Blades 0 Leeds 1 - report and podcast

[Sportbilly /Detroit Blade]

I don't agree with all Deadbat said (Today or most days), however, in fairness he does give his explanation as to why he scored how he scored. At the end of the day it's all about opinions.

Always fascinates me how so many fans see a different game to others.

 

[Harry's Game]

I think Didzy and Sharp are now at the very end of the tracks and ready to be shunted into the breakers yards. Clubs legends both but they should not have been given contract extensions.

 

[essexblade73]

That Berge rating, my days I'm speechless and I'm usually such a gobshite

 

[1987]

He did some good things but the final bit is lacking and for all the nice body swerves and touches, I want more impact to influence things whether it be a chance made, a cross to a chance or a shot on goal. I am not sure he did anything other than one run that led to Osborn having a shot where I was really thinking that's brilliant. He was ok but messed up on the goal overplaying too much and it cost us.

Ignoring his impact on us (foot on it, encouraging play through midfield, finding a man) driving forward and turning Leeds around. You give no allowance to that at all. Instead you throw up tean total passing stats to back it up when our tactics were clearly to keep shape, Soak it up, use ball well and quickly when we get it. He did all that. He could have played some backwards 1/2s to get those stats up, seems like that would have actually got him a better score. Problem being wed have ended up lumping it forward.

Instead he focussed on moving it quickly and positively. And if you only think that he had that one good moment. I'm comfortable youll change your mind when you watch it back, and youre less angry about the goal.

It'll be a long season for Berge on this report if his rating from the deep role relies purely on assists and shots.

 

[Deadbat]

That Berge rating, my days I'm speechless and I'm usually such a gobshite

Ignoring his impact on us (foot on it, encouraging play through midfield, finding a man) driving forward and turning Leeds around. You give no allowance to that at all. Instead you throw up tean total passing stats to back it up when our tactics were clearly to keep shape, Soak it up, use ball well and quickly when we get it. He did all that. He could have played some backwards 1/2s to get those stats up, seems like that would have actually got him a better score. Problem being wed have ended up lumping it forward.

Instead he focussed on moving it quickly and positively. And if you only think that he had that one good moment. I'm comfortable youll change your mind when you watch it back, and youre less angry about the goal.

It'll be a long season for Berge on this report if his rating from the deep role relies purely on assists and shots.

I said he had a few moments but only one where he really ran through and commuted men.

Interestingbthe BBC ratings where fans (assume mostly neutrals vite) had him 4.97/10 and our 5th best player. He was ok. At a push you could say a 7/10 but not sure I saw this outstanding game where he controlled midfield or did anything that led to a chance or even the pass to an assist if you know what I mean. Three times he ran with it and then took too long and they got back. There were some lovely touches grant you but you discuss how you cant really discuss a performance of a deep midfielder on shots/assists but then I can't discuss possession or protection either? He moved it in well and kept it well for spells but we never had control of midfield and he was at the heart of it explaining why I have rated him how I did.

Game of opinions as others have said but not sure he was even close to Man of the Match...I'd put Harrison, Meslier, Ramsdale and a few others ahead of him who had more influence on the game.

 

[1987]

I said he had a few moments but only one where he really ran through and commuted men.

Interestingbthe BBC ratings where fans (assume mostly neutrals vite) had him 4.97/10 and our 5th best player. He was ok. At a push you could say a 7/10 but not sure I saw this outstanding game where he controlled midfield or did anything that led to a chance or even the pass to an assist if you know what I mean. Three times he ran with it and then took too long and they got back. There were some lovely touches grant you but you discuss how you cant really discuss a performance of a deep midfielder on shots/assists but then I can't discuss possession or protection either? He moved it in well and kept it well for spells but we never had control of midfield and he was at the heart of it explaining why I have rated him how I did.

Game of opinions as others have said but not sure he was even close to Man of the Match...I'd put Harrison, Meslier, Ramsdale and a few others ahead of him who had more influence on the game.

I'm judging him on the ratings youve given others primarily. Ive not argues he was MoM, though he would certainly be in the argument for ours. In my eyes if say a McGoldrick is getting a 6, stevens 6.5, Lundstram 6 then thats setting the bar. And to me he was clearly above that bar. Like you say opinions.

