match report: watford fc 0 - 3 leeds utd
By George Brooke
It was 17 games ago that Leeds last shutout a team in the Premier League, 130 days and 48 concessions later, Leeds finally kept the back door shut and more importantly secured a vital three points in Hertfordshire on Saturday afternoon.
The Peacocks and the Hornets very rarely lock horns in the Premier League, and you'd have to go back to October 1999 for The Yorkshiremen's last trip to Saturday's venue, Vicarage Road in the top flight, a trip that yielded a 2-1 comeback win.
Fast forward back to the present day and United are in much better form then they were a month ago, coming into this one unbeaten in three, winning two of those games, and looking a lot more healthy under new manager Jesse Marsch.
Just one change was made to the side that drew with Southampton last weekend, Robin Koch came in for Adam Forshaw to partner Mateusz Klich in the middle of the park.
The Elland Road sides opponents, Watford, came into this one staring relegation in the face, sitting 19th, having lost all of their previous eight games at home, Roy Hodgson seemingly struggling to turn the tide, and this would be another miserable day for the former England manager and his men.
The pressure on both teams was ramped up with Everton winning the lunchtime game against Man United, so a win for either would be a confidence boost, and understandably this made the opening exchanges of the game very nervy with quality at a premium.
Leeds however have quality on the pitch that is capable of winning any game, at any moment, and one of the players that can provide that bit of quality is Raphinha, and the Brazilian magician, provided just that mid way through the first half.
Daniel James was tenacious in winning the ball back on the edge of the Watford penalty area, the ball broke to Raphinha, who took one touch and then stroked the ball home, left footed, the ball cannoning off the post on its way in, and just like that Leeds had that all important lead.
The match was still lacking in quality as half time came with the away side 1-0 up and looking to close it out in the second half.
The home side had offered very little in terms of troubling Illan Meslier, but the team in yellow and black hoops started the second half putting the pressure on the Yorkshire side, trying to find a way back into the game.
A golden opportunity presented itself to Ismaila Sarr on the hour mark, but the Senegalese winger couldn't find his composure and wasted the chance.
João Pedro sent the 24 year old through on goal, but with only Meslier to beat, he blasted the ball high and wide of the post.
It was the best chance of the game and gave Leeds a timely reminder that their hosts were still in the contest. United needed a second to make the points safe and with 17 minutes remaining on the clock, that is exactly what they got.
The impressive substitute, Sam Greenwood was involved. The 20 year old had only just been introduced for James moments before.
He played the ball forward to Rodrigo, the Spaniard was beaten to the ball by Watford left back Kamara, but a mix up at the back involving centre back, Samir allowed Rodrigo to steal in, round Keeper Ben Foster, and slip the ball into the empty net, to send the Leeds fans behind the goal into delirium and in turn make the game as good as safe.
The wind out of Watfords's sails had well and truly gone, and there was still time for the away side to add another goal.
Greenwood found Harrison on the left side and the 25 year old took one touch before arrowing the ball into the net from the edge of the penalty area, grabbing his third goal in as many games, and ultimately give Leeds a huge away win.
So finally a clean sheet and a massive win that gives United a 9 point cushion to the relegation zone.
Same again at Palace? Let's hope so.