Even as Leeds United slumped to a shock 4-2 defeat against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, the loss definitely wasn’t because of a lack of effort.
After going a man down in the 42nd minute following Kalvin Phillips’ dismissal for a dangerous tackle on Adlene Guedioura, the Championship leaders showed great spirit to score two goals and take the lead in the second half.
The celebrations following Alioski’s strike was definitely a sight to behold as players rushed to celebrate with the fans but certain faces amongst the away crowd seemed to had doubly delighted the players.
United’s injured trio of Liam Cooper, Stuart Dallas and Gaetano Berardi all decided to support their team on their travels and were in attendance at the City Ground during the midweek fixture in what was a clear indication of the togetherness that is prevailing in Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
Pontus Jansson almost seemed shocked as Berardi approached him during the celebrations and his reaction was brilliantly captured on film by an away fan.
Pure gold. Check out Pontus Jansson’s reaction after spotting Berardi amongst the away fans here:
Alioski goal 😍😍😍
Cooper, Lamrani, Bernardo and Dallas celebrating the 2nd goal#lufc #weallloveleeds@apopey @NoelDavidWhelan @leicesterwhite pic.twitter.com/Bsj46Wl2iJ— englandLeedsLDS (@WhinmoorWhite) January 1, 2019
This is what we all believe in, all in it together, this squad has a belief in each other, something not seen since the days of O’Leary and the team who nearly got to the champions league final. We lost at Forest because we played over half the game with 10 men, and in our trying to win the game we were left exposed to the counter attack, this is no more than a blip, we have the belief to go out and win games, we fight for the whole game,as a team. Bielsa, what can we say about this man other than he is a footballing geinius, a master tactian who has shown faith in the players from last season, he has instilled in them belief, a will to win, and a pride in the shirt, and the will to want to put Leeds United back in the premier league, at the top table of English football, I believe, do you?