Ratings like those at the BBC are for those who arent really paying attention for the most part. If you arent always involved in the highlight moves, youre probably not getting the top ratings.

In a team not set up to play possession football, surely you cant have a go about the amount of possession we have had, or use it as a stick to beat him with. You want him to control a midfield we arent set up for IMO. If he was getting the ball and banging it forward id understand, i just think it lacks as an argument in the context of our game plan. I honestly dont remember the 8 or 9 shots he didnt block, ill watch it back.

 

[Rochdaleblade]

Blaming Berge for their goal was ridiculous. He was clearly fouled. I was waiting for VAR to overrule it until I remembered which team I supported. I feel that with a bit of luck and some correct refereeing decisions, we could easily be sat where Leeds are. Their goal should have been chalked off and we should have had at least one penalty. I'm not despondent, although the injury to JOC and the lack of a striker coming in are concerning.

 

[Putney Blade]

Deadbat is right. We lack (Prem) quality in midfield & upfront. And we’ve spent a fair bit. But. In Wilder we Trust!

 

[Deaneandagana]

Talking to my neighbour this afternoon, a Palace fan & a keen observer of football - his view about us is that we are playing much slower than at our peak last season, far more conservative in our play & not committing players into advance positions as before.

 

[essexblade73]

I said he had a few moments but only one where he really ran through and commuted men.

Interestingbthe BBC ratings where fans (assume mostly neutrals vite) had him 4.97/10 and our 5th best player. He was ok. At a push you could say a 7/10 but not sure I saw this outstanding game where he controlled midfield or did anything that led to a chance or even the pass to an assist if you know what I mean. Three times he ran with it and then took too long and they got back. There were some lovely touches grant you but you discuss how you cant really discuss a performance of a deep midfielder on shots/assists but then I can't discuss possession or protection either? He moved it in well and kept it well for spells but we never had control of midfield and he was at the heart of it explaining why I have rated him how I did.

Game of opinions as others have said but not sure he was even close to Man of the Match...I'd put Harrison, Meslier, Ramsdale and a few others ahead of him who had more influence on the game.

Bbc ratings mean nothing. Have you heard the bellends who call 606? It's their type that bother with those ratings. Berge was our best player by a mile IMO. Osborn ran around a bit but doesnt have anything close to Berge's quality with the ball. I would have loved to have played on the same team as someone like him who doesnt treat the ball like a ticking grenade when he gets it. I kept shouting at us to keep the ball, make leeds run around, tire them out, Berge plays it simple then next minute...oof, so frustrating.when berge ran with it he walked past their players, but he needs teammates to make space, demand the pass, if nothing is on then what does he do? Thats why he got crowded out a few times.

 

[Bergen Blade]

I said he had a few moments but only one where he really ran through and commuted men.

Interestingbthe BBC ratings where fans (assume mostly neutrals vite) had him 4.97/10 and our 5th best player. He was ok. At a push you could say a 7/10 but not sure I saw this outstanding game where he controlled midfield or did anything that led to a chance or even the pass to an assist if you know what I mean. Three times he ran with it and then took too long and they got back. There were some lovely touches grant you but you discuss how you cant really discuss a performance of a deep midfielder on shots/assists but then I can't discuss possession or protection either? He moved it in well and kept it well for spells but we never had control of midfield and he was at the heart of it explaining why I have rated him how I did.

Game of opinions as others have said but not sure he was even close to Man of the Match...I'd put Harrison, Meslier, Ramsdale and a few others ahead of him who had more influence on the game.

Also disagree with you Deadbat, that was a very good midfield performance, with a lot of hard work but also some real class on the ball.. I think you're expecting a little too much from him in terms of setting up chances from that position, especially considering how well Leeds press.

Norwood – Thought he did ok when he came on and was neat and tidy but not sure he is right hand side and not sure he was going to change the flow of the game. Suppose he was trying to ensure we kept it better but its kind of become a bit like basketball (not his fault and he could not get on it).

Norwood played centrally when he came on, with Berge taking Lundstram's position. Norwood's running worries me. Even today as a sub, he looks slower, just no energy in his legs, not any sort of pace that enables him to chase or get close to opponents.

