Leeds United ran out victors in a stunning nine-goal thriller to go back to the top of the Championship table this afternoon.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side fought out an enthralling encounter against Birmingham at St Andrew’s stadium with Wes Harding’s 95th-minute own goal being the difference between the two goal-laden sides.
The home side came from behind three times but it was all in vain with the Yorkshiremen heading into the new decade holding first position.
It was perhaps a rare sign of defensive frailty for what still is the joint-best backline in the division, having conceded just 20 goals alongside Brentford, which has led to much of the travelling support criticising their defence.
Left wing-back Ezgjan Alioski took the brunt of the blame with fans labelling him a ‘nightmare’ as well as a ‘massive liability’…
The 27-year-old is known for his attacking prowess having played as a winger throughout his career too, but this proved to be a disadvantage to some sections of the Whites’ faithful as they felt that he was often caught out of position further afield.
SofaScore states that Alioski lost possession 16 times and won just 40% of his ground duels, which suggests he did face quite a lot of trouble in possession along the left-flank.
His poor performance has led to calls from some to see changes ahead of Leeds’ top of the table clash against West Bromwich Albion in just a few days time.
One supporter believed Barry Douglas was a better left-back than the Macedonian while another simply stated that Alioski simply shouldn’t be involved at the Hawthorns.
Leeds are only top by goal difference so Wednesday’s match against their nearest challengers presents an opportunity to open up a three-point gap at the top, should they win.
A true test for any Leeds fan: Can you match these iconic images with the right results?
Going by this reaction, fans will be hoping that Alioski either calms himself down or is dropped for the tie, so that they can get the best result possible to start 2020.
And in other Elland Road news, here’s why an Eddie Nketiah recall wouldn’t be so bad after all…