Deadbat
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It was the first defeat of the season on Friday night under the lights at Elland Road as Leeds saw off their Yorkshire rivals. After such a good record in recent years at their old foes in West Yorkshire, United would have fancied their chances with such a strong defensive record and still yet to taste a loss before tonight.
United made changes to their starting line up and formation seemingly with Shackleton and Norrington Davies in seeing the Blades switch to a 5 at the back with the Welsh international joining Souttar and Ahmedhodzic at the back with Hamer, O’Hare behind Moore and Souza and Arblaster anchoring the midfield.
The home side started with former Blade, Jayden Bogle and had a very forward-looking line up featuring Gnonto, Ramzani, Aaronson behind Piroe. There was no place for another former Blades player, Ethan Ampadu.
After a minute’s applause for George Baldock, that saw the United fans chant their appreciation with the ’Star Man’ lasting the whole period of the tribute, and more. Several Greek flags were held aloft in an emotional moment for all those connected with the Blades.
Once the game started, there were a few tasty early challenges from both sides but the Blades settled confidently and Moore’s flick nearly got O’Hare in but Firpo got a vital touch on the ball. Some decent play then saw the ball played wide but Hamer’s cross was clutched by Meslier. The visitors had been confident and assured but slowly the home side started to find some gaps and beat the press. Shackleton had to concede a corner as Ramazani caused problems down the right.
Ahmedhodzic stepped out and found Hamer who came inside but his shot was blocked and looped into the keeper’s hands. Leeds then found a half chance as Bogle stole in from the sleeping Burrows and forced another corner. A silly foul from Souza kept the pressure on as Leeds started to take over the game. United had not been properly tested yet but several unnecessary fouls saw Leeds really start to turn the screw.
Souttar had to make a headed clearance and with the Leeds full backs pushing up and causing Shackleton and Burrows problems. Ramazani then got down the side and hit a shot from the angle that hit the outside of the post.
Burrows played Ramazani onside and his shot was destined for the corner but Cooper got down and flicked it round the post in an excellent save. The half hour mark was reached but it was all Leeds now and Cooper had to get down to take the low cross.
Hamer tried to break the pressure but his ball was overplayed. Souza was getting his foot in but a number of other were not in the game with Arblaster and Burrows not hitting the heights of their season so far and O’Hare not involved, as he was outmuscled on more than one occasion – going to ground looking meekly for free kicks that never came.
Leeds had another opportunity as Shackleton put Cooper under pressure and his kick out was returned by Aaronson but as he tried to go near side, the keeper got a touch on a ball that was probably going wide anyway but led to another corner. Moore then coughed up the ball inexplicably but Souza and then Norrington Davies got back to make the block. United’s carelessness with the ball continued right up the break and then Aaronson side footed over after Firpo got away from Shackleton yet again.
The Blades will have been happy to go in level at the break, after an initial positive start, it had been one way traffic and United had not had a shot or proper opportunity all half. Wilder wearing a suit, walked off with a lot to ponder in terms of his tactics and the levels of performance of his team individually and collectively.
Wilder opted to keep the same eleven and formation despite the Blades not really having any control outside of the first 10 minutes.
Leeds began as the aggressors again and Aaronson fired over from the cross from the right as Firpo caused problems again and the ball dropped kindly for the American. Leeds continued to control possession and were looking to find pockets of space. Souza had to concede a corner after Norrington Davies’ foul on Gnonto saw Leeds break from their own half at pace.
Souza was booked for waving a card after he was pulled back but only succeeded in getting one of his own – meaning he will be suspended for the game at Middlesbrough next week. United made changes soon after as Hamer (who took a knock), O’Hare and Shackleton departed with Campbell, Peck and Gilchrist coming on.
These changes coincided with United’s best spell as Rodon’s error saw Burrows get down the left and he found Moore but the striker opted to give the ball back to the former Posh man and the shot was blocked.
Further decent play from the Blades saw the ball drop to Arblaster but his shot deflected off Rodon and behind for a corner. It was the best opportunity of the game but soon after Leeds were able to make the breakthrough despite the visitors improved spell.
Gnonto won a corner off Gilchrist but Leeds made a double change with the winger and Aaronson coming off for James and Solomon. When the delivery came in from Rothwell, STRUIJK met it on the full as United defenders got blocked off and smashed the ball into the top corner. It was a great finish but avoidable from a defensive perspective. Finally, United’s rearguard had been broached after almost 11 hours.