 

[metalblade]

Also disagree with you Deadbat, that was a very good midfield performance, with a lot of hard work but also some real class on the ball.. I think you're expecting a little too much from him in terms of setting up chances from that position, especially considering how well Leeds press.





Norwood played centrally when he came on, with Berge taking Lundstram's position. Norwood's running worries me. Even today as a sub, he looks slower, just no energy in his legs, not any sort of pace that enables him to chase or get close to opponents.

Got to agree Norwood looked weak and slow in comparison to Berge who for me oozed quality.

 

[Deadbat]

Also disagree with you Deadbat, that was a very good midfield performance, with a lot of hard work but also some real class on the ball.. I think you're expecting a little too much from him in terms of setting up chances from that position, especially considering how well Leeds press.





Norwood played centrally when he came on, with Berge taking Lundstram's position. Norwood's running worries me. Even today as a sub, he looks slower, just no energy in his legs, not any sort of pace that enables him to chase or get close to opponents.

He's never had pace though. Its odd he's not playing at the moment going from captain and main man to out of the team. Also odd we signed him to a new contract. What his future is here if Berge is now the holding midfielder I am not sure? I think we are a better player with him in the team bit of course Berge will play. If Norwood is to play then we will have to change the formation/shape or Norwood may even be moved on like he was with other clubs or is that too soon to be thinking like that?

 

[VictoryBlade]

Point at the scrubbers of London and 3 against Fulham....easy

 

[Bergen Blade]

He's never had pace though. Its odd he's not playing at the moment going from captain and main man to out of the team. Also odd we signed him to a new contract. What his future is here if Berge is now the holding midfielder I am not sure? I think we are a better player with him in the team bit of course Berge will play. If Norwood is to play then we will have to change the formation/shape or Norwood may even be moved on like he was with other clubs or is that too soon to be thinking like that?

Norwood was left more alone last season as teams struggled to come to terms with our unusual wide play and enthusiasm. Given time and space his playmaking is quality, but he was getting less effective as last season went on.

Teams seems to have found out how to deal better with our wide play and have moved on to close us down better in midfield. Gradually this has affected our possession play, in which Norwood used to be key. We're realising we're struggling to dominate games and are looking for fitter players to cover more ground defensively. Today's midfield is the fittest trio we have, obviously the fact we played a Bielsa side was partly the reason. We're also after pace up front as we need to offer a threat on the counter with players who can create something without us attacking in numbers.

It's a trend that's difficult to stop. Remaining "US", while knowing we have to tweak things. I think it will be difficult for Norwood to get/stay in the team if he's struggling to do the defensive part of the game.

 

[LoughboroBlade]

Basham got back and defended, eventually after waiting to clear on his right foot as the ball trickled towards the goal!

This was an enormous relief at the time, as if he had bundled it into the net I don’t think I’d have coped with the inevitable Leeds fans’ reworking of “Basham’s Arriving”. That legacy is at least still safe.

 

[Addison]

Norwood was left more alone last season as teams struggled to come to terms with our unusual wide play and enthusiasm. Given time and space his playmaking is quality, but he was getting less effective as last season went on.

Teams seems to have found out how to deal better with our wide play and have moved on to close us down better in midfield. Gradually this has affected our possession play, in which Norwood used to be key. We're realising we're struggling to dominate games and are looking for fitter players to cover more ground defensively. Today's midfield is the fittest trio we have, obviously the fact we played a Bielsa side was partly the reason. We're also after pace up front as we need to offer a threat on the counter with players who can create something without us attacking in numbers.

It's a trend that's difficult to stop. Remaining "US", while knowing we have to tweak things. I think it will be difficult for A Norwood to get/stay in the team if he's struggling to do the defensive part of the game.

I agree the last three Home games we have been pressed high up the pitch with the opposition flooding the wings with players to stop our natural overlapping game. Against Everton and Wolves we were forced to go long for the majority of the game which produced little return. To-day we at least looked mobile and much quicker in the middle and had the added benefit of Ampadu bringing it out from the back. Credit to CW/AK for trying this out as we looked more fluid on the ball. The key is finding two forwards who can prove to be a goal threat. For all the work rate of Burke and to a lesser extent Mcg they never threatened a poor defence.

