By Rich B - 19.45 28th September 2003
September 28 2003

Leeds United's Premiership campaign took a further knock today as they were thrashed 4-0 by Everton at Goodison. Peter Reid offered no excuses for a dismal performance and Leeds really need to turn things around quickly with some big games coming up in October.

Alan Smith promised the Leeds faithful after the drumming to the hands of Leicester that it would never be allowed to happen again - Unfortunately he forgot to add the words 'for at least the next 12 days'.

Leeds started the match with wholesale changes to the side that struggled to win on Penalties in midweek against Swindon.  Matteo returned to replace Harte at left back and Johnson returned after a short absence with Tonsillitis.  Viduka, Morris and Pennant all returned to the side after being rested.

Everton started brightly and grew stronger as the game went on.  Whilst you expect the home side to have the edge in the opening minutes, you also expect the away team to fight back.  Unfortunately, no-one told the Leeds players this as they turned out their worst performance not only of the season, but probably in their history in the Premiership.  Everton were building well and Leeds when they did get on the ball, could not pass or hold possession.

Mcfadden, Ferguson and Radzinski all had chances before Watson turned the chances and possession in to a goal on 26 minutes.  It was no less than Everton deserved and it was always going to be a matter of time before it happened.

We often see a team improve when they go a goal down.  The fight comes back and the game can be turned round.  Not today!  If anything, Leeds got worse.  Everton created more chances and should have added a couple more within ten minutes.  The Leeds defence was almost none existent as Ferguson and Radsinski both went close again.

It only took ten minutes for the second goal to come and whilst Everton may have deserved it, it came from a lucky break.   David Unsworth hit a long ball forward and Robinson, fresh from his mod-week goal scoring heroics rushed from his area to clear.  The ball fell as far as Watson who hit a thirty yarder passed a scrambling Matteo and into the open goal. 

Two minutes later and a third goal for Everton.  A Ferguson header, who out-jumped Camara to head in.

Half Time and and very poor Leeds limped off three goals down.

Peter Reid made some changes at half time.   On came Bridges, Lennon and Olembe at the expense of Sakho, Pennant and Johnson.  The changes though, did not bring better fortunes.

Watson was denied again as bodies flung themselves in the way of one shot and Robinson pulled off a finger tip save.  It only lasted a couple of minutes though.  A bizarre goal on 52 minutes as a lob that looked to pose no danger from the by-line somehow slipped inside the posts - Leeds were now 4 goals down and had yet to trouble ex-Leeds faithful,  Nigel Martyn in the opposite goal.  A Viduka swivel and shot a few minutes later could be classed as a effort however Martyn would have needed to jump out of the way of the ball form it to pose any real danger!!

And that was how the match progresses.  Leeds could not keep possession, were weak in midfield and played without a defence for about 87 minutes!  The score line actually flattered Leeds as Everton could have had another 7 goals on top!! 

Leeds have now slipped in to the bottom three having claimed just 5 points from a possible 21.  It is still early in the season, victory today could have pushed them into joint 10th but it is a worrying trend.  No doubt some will be calling for Peter Reid's head however no manager in the country could be blamed for 11 players playing so badly for 90 minutes.  Tactically he looked to have a good attacking side and at least he was prepared to change things at half time.  He was the only Leeds United employee who had the passion that every player needs if we are going to get ourselves out of this mini-rut!!  With news of more fallouts with Viduka and Pennant seemingly wanted back at Highbury, it really is time for the players to stand up and be counted!