attacking midfielder Pablo Hernandez arguably had his best game since joining the club in the summer as he played a key role during the Whites’ 2-0 win at Cardff City.
The Yorkshire outfit headed into the encounter having made an inconsistent start to the season, immediately putting the pressure on newly-appointed manager Garry Monk.
Cardiff, likewise, have also made a stuttering start the season and it was a good opportunity for the visiting side to take full advantage and pick up their second Championship away win of the campaign.
Leeds United manager Garry Monk
After a tense first-half which ended 0-0, the game was there for the taking in the second period and it was Leeds who took the initiative, first scoring through Chris Wood and later sealing the points as Hernandez notched his side’s second with less than ten minutes remaining.
While Wood may receive the plaudits for leading the line well for the visitors, it was teammate Hernandez who really stood out for the Monk’s side as the former Swansea City man enjoyed his return to Wales.
| Goals | Shots | Key Passes | Take-ons | Touches | Accurate Passes | Ball Recoveries | Mins Played | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pablo Hernández | 1 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 59 | 29 | 6 | 89 |
As shown by the table provided by Opta, Hernandez put in a real shift for his side and the Leeds loanee ultimately made the key contributions when it mattered most.
Aside from his late goal, the 31-year-old Spaniard posted an impressive three shots, four chances created via key passes, four successful take-ons and six ball recoveries as he worked hard to win possession back.
On the ball, he was reliabe and willing to take control in tight spots, making 59 touches and 29 accurate passes.
Leeds manager Garry Monk
It was Leeds’ second away win of the campaign after previously defeated Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 at Hillsborough, and it’s results such as these which illustrates the potential in the squad.
It may take time for Monk to get things right at Elland Road, but there is certainly enough quality for the team to push on and a top half finish shouldn’t be out of reach come the end of the season.
A general view inside the stadium before the match – Cardiff City Stadium
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