 

[BanderSerge]

Ratings:



Ramsdale 7.5/10 – Two good saves you would expect him to make first half but decent all the same. He at leas pushed these away and showed better spring. He made another second half low down. Then another couple you would expect to save also. His handling was good too. He was very slow out to come for through balls though and a number of times I shouted keeper and he eventually came but needs to be more alert. Put one cross behind under no pressure but other than a bit of hesitancy he was good today and maybe our best player – most of the save you would expect him to make but he had to make them – had way too much to do for a home keeper.



Baldock 6.5/10 – Thought Harrison gave him a really tough game and that defensively he was really given a tough game. A lot of Leeds attacks went down the right-hand side and he was not given much help from Lundstram either. He did improve and started to come the other way and had a good effort of course well saved. Got booked harshly and then I had my heart in my mouth when he caught the keeper (he needed to do more with this chance). At the end he gave Harrison way too much time and the cross led to the goal.



Stevens 6.5/10 – Thought at times he was more like his old self with some good runs forward but he also was slow to react to things defensively and gave away silly free kicks too much. He will not use his right foot at all. Three times in the first half he just waited and waited when he could have cleared. Got caught between him and Robinson for the goal but not sure he can be blamed. Another he seems to lack the aggression and pace/running we saw last season but today at least was a step in the right direction.



Basham 7/10 – Ok and a few good runs forward. Set up a chance in the first half but then he seemed to not go forward as much as the game went on. Lost it a few times in key areas but always gets back in and made some good recovery tackles too. He had one run and cross second half but they kind of pinned him back as they were such a threat on the break of course and coming the other way with pace and running.



Robinson 6/10 – Did ok in general play but he gave away too many daft fouls and lost his man a few times and, on the goal, crucially he was not switched on at all. He also missed a good chance at the other end although it maybe just hit him. He is steady but he is a huge downgrade from O’Connell as he lacks the aggression and forward play also. I would be concerned he was playing regularly at this level. The big moment when he needed to defend and he did not do it. May seem harsh but that mistake cost us the game.



Ampadu 6.5/10 – Up and down. Some good things on the ball where he came out with the ball but not sure he is a centre back – he might be better in midfield really. He showed he switches off too much and lost his man a few times. He needs to switch on more. I thought he was nice and composed on the ball though and technically he is decent. He also is a good athlete and quite quick. Definitely a player in there but may be more suited to playing further up the field. Learning on the job at the top level as a centre back worries me.



Osborn 6.5/10 – Started the game badly but then got better as it went on and I thought it was a bit mixed. Some decent bits of play and never hid but also gave it away a few times or got outmuscled a few times. His final ball was good for the Lundstram chance but then he put in some poor crosses too when well placed. Decent player but we really need Fleck back to his best but no problems with him been given a chance today. He is a lad who gives his all and is technically quite good actually and showed that with some of his passes/crosses. He won’t run away from too many people though or be much of a goal threat.



Lundstram 6/10 - Better than the other night and neat and tidy early on and involved in some ok moves and had the one decent effort just wide and then really had to score. He is a good finisher and I would have backed him to net here. After this he seemed to regress. Got another booking and the game became a bit ragged and he was not influential as they took control of midfield for a spell. Could see why he came off. Has to score the chance he had and that is twice he has missed from big positions when he scores these two our season could be different.



Berge 6/10 – Not enough for me. He had two good runs and one where he ran out of the half and committed men and surged forward and led to a chance for Osborn. Did this again but took too long but large part of the game I forgot he was playing and for the deepest midfielder I also thought they had a lot of chances and got through us and were 3 on 3 a lot too. He has to be more forceful and more assertive with it and impose himself more. On the winner, maybe he got fouled but it was a bit soft and he needs to be stronger. He also needs to get back and get in the game after he loses it but just kind of jogged back. I was infuriated by his reaction to the tackle more than any foul there may have been. He needed to be more aggressive and then run back and affect the danger. He did neither. There is so much potential but he is a bit infuriating when we can see what he can do.



