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Danny Bloomer

National media verdict as Leeds United a 'touch unlucky' in Carabao Cup defeat to Wolves

Leeds United's Carabao Cup journey came to an end at Molineux on Wednesday night as they were beaten 1-0 by Wolves. The Whites made 10 changes for the all Premier League affair in the West Midlands, handing debuts to Joel Robles, Darko Gyabi, Sonny Perkins and Mateo Joseph.

Jesse Marsch's young side were in the game throughout the 90 minutes but were eventually undone by Boubacar Traore's winner six minutes from time. Here is how the national media reported the match.

'More akin to the performances that looked to have put Marsch's job in real danger'

Emma Smith of BBC Sport wrote: "Since beating Wolves on opening day it has been hard to predict what to expect from Jesse Marsch's side, their rollercoaster 4-3 win over Bournemouth on Saturday a perfect case in point.

READ MORE: Every word Rene Maric said on Leeds United cup loss, Gelhardt injury, Bamford's fitness, Perkins

"Marsch made 10 changes to his starting XI from the Premier League win, only Harrison surviving while Sam Greenwood and Wilfried Gnonto, who came on to such great effect in that comeback, were on the bench again.

"The frenetic win over Bournemouth lifted Leeds to 12th, however this anaemic showing at Molineux was more akin to the performances that looked to have put Marsch's job in real danger.

"Wholesale changes included a debut for centre-forward Mateo Joseph after his recent inclusion in the matchday squad following a dozen goals for the under-21s, but none of Leeds' new boys managed to impress.

"Marsch will hope for a return to form when Leeds visit Tottenham on Saturday, their final game before the club football break for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar."

'A touch unlucky not to take this one to penalties'

Tom Collomosse of the Mail Online wrote: "Lopetegui's coaching team were watching from the stands at Molineux, with the former Spain and Real Madrid boss expected to take formal control over the weekend and watch Saturday's clash here.

"Despite Wolves' struggles in the league, progress in this competition at least gives Lopetegui something to build from when domestic action returns after the World Cup. Leeds might have new owners by then, with the US-based 49ers group now thought to have the funding in place to complete their long-awaited takeover of the Elland Road club.

"Jesse Marsch's team still created the better chances and were a touch unlucky not to take this one to penalties. But Wolves will take anything they can get right now.

"In the early stages Leeds were flying and might have taken the lead through Diego Llorente's header, but slowly Wolves stemmed their flow, without ever producing a sustained period of pressure themselves."

'It settled an uneventful game'

Nick Mashiter of the Independent wrote: "Boubacar Traore’s late winner sent Wolves through to the last 16 of the Carabao Cup. The substitute struck with five minutes left to down much-changed Leeds and seal a 1-0 victory for the hosts.

"It settled an uneventful game which looked to be heading to penalties and gave new Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui and his coaches food for thought.

"Lopetegui is due at the club’s Compton training base on Friday, ahead of watching Saturday’s visit of Arsenal, before officially taking charge on Monday.

"The former Spain manager’s lieutenants were at Molineux having already briefly introduced themselves to the squad and they would have been concerned and encouraged in equal measure early on."

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