Matt Abbott: Leeds United are exactly where we need them to be – so let’s roll up our sleeves and make it count!

Rodrigo pirouettes from the goalmouth after opening his Leeds United account.

As his teammates congratulate him, Pep Guardiola grimaces and reassesses his tactics. Manchester City’s layers sluggishly lump the ball up-field for the restart. And during the closing period of a blistering encounter,we almost come out on top. The stuff of dreams for The Whites.

Just over a month later, the ball deflects from a Hélder Costa slide-tackle. Its new trajectory almost defies physics to beat Illan Meslier at his near post. Palace’s players high-five each other as Roy

Hodgson does a mini fist pump. And as the half-time oranges are sliced, they’re 3-1 up and on course for the win. Not quite a nightmare, but far too close for comfort.

In fairness, neither of last week’s 4-1 score-lines felt like a true reflection of the game.

Against Leicester, Bamford’s missed header at 0-0 or Hernández hitting the woodwork at 1-2 could’ve swung it entirely. And even Leeds-loathing neutrals shook their heads in disbelief at Bamford’s disallowed goal with the score-line at 0-1 against Palace. Misfortune has played its part to an extent.