Leeds United 1-0 Brentford: Noel Whelan’s instant reaction

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A Liam Cooper goal was enough for Leeds to win their first game under Paul Heckingbottom.

Felix Wiedwald of Leeds United

Leeds United fans can breathe a sigh of relief this evening as they finally have their first win of 2018.

Paul Heckingbottom’s side picked up a 1-0 win against Brentford at Elland Road. Liam Cooper got the goal after a pinpoint delivery from Ezgjan Alioski and Leeds fans were in full voice at the end of the game.

It has been a poor run of form from Leeds recently, and one of their major issues has been poor defending, concentration and communication. Against Derby County, both their goals came after such mishaps at the back.

Whatever the Leeds boss drilled into the team since then has worked, as they were solid at the back against the Bees.

Felix Wiedwald goalkeeper of Leeds United

After the game, former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan spoke about the strength at the back from his former team.

He stated on BBC Radio Leeds:

“Concentration, game management. A solid performance. As much as they came forward they didn’t look like they were going to hurt us.

“There striker didn’t really have any opportunities. It was a good display from Leeds, a solid display from Leeds.

“They are back to winning ways and that has got to be a good feeling for the manager.”

He then went on to talk about German goalkeeper Felix Wiedwald. The stopper has been criticised a lot this season after a mixed campaign since arriving from Werder Bremen.

He has had some difficult times this season, including against Derby in midweek, leading some fans to ask for him to get the drop.

Leeds United corner flag

He performed better, but again punched a free-kick when he could have easily caught it, which earned him some criticism from Whelan:

“Wiedwald had a better game, apart from that free-kick. Look I don’t know if it is something that’s been taught to goalkeepers these days to push the ball out and not catch it.

“Call me old fashioned. Catch the ball when it is there to be caught. Not one of those when there is a bit more power on it, you get two hands on it, you catch it, stay in possession.”

Wiedwald was certainly better today, but there is no doubt he still has a lot to do if he is to convince the Leeds faithful that he has what it takes to be their long-term number one.