The next couple of matches in the Championship went by in similar fashion, with Rotherham United showing the same ugly tactics, yet unable to get a goal on the board. The controlled and aggressive possession of Leeds United kept them pinned back.
However, Rio noticed a shift in the opposing players' body language. If before they were just going through the motions of hacking ankles with expressionless faces, they now seemed more alert, making eye contact with each other and even being more vocal.
The young opposing winger, Jack Clarke, was the proponent of this as he started to be more aggressive with his dribbling rather than his fouling. It was the 60th minute and Clarke was on the flank, ready for the one-on-one duel against Firpo.
His expression was desperate. This was the first game where he had such little impact, not even able to get a cross in after an hour of play. He prided himself on being the spark for Rotherham, yet he was being shut down by Leeds' high press.
