A dismal night at Loftus Road saw Leeds United’s chances of automatic promotion potentially come to a shock end as QPR ran riot to win 4-0 over Daniel Farke’s men.
A truly horrific performance and by quite some distance, the worst of the entire season. TheLeeds players looked weighed down by pressure and expectancy of fans in what was a must-win game for The Whites.
With Ipswich now boasting two games in hand, QPR’s 4-0 win over Farke‘s side means Ipswich only sit a point behind in third with the potential of going five clear by the time the Yorkshire side play next week.
Ilias Chair showed why Leeds have been linked with him in the past as he scored one and created two for Marti Cifuentes’ side. Lyndon Dykes, Lucas Andersen and Sam Field also found the back of the net.
Leeds started poorly and the first goal saw Chair score. But the second killed Leeds off as Andersen got his first goal for QPR since joining in January andIlia Gruev was criticised for his part in the Dane’s shot.
Sky Sports commentator Don Goodman gave his take, blasting Gruev – who is normally “consistent” in the middle of the park for Leeds – for being “way too slow” to react to Andersen’s getting a shot away.
Don Goodman blasts Ilia Gruev for QPR’s second goal
During commentary, Goodman said on Andersen’s goal and Gruev’s reaction: “It’s way too easy. Andersen shifts it on to his left foot and curls it in, Ilia Gruev is way too slow to react. No chance for Meslier.”
He was right but Gruev was not the only one on the night to look out of sorts. All over the pitch, Leeds were miles off the side they have been for much of the season. Archie Gray went missing in the first half.
Joel Piroe produced one of the worst performances in a Leeds shirt all season. Crysencio Summerville was easily marshalled by Jimmy Dunne and Georginio Rutter’s recent lack of form continued at Loftus Road.
What Leeds defeat means in battle with Ipswich for second
Leeds now have got to hope that Hull City get a result against Ipswich on Saturday evening and even better, place their faith in Coventry City to do them another favour when Ipswich play them on Tuesday.
There was hope that Ipswich might struggle to secure all nine points given they play three times in the space of seven days. Maybe in one game, they would slip up. But Leeds need Ipswich to lose twice.
That seems unlikely, with Ipswich facing Huddersfield on the final day of the season. Leeds have got to rally, and get themselves back on it ahead of a huge final day clash against fourth-placed Southampton.
