Matheus Cunha scored an equalizer to save a point for fifth-place Manchester United as the Reds played to a 1-1 result at newly-promoted Leeds United who currently sit in 16th place in the league.
The Reds once again draw in a match earmarked by optimistic fans as three expected points in a potential campaign to return to Europe. The result follows a different kind of disappointing 1-1 draw against relegation-bound Wolves.
The reality of player availability because of injury and international duty
certainly has thrown cold water on expectations in the last two matches, but you’ll be excused if your frustration blinds you to that reality when considering the relative quality of the recent opposition — even if they were in good runs of form.
A match relatively lacking in drama, the would be match-deciding play from Leeds in the 62nd minute was negated three minutes later by the Reds.
Brenden Aaronson opened the scoring for Leeds after taking advantage of defensive passivity. Pascal Struijk played a ball forward without a defined recipient. However, Aaronson charged up the space and beat Ayden Heaven to the ball. The American, one-on-one with Senne Lammens, was able to slot it home.
Joshua Zirkzee was immediately substituted into the match in place of Leny Yoro as the Reds appeared to make a shape change. In the 65th minute, the Dutchman proved to be the impact sub that Ruben Amorim needed. After receiving the ball in Leeds’ half, Zirkzee picked out Cunha who was one-on-one with the keeper. The Brazilian managed to sneak a shot past the keeper that rolled into the back of the net.
Outside of the short-lived scoring flurry, both teams created few changes to take over the match. The Reds’ best opportunity for much of the first-half was a shot from Cunha that found the back of the net after the offside flag had been raised.
Zirkzee nearly completed a brace of assists in the 74th minute. He received the ball in the left side of the box near the backline and squared a low cross to the six-yard box as Benjamin Sesko made a run. The striker hit the ball with his left foot but his shot went wide of the near post without challenging the keeper.
Cunha also nearly completed a brace in the 81st minute after Patrick Dorgu carried the ball up the right wing into the box before cutting a pass back to the Brazilian. His shot subsequent shot curled around a block and likely would’ve beat the keeper had it not curled into the outside of the post.
The Reds remain on the road for another matchday as they travel on Wednesday, Jan. 7, to another newly-promoted side Burnley, who currently sit in 19th place in the league.
