It was a pullback of such great depth that it is only rivalled in nature by…no I am not going to go there with a cheap gag about a blue whale.

Simply put, this was akin to a boxer being beaten around in the early stages of a fight, trailing on points he manages to haul himself back in with a chance. Then, at the death, energy sapping away, one final flail, one well-placed punch and it’s all over – KO-time.

Translate that into todays game at Villa Park and you have the Aston Villa vs Leeds United game in a veritable nutshell.

Leeds United went behind to two early goals from Villa scored by the red-hot Tammy Abraham (5′) and talented Conor Hourihane (17′). In boxing terms it was a classic one-two and a combination that left Leeds United on the ropes.

They hung on until half-time, taking yet more punches but, at the same time, coming back into the fight as the half neared. Still, at 2-0 to the good, Villa fans would have expected their side to push on, get on the front foot and take the game to their battered opponents.

Leeds United go all Rocky I-VI on Villa

United came out after the half just like Josh Warrington did last night against the more fancied Carl Frampton. They were swinging from the hips, looking to turn the tide of the fight back their way.

Here’s how it worked out for the Whites:

Villa 2 – 1 Leeds – Clarke (56′) with a right cross

The Jack Clarke Goal that Made it 2-1 Leeds Brilliant Goal #LUFC #MOT pic.twitter.com/HR9hGBCmjp — LUFC Goals (@LUFC_Goals) December 23, 2018

Villa 2 – 2 Leeds – Jansson (61′) brings the scorecards level

Villa 2 – 3 Leeds – Roofe (90+3′) delivers the Rocky blow

GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL KEMAR ROOFE 3-2 LEEDS THE COMEBACK IS COMPLETE LETS F***** GOOOOOOOO #LUFC #MOT pic.twitter.com/GJr0IF3ReX — LUFC Goals (@LUFC_Goals) December 23, 2018

Leeds, Leeds United fans celebrate…again – no falling apart here