Leeds United will be reeling this morning following defeat to Eddie Howe's Newcastle United side on Saturday afternoon, a game they were very capable of winning on the balance of play.
Jonjo Shelvey's second half free-kick decided the contest which Leeds had dominated for the most part, particularly during the opening 45 minutes.
The Whites huffed and puffed as they attempted to draw level but only saw their effectiveness reduced further as Newcastle absorbed Leeds pressure, exacerbating the home fans' frustrations.
As is often the case with Leeds defeats, it is always preferable to focus on the elements of the day which inspire hope and positivity.
While Marcelo Bielsa named a familiar group on his substitutes' bench, there was a new face experiencing a Leeds United matchday for the very first time ahead of kick-off.
Accompanied by his U23s teammates and age-mates, 19-year-old winger Amari Miller emerged from the tunnel for the players' customary pitch inspection before Leeds did battle with Newcastle.
Miller was not named in the 20-man matchday squad, but his inclusion as 21st man reflected a positive return to form following a back injury midway through the U23s' campaign.
The teenager was signed last June from Birmingham City, where he made a handful of Championship appearances, citing Victor Orta's influence in pitching Leeds United as the club he should develop his career at.
Seven months on and the 19-year-old is already on the brink of first-team matchday squads, owing to his form for the development side and injuries to other players in his position.
Marcelo Bielsa spoke recently of a knock to 20-year-old winger Crysencio Summerville's clavicle which is suspected as the reason he has been absent from recent squads.
In his place, Miller has stepped up, both on the pitch and symbolically off it. There is a feeling he is the 'next man up', to bridge the gap between U23 affairs and first-team matters.