McGoldrick 6/10 – Started the game ok and was involved early on with neat flicks and build up and nearly assisted to Lundstram but then I felt he faded badly and 2nd half he was not involved at all. When he had it, he took too long to do things. I am not sure he is influencing games anywhere near enough like he used to and Chelsea apart I do feel that his influence has started too decline. I still feel we need two new strikers with pace and power. We do not see enough of the ball in the middle or up top for him to be as effective anymore and as much as I love him, starting to see why he has played most of his career at Championship level (and that is when he was younger) as he lacks pace and scoring threat at the very top level – I may get panned for this. I thought him and Burke did ok but neither have looked like scoring so far this season. Maybe it is creativity but sometimes strikers have to create something out of nothing too.



Burke 7/10 – Decent again and our best attacker. Got in good areas and showed his pace and running. A few times he got behind the and led to half chances. He maybe made poor decisions when he got in a few times but at least he got there and got them running towards their own goal. I would have left him on and felt we looked less threatening after the changes. He is now our best attacker which is a credit to him but a slight on what we have at the club in this area.



Subs –



Norwood – Thought he did ok when he came on and was neat and tidy but not sure he is right hand side and not sure he was going to change the flow of the game. Suppose he was trying to ensure we kept it better but its kind of become a bit like basketball (not his fault and he could not get on it).



Sharp - Showed yet again he is not quick or mobile enough at this level. He gives it away too much and not sure he is much of a goal threat. Had one good chance but took too long and it was blocked. He had brought this down really well but he takes too long to do things.



McBurnie – Slows things down for me like Sharp. He hustles and bustles but lacks quality. The fact he is now not starting is a concern for us as he was meant to be the main man but started the season poorly and then taken out of the team. Should do better with the headed chance and was a bit meek and needs to power those in. For all those saying he does well in the air, not sure we have seen much of him aerially to worry teams like we did when he started with a great goal v Leicester (outside of Chelsea goal).





Manager Wilder 6/10 – Changed the team and the players that came in did ok, not amazing but did ok but we once again were found lacking at the key areas. We were also quite open I felt which led to chances to us and chances to them. At the moment he is on his worst run as a United manager and we will wonder where the next point is coming from. Not liking he is throwing in excuses too much at the moment. To be fair he did say it is about taking chances and we are not doing that. He summed it up that we are not good enough at the two key ends. He seems a bit stuck for ideas at the moment. He has changed the personnel today and we still lost and seems to be crying out for help but it is concerning that he has spent close to 50 million on Freeman, McBurnie, Robinson, Lowe and Bogle and none are starting and two have left the club. Berge has done ok but most of the signings we have made have not made the impact the board would have hoped (the two Derby lads albeit newcomers of course but not starting). Maybe they are concerned that giving him another 20 million for the Arsneal lad or Brewster may be a financial outlay too much – granted if we don’t sign a striker we could go down of course – it is a quandary but for all those saying they have to give him money or he can’t move us forward it’s not like he has had not had any – as I say 50 million alone which is as much as half a dozen have spent maybe more at this level in the last 12 months.



However, the likes of Newcastle and Villa have spent big money on a striker and the likes of Wilson is scoring goals to net them points. The positive is he could lose 10 games and no one would question his position. His stock last season was super high but now no clubs would be looking at him either! So, it’s not all bad!



Leeds – Been a very good start with an honourable defeat at the champions and now two straight wins against teams they would want to finish above of course. Today they kept a clean sheet but had the keeper to thank. They showed their attacking threat getting forward and throwing bodies forward. They have created tons of chances at both Anfield and here and do have an adventurous approach. People may say the praise is nauseating but they deserve it. We got lots of praise last season for an attacking approach and they are doing the same. They did not sit back at all today and went for it. They could have scored 2 or 3 but could have conceded 2 or 3. They found the quality at the two ends with the keeper and then the cross and header. Fair play to them. Not sure they were any better than us but they won’t care. It was another decent performance and for an away side quite cavalier and entertaining yet they kept a clean sheet so will be delighted.



