Bowen's on fire while Leeds burn out against League 2 Salford City

fitsasp
Aug 30, 2023
4 min read

Anddddddd we are back! One of the most stressful weeks in football is upon us. Transfer deadline week. A week or more specifically a day that can make or break a club’s season. But to calm the nerves (mine included) it is time for the game week three match reports. The usual Premier League report (Brighton v West Ham) and something different as we look at Salford v Leeds in the Carabao cup second round.

Brighton v West Ham is one of the most predictable games of the season, so it was not difficult to guess what was going to happen in this one. Or so I thought, until Areola had his say. Brighton started strong as they looked to continue their 6-year unbeaten run against the Irons. The seagulls had a great chance to go ahead early on after Estupinan’s cut back was fired wide by the Scottish Pirlo (Billy Gilmour). A big chance for the midfielder to bag his first senior goal. While Brighton started strong, West Ham also did and on the 20-minute mark a clipped ball forward by Ward-Prowse was not dealt with by Webster which gave Antonio an easy run into the box before he teed the ball off to Ward-Prowse who drove West Ham into the lead. Another inevitable thing in football. Ward-Prowse scoring against Brighton. Not too much of note happened in the remainder of the first half. The Hammers sat deep and just saw their lead out until half time. A very frustrating half for the Seagulls as they could not break down a low block once again.

The second half started in the same way as the first. The home side came out strong and they should have had an equaliser, but Ferguson’s powerful header was palmed away by Areola. The problem for Brighton was to be able to break down the low block, they needed to commit a lot of players forward which left them exposed at the back. A quick counterattack down the left by Benrahma was followed by an inch perfect cross to Bowen. One touch to bring the ball down and another to toe it past Verbruggen. A devastating counter and a world class touch and finish. 2-0 West Ham with 30 minutes to play. 5 minutes later Bowen’s forward pass was beautifully held up by Antonio. The number 9 effortlessly spun Webster, leaving the defender on the floor, then drilled his shot into the far corner. A day to forget for Brighton’s number 4 and a day for the History books for the Irons. West Ham looked to be cruising but as always in this fixture, Brighton always had the possibility of finding something. After a few missed chances from West Ham, Gross found space on the edge of the box. The German’s sharp turn to gain an extra yard was quickly followed by a low shot that found its way into Areola’s goal. 3-1 and a goal to give Brighton some hope. Also, a goal which cemented Pascal Gross as Brighton’s all time, top Premier League scorer. The Seagulls completely dominated West Ham for the final 15 minutes but fine saves from Areola to keep out Veltman’s volley and tip Ferguson’s strike onto the bar, was enough for the Hammers to take home all three points and a famous win over Brighton.

As I have already said, this week is one of the most stressful in football but included within this week is one of the most exciting rounds of games. The Carabao Cup second round, where Premier League not in European competitions enter the cup. This year Chelsea and Tottenham are included in these teams, but the game that was the most entertaining (so far) was Salford v Leeds. Unsurprisingly, Leeds were completely dominating from the first whistle and created chance after chance, with the best being Summervile’s curled effort that crashed off the post, but they failed to take the lead. Just past the half hour mark, Salford had a rare attack. The home side worked the ball out to the left flank in hope of finding a crossing opportunity, and that is what happened, Garbutt’s cross was met by Smith and nodded down into the bottom corner. 1-0 Salford, completely against the run of play. Similarly to West Ham, Salford just sat back for the remaining 15 minutes of the half as they looked to see out their 1-0 lead. A few more missed chances from Leeds saw the score remain the same as the two EFL sides headed into half time.

The second half started with Gnonto immediately driving at the Salford back line. The young Italian burst into the box but fell to floor. Leeds appealed for the penalty but there was nowhere near enough contact. A great decision from the referee. For the next 30 minutes Leeds pilled on more pressure but Cairns kept making great saves to keep Salford ahead. Gnonto and Summervile looked dangerous and it was only a matter of time before one of them finally scored. Surely? With 15 minutes to play, Greenwood’s freekick was not cleared by Salford which presented Struijk with an easy tap in from a few yards out. 1-1. Game on. As you would expect, Leeds pushed for the winner but a combination of brilliant saves and an unforgiving crossbar (one which Greenwood’s freekick rattled deep into added time) was enough to send the game to penalties. Leeds were up first…

Greenwood – Smashed into the bottom left corner

Mallan – Smashed down the middle

Struijk – Slotted into the bottom right corner

McAleny – Smashed into the bottom right corner

Rutter – Scuffed down the middle and saved by Cairns

Watson – Smashed into the side netting (left)

Gnonto – Smashed to the left of the keeper

Dackers – One step and smashed to the left of the keeper

Sinisterra – Smashed into the bottom left corner

McLennan (to win) – Rattled against the crossbar

Hjelde – Rolled into the bottom right corner

Lund – Drilled into the top left corner