MX23RW : Tuesday, November 5 21:18:46| >> :120:39909:39909:

Match Analysis: Leeds United 1-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Match Analysis: Leeds 1-0 Wolves
© PA Photos
Sports Mole dissects the action as Leeds United record a 1-0 win over Championship rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

Leeds United got their Championship campaign off to the best possible start with a 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Elland Road.

The only strike of the afternoon – which came from Luciano Becchio after 17 minutes – remained the difference, but the gulf in class was there for all to see.

For the home side, they will harbour hopes of a successful season, while Wolves have some serious questions to answer if they are to bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

With that in mind, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two sides.

Leeds statistics:
Shots 12
On target 7
Possession 48%
Corners 8
Fouls 10

Wolves statistics:
Shots 6
On target 1
Possession 52%
Corners 8
Fouls 16

Was the result fair?

A resounding yes, with the statistics saying more than I ever could. That's not to say that Leeds played Wolves off the park, but they just looked the better outfit. The combination play between Ross McCormack and Becchio was a highlight for the home side, while Wolves look like they will struggle to score goals this season. The away side did improve in the second period, although they never looked like finding the back of the net.

Leeds's performance

Eight players made their debuts for Leeds this afternoon – and Neil Warnock will have been delighted with his side's performance. El Hadji-Diouf brought a nice experience and balance to their forward line. Meanwhile, Rodolph Austin ran all afternoon.

Wolves' performance

It was a case of same old same old for Wolves. They have managed to keep the bulk of their squad together, but their defence looked shaky, while they never really carried a threat in attack. Steven Fletcher looks certain to depart the club before the end of August, and you do worry where the goals are going to come from.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Rodolph Austin: The 27-year-old joined the club from SK Brann in the summer, and on this performance, Leeds have got themselves a proper player. The Jamaican did not give Wolves a moment of rest, and will play a key role for the club this season.

Referee performance

Anthony Bates had a solid 90 minutes. He distributed yellow cards when needed, but let the game flow in the correct places.

Biggest gaffe of the game

This honour goes to Kevin Doyle – who twisted and fell while unmarked inside the Leeds area in the second period. All-in-all, it was a bit of a horror show from the Irishman. He really needs to have a big season.

What next?

Leeds: Next up for Leeds is a trip to Blackpool on Tuesday. A very tough encounter, but it should give them an idea of where they are.

Wolves: Wolves will attempt to get on the board when they welcome Barnsley on Tuesday. Three points is a must.

ID:40778: cacheID:40778:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:5121:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Luciano Becchio
Read Next:
Leeds 1-0 Wolves
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Sunderland139222391429
2Leeds UnitedLeeds137512281426
3Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd138321661025
4Burnley136521761123
5Watford137152221122
6West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom13562148621
7Millwall135441612419
8Blackburn RoversBlackburn135441614219
9Bristol City134721717019
10Norwich CityNorwich134632318518
11Middlesbrough135351415-118
12Swansea CitySwansea13445109116
13Coventry CityCoventry134361717015
14Derby CountyDerby134361617-115
15Hull City133641517-215
16Stoke CityStoke134361518-315
17Cardiff CityCardiff134361319-615
18Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds134361524-915
19Oxford UnitedOxford Utd133551617-114
20Preston North EndPreston133551420-614
21Luton TownLuton133371521-612
22Plymouth ArgylePlymouth133371325-1212
23Queens Park RangersQPR131751119-810
24Portsmouth131661326-139


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!