I actually like Bielsa. Clearly a character and a manager who has had a lot of success all over. He has never stayed at a club for a long time though and wonder if say in a season whether players may start to tune out to his methods. Suppose we have done well with Wilder for so long song but it is so intense how Bielsa expects them to play and will be interesting if they ca maintain it long term. I think they will stay up no problems and may finish just below mid-way I think as like us last year, the energy, enthusiasm, pressing and the way they are attacking teams will see them get results. They will score more than we did last season but concede a lot more. Personnel wise though I look at them and not sure they are much better than us really even individually. They have some flair though in Costa, Hernandez and Harrison where they can make things happen. Maybe that is why they are better than us. Defensively though even with additions not sure that I would swap many individually or collectively.



Opponent Man of the Match – Toss up between the keeper and Harrison. The keeper made 2 great saves but had little to do outside of this but they were fantastic saves. Harrison was excellent. Always a threat and then made the goal. Bamford may be criticised a lot but had managed to keep his place and sadly is better than any of our forwards probably. Phillips is a decent, mobile midfielder who played more at the back today but showed his athleticism and his good delivery from set plays too. Leeds have a lot of honest club man types like Ayling, Cooper and Dallas who are much like the likes of Stevens, Basham etc.



Opponent Weak link – Roberts was really poor and rightly taken off. Not sure Rodrigo was much better and he was sacrificed at the end too which is always embarrassing whatever the circumstances. Cooper I think can be got at and Burke caused him a few issues but generally I felt they defended ok and only once or twice did we get properly behind them.



Referee/Officials/VAR – I thought Tierney was poor. He let some things go that seemed fouls (Basham pushed and then Ayling the same straight after) and then little stuff he penalised. The Baldock booking was plain wrong. I half expected him to give him a second yellow for the foul on the keeper. The Berge one could have been a foul but they seem to be letting things go now unless they are really clear and obvious fouls and the fact it was a body of legs and a lot happened after this meant VAR did not even seem to look at it. I think if they had disallowed that against us for such an offence, I would not have been happy and if the ref decides its not a foul and the contact was minimal no major issues with this. We can’t have it both ways as we want refs to decide games and at the time, I never thought it was a foul. Wilder says it was. You could argue it but I think also that a lot happened after this.



Going back to Tierney, I just thought for a good game and not that many bad tackles, I noticed the ref way too much. He is someone that seems to want to be noticed way too much.

Berge 6. Words fail me. Head and shoulders above anybody on the pitch today. We lost all momentum when Norwood came on and we put Berge in Lunnys place.

 

[Deadbat]

Berge 6. Words fail me. Head and shoulders above anybody on the pitch today. We lost all momentum when Norwood came on and we put Berge in Lunnys place.

I agreed with us making a change as the first 10 minutes of the 2nd half Leeds were much better than us. Not sure we had any momentum to lose. It was not like we were in control at the hour mark when the change came and they had more of the ball? I would have taken off Osborn fur Fleck at this stage though and agree not sure why Berge was put wide right.

 

[raul]

Stick to your guns Deadders.if anyone else wants to do it- crack on.

 

[Keen Blade]

it is concerning that he has spent close to 50 million on Freeman, McBurnie, Robinson, Lowe and Bogle and none are starting and two have left the club.

That's £40m , but I would include Moose as having little impact , which brings our wasted money up to £50m.

 

[BanderSerge]

That's £40m , but I would include Moose as having little impact , which brings our wasted money up to £50m.

his goals were the difference between comfortable top half and lower bottom half

 

[Keen Blade]

So many people saying 'I don't know where
the next point is coming from'. Conveniently forgetting that we play Fulham (after Arsenal) where I fully expect us to win comfortably.

You do realise that we would have to score a goal to achieve this ?

 

[Keen Blade]

If we sort out the forward line then I think we will be fine this season. Another LCB for insurance would be nice though.

Just like that , dead easy ...
FFS , have we found a barrel of ?

 

[Keen Blade]

his goals were the difference between comfortable top half and lower bottom half

That was last year 2019.
I'm talking about this year 2020.
Totally unreliable mentally & physically. A frustrating problem player.

 

[highgreeninjapan]

I think I agree with both sides. Berge had a really good game, looked really mobile on the ball, and just looked pretty classy. Really encouraging performance.

That said, I do want to see more from him. He’s good at getting back into position, but I’d like to see him making more tackles. Mainly, though, I want him involved more. I want to see him demanding the ball. I want to see him getting into a space to receive the ball. His driving with the ball was really great. I want to see more of it. I think he also has to work on his fitness.

