Four matches have taken place since the international break in November and once again Leeds United have had some up and down performances. At Elland Road it has been all smiles more or less and, building on the victories at home against Birmingham City and Yeovil Town, Leeds have taken seven points from a possible nine at home against teams that could have easily snatched the win.
Leeds entertained Middlesbrough in late November and a full house at Elland Road ensured a tasty afternoon was on the cards. The home side took the lead after 35 minutes through the ever-present Ross McCormack. Middlesbrough fought back but only for their goalkeeper Jason Steele to be shown a red card just before half-time. Despite being down to ten men, Boro came out of the blocks strong after half-time and equalised just eight minutes after the starting the half. Leeds were not finished yet though and just four minutes later Jason Pearce secured all three points with a header as Leeds held their 2-1 lead. New Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka spoke to BBC Sport after suffering defeat in his first game in charge "It would have been better if we had won, but I am happy because we played very well in the second half when we were down to 10 players. I have had just 10 days with the players but they have shown a good attitude and with that we can build."
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| Middlesbrough goalkeeper Jason Steele, moments before he is sent off for this challenge on Dexter Blackstock. Picture from http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk |
For the last game in November Leeds United travelled to Lancashire to face a Blackburn side who have struggled as of late. It was a match of few chances for The Whites, who recorded just two of their six shots on target. The game ended in a 1-0 victory for The Rovers but United will have felt as though they could have won, having seen Danny Pugh fail to score at point-blank range after a skilful flick-on by McCormack. After the game Leeds boss Brian McDermott said: "I didn't think we deserved to lose. I think if we'd have scored in the first half we would have won the game."
As November drew to a close, Leeds striker Ross McCormack picked up Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month award for his dazzling November performances. Brian McDermott exclaimed his delight at the Scottish international's form last month and added: "He has started December well with two goals, and let's hope he can win it this month as well."
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| Striker Ross McCormack receiving the Sky Bet Player of the Month award. Picture from http://www1.skysports.com |
And McCormack was certainly not finished when it came to the goals department. When Leeds welcomed manager-less Wigan to Elland Road on the 4th December the fixture was destined to be a feisty affair. Both sides registered 13 and 14 shots a piece by the end of the game but it was the Yorkshire side that walked back down the tunnel with the win after ninety minutes. McCormack wasted no time getting on the score sheet either, displaying quick reactions to beat England goalkeeper Scott Carson after a Leeds corner in the 15th minute of play. The visitors could have equalised through Manchester United loanee Keane but Leeds goalkeeper Paddy Kenny proved to be his nemesis that afternoon, who first beat him to a stray ball and later parried a close range strike to great applause.
Matt Smith could have improved the scoreline for the Whites but his shot was directed straight at Carson in the Wigan goal but Leeds fans would forgive him when the home side doubled their lead minutes after Smith's chance. McCormack once again lifted the stadium, curling a free-kick goal-ward and despite centre-back Jason Pearce initially appearing to get a touch on it, replays showed that the 77th minute goal was in fact McCormack's. Leeds hung on for the remainder of the match, keeping a clean sheet and moving up to 7th position in the process - racking up yet another home victory at Elland Road, which is fast becoming a fortress in Yorkshire. United manager Brian McDermott pointed out the difference in the home side's performances this season: "We've played better this season, but we're learning how to win together. They had a lot of the ball in the second half, but i didn't think they really got behind us and two good finishes by Ross, that's it in a nutshell."
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