Match Recap: Leeds United’s unbeaten start comes to an end against Swansea

It was a frustrating 90 minutes at Elland Road this time around as Swansea City took top-spot thanks to a goal from Wayne Routledge. It was a goal that came very much against the run of play, as Leeds dominated the game from start to finish.

A few half-chances came the way of Ezgjan Alioski and Patrick Bamford, with the two not really testing the goalkeeper with their efforts at goal. Meanwhile, a Matt Grimes free-kick was the closest Swansea came to scoring in the first half, his strike going into the side netting.

Chances wouldn’t come so quickly following the break, so Eddie Nketiah was inevitably brought on to reignite the excitement of the crowd. It seemed that every time Nketiah came onto the ball in the final third, the entirety of Elland Road raised to it’s feet. He had a fair bit of action, but didn’t really get the service required in this game. Pablo Hernandez was played in by Adam Forshaw, twisting and turning his way toward goal, but he was unable to apply the final finish. The ball then dropped to Harrison, whose strike was well blocked.

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Nketiah had a single chance late-on. Stuart Dallas whipped the ball in from the right side, the Swansea keeper couldn’t reach the ball, which fell for the substitute. But from a tight angle, Nketiah was unable to convert his headed shot.

Soon after, Swansea had a couple of corners which caused problems. Leeds just couldn’t put a foot through the ball to clear their lines, which led to the Swansea winner. The ball dropped to to feet of Routledge in the penalty area, and he finished without hesitation.

The Whites now sit third in the table after six matches, and have two weeks to recover from an intense and demanding start to the season.