He also had the lowest pass percentage in the midfield.

If we’d won, his performance is probably a 7.5 or an 8, but we lost, and he was somewhat at fault for the goal, so 6 seems fair enough to me.

 

[Deadbat]

I think I agree with both sides. Berge had a really good game, looked really mobile on the ball, and just looked pretty classy. Really encouraging performance.

That said, I do want to see more from him. He’s good at getting back into position, but I’d like to see him making more tackles. Mainly, though, I want him involved more. I want to see him demanding the ball. I want to see him getting into a space to receive the ball. His driving with the ball was really great. I want to see more of it. I think he also has to work on his fitness.

He also had the lowest pass percentage in the midfield.

If we’d won, his performance is probably a 7.5 or an 8, but we lost, and he was somewhat at fault for the goal, so 6 seems fair enough to me.

I think you have summed up how I felt. At times I watch him and I think wow as he glides past people and shrugs them off but how many of those runs led to anything meaningful - he takes too long to make his mind up in the final third for me. I think some of the little touches and passes to get us through the thirds are great. I think he can go on and be a fantastic player - he has all the qualities and has proved me wrong when I did not quite see this early on. I am honest enough to admit that.

However, I did not see this stunning man of the match performances others have or that he was head and shoulders above everyone on the pitch. He was not involved for long spells and as I say we did not control midfield and his pass percentage was the lowest. Not sure he played any balls where I felt that was superb either - most of his passes were decent and neat but not killer balls. Maybe he is not that player but then surely his pass % should be higher if he plays shorter passes. Leeds dominated the ball percentage and passes wise - that of course does not tell the story but we were wide open for a home side and a lot of the time they came through us too easily.

Not sure for the player at the heart of the midfield that did not create much/play any meaningful passes/assists/shots or really stop the midfield coming on (at least 5 or 6 long range shots - Dallas, Klich, Ayling, Costa - not saying all his man that would be silly) of the opponents I am seeing this superb showing others are. Maybe at a push he was a 7/10 but no more - as I say he played well in spurts and some lovely bits but this was not consistent. For all the talk on the goal he dallied way too long and has to be stronger - he also has to get back when he has lost it - fouled or not.

I think he can go on and be a fantastic player but I need to see the great bits he does in games happen with more regularity with more of a product/control of that midfield area (not teams dominating us possession wise) in there to be enthusing as much as others are. Saw Blades Analytic say he might have the one of the most unique skill set of any players in world football. Just think for someone who has had some good games, some average games and some poor ones so far for us - he is not the player YET some are seeing. He may get there of course as clearly has the potential.

At the end of the day I gave him 6/10 - it could have been 7 or 7.5 people could argue but not sure I have slated him in any way - just that I want to see more and I was disappointed on his reaction at the end.

 

[Revolution]

I think you have summed up how I felt. At times I watch him and I think wow as he glides past people and shrugs them off but how many of those runs led to anything meaningful - he takes too long to make his mind up in the final third for me. I think some of the little touches and passes to get us through the thirds are great. I think he can go on and be a fantastic player - he has all the qualities and has proved me wrong when I did not quite see this early on. I am honest enough to admit that.

However, I did not see this stunning man of the match performances others have or that he was head and shoulders above everyone on the pitch. He was not involved for long spells and as I say we did not control midfield and his pass percentage was the lowest. Not sure he played any balls where I felt that was superb either - most of his passes were decent and neat but not killer balls. Maybe he is not that player but then surely his pass % should be higher if he plays shorter passes. Leeds dominated the ball percentage and passes wise - that of course does not tell the story but we were wide open for a home side and a lot of the time they came through us too easily.

Not sure for the player at the heart of the midfield that did not create much/play any meaningful passes/assists/shots or really stop the midfield coming on (at least 5 or 6 long range shots - Dallas, Klich, Ayling, Costa - not saying all his man that would be silly) of the opponents I am seeing this superb showing others are. Maybe at a push he was a 7/10 but no more - as I say he played well in spurts and some lovely bits but this was not consistent. For all the talk on the goal he dallied way too long and has to be stronger - he also has to get back when he has lost it - fouled or not.

I think he can go on and be a fantastic player but I need to see the great bits he does in games happen with more regularity with more of a product/control of that midfield area (not teams dominating us possession wise) in there to be enthusing as much as others are. Saw Blades Analytic say he might have the one of the most unique skill set of any players in world football. Just think for someone who has had some good games, some average games and some poor ones so far for us - he is not the player YET some are seeing. He may get there of course as clearly has the potential.

At the end of the day I gave him 6/10 - it could have been 7 or 7.5 people could argue but not sure I have slated him in any way - just that I want to see more and I was disappointed on his reaction at the end.

I agree with you Deadbat. I thought Berge was one of the better players on the day, but like so many of the other midfielders we have the good work he does doesn't have enough positives in terms of chance creation (or stopping the opposition).

It's all a bit 2014-5 at the moment: a number of different bodies tried in midfield but none of them create much and they never score.

Incidentally, I detect a sea change for McGoldrick in a few people's comments today and yesterday. People are belatedly realising that you cannot carry a forward who doesn't score or assist if others do not pick up the slack. He did some good stuff (notably when Lundstram had his big chance) but he can Burke are too far apart and it's like we are playing with a lone striker, which simply will not cut it.

 

[Bergen Blade]

On the goal, notice how Leeds press. Reminded me of three hyenas bringing down a rhino. But could the rhino's mates do a bit more to help out?

I think it's a free kick. But maybe Sharp is blocking the ref's view. Osborn has made a forward run. Norwood is central.



Watch how Leeds have managed to spread out moments later, both wingers available in space, both strikers on the move. This is one of Bielsa's main tactics, using the width of the pitch, stretching defences. Berge has managed to get goalside, but Sharp is not filling in for the lost Osborn, and Norwood is still walking around centrally. We're not exactly hyenas.



The man on the ball finds Rodrigo, who gets it wide, in a process which takes out Basham and also gets Ampadu out of his zone. Osborn is sprinting back, while Norwood is now standing still centrally. Sharp is gone.



As the cross comes in Leeds amazingly have five targets in the box. Baldock isn't close enough to stop it coming in, Basham has just got to his feet. Both Berge and Ampadu are trying to fill in at the near post. But it's going to be a back post cross, where Robinson and Stevens are in trouble with too many players to handle. Norwood is now slow-jogging outside the box.



The cross is perfect and Bamford nods it in.

 

[LoughboroBlade]

On the goal, notice how Leeds press. Reminded me of three hyenas bringing down a rhino. But could the rhino's mates do a bit more to help out?

I think it's a free kick. But maybe Sharp is blocking the ref's view. Osborn has made a forward run. Norwood is central.

View attachment 93211

Watch how Leeds have managed to spread out moments later, both wingers available in space, both strikers on the move. This is one of Bielsa's main tactics, using the width of the pitch, stretching defences. Berge has managed to get goalside, but Sharp is not filling in for the lost Osborn, and Norwood is still walking around centrally. We're not exactly hyenas.

View attachment 93213

The man on the ball finds Rodrigo, who gets it wide, in a process which takes out Basham and also gets Ampadu out of his zone. Osborn is sprinting back, while Norwood is now standing still centrally. Sharp is gone.

View attachment 93214

As the cross comes in Leeds amazingly have five targets in the box. Baldock isn't close enough to stop it coming in, Basham has just got to his feet. Both Berge and Ampadu are trying to fill in at the near post. But it's going to be a back post cross, where Robinson and Stevens are in trouble with too many players to handle. Norwood is now slow-jogging outside the box.

View attachment 93215

The cross is perfect and Bamford nods it in.

It reminded me a bit of the types of game we were losing in the 2nd half of 2017/18. Generally doing well in games, trying to get a win late on, but not being perfect enough at the back and being punished by a moment of quality (in this case the cross rather than a long-range effort). If we’re holding out for a draw we perhaps don’t concede – Osborn wouldn’t have been darting forward, Berge might have passed back to Baldock rather than initially look to take it on before being crowded out, Sharp might have stuck deeper in that situation rather than return forward etc. Altogether frustrating, but it did feel at the time like we might have potentially been able to nick it.