United tried to respond but were struggling to make much headway. Rak Sayki came on for Norrington Davies but Leeds were looking the more likely to score again – as James won a corner. Cooper was fouled as the ball came in before Ramazani came off for Joseph, the outgoing man got a healthy round of applause after an excellent performance.
Brewster came on for Souza but United were not really testing the home side. A hopeful ball forward led to a mistake from the goal scorer, Struijk, that gifted the Blades a corner but after Meslier pushed it out, Arblaster pulled his man back and got a booking for his complaints.
The game ticked into the final minute but after Gilchrist’s errant pass, Leeds broke and the ball through saw sub JOSEPH in the clear and he held off Peck to sweep the ball home under Cooper and seal the three points. There was another 5 minutes of stoppage time but the Blades race had won and the game ended with the home side on the attack as they eased to the three points.
United – Well beaten tonight. We played the best team we have faced and I felt they controlled the game most of the night. We started ok and had a nice base and they did not really get out of the blocks for a home side and felt we had something to build on but they gradually got on top and started to push us further back. The changes did not work and the formation gave Leeds way too much respect meaning we surrended possession in midfield (sometimes through our own poor passing) and it just led to them coming through us routinely. I felt Souza did his best but we had so many others off their game with Hamer and O’Hare anonymous and players who have performed really well – Arblaster and Burrows a long way short and chose the worst possible game to have their worst possible games! Souttar, Anel and Cooper did their best to repel Leeds but they were dominating and even though they did not have tons of chances, we rarely threatened at all. I was glad to go in at half time. I wanted us to change it but it seemed a bit like just chucking three men on (not helped by Hamer being injured/getting a knock again – he cannot last 90 minutes seemingly) but we then had a decent 5-minute spell. The goal came after we had woke up a bit but was a poor one to concede as Souttar sort of got blocked off and lost his man it seemed. After that we made changes but never really looked like getting back into it and seemed to lack any kind of belief. The squad strength of Leeds in comparison was clear and they got a second to finish it off. 2-0 was about right. We looked a long way off Leeds tonight and maybe the first decent team we have played, showed that we are probably still a bit off being an automatic promotion contender.
I will say, that I cannot imagine what kind of few weeks it has been and will not be too critical. WE did look flat and lacked energy. We did not have a shot on goal and looked a bit like the timid side that we saw under Wilder last season that sat back and almost waited to concede. Leeds pressed us and got their tactics spot on and Wilder was out coached tonight quite badly. We changed to try and combat them but it did not work at all but then he left it too long really. I thought we have them too much respect, even though they are a decent side. I wanted us to try and get up the field and hurt them but our passing was awful most of the game. We moved it around at the back but can rarely recall us linking or putting any moves together in their half (save that one spell for a few minutes second half). The passing was so sloppy and we seemed rushed but maybe Leeds pressure and intensity was too much. I forget we are a young and new team. The likes of Arblaster and Burrows probably had a wake-up call tonight and they were outplayed by their respective opponents. We saw that the likes of Norrington Davies (nowhere near fit or ready to play against sides like Leeds) and Shackleton (ok as a fill in against weaker teams) lack the speed and awareness against better players. I thought that we never had control of the game after the opening 10 minutes and Leeds dictated the tempo, play and how the game went. It did not help that Hamer and O’Hare offered nothing at all again and Moore after a good start got imposed by Rodon I thought. We had no outlet and that coupled with lack of ball possession/composure behind them meant it just kept coming back as we never had any real spell of keeping the ball.
Still, as I say, I cannot imagine what things have been like for the players, manager and coaching staff (and all at the club). Their was not the same zip we have seen. I personally would have kept the same side (maybe Hamer in) and changing things to worry about the opposition did not work. We now have another tough away game and have to be much better. We have to be more forceful with the ball and ensure we carry a threat. If we sit in and defend, and the so-called flair players are anonymous then we are not going to beat the better teams and sadly we are having a run of games against some sides that will be better than those we have played. I would take a draw at Boro (especially as we might not have Hamer and Souza will be out) but we need to see a response from the manager and the players as tonight we were well beaten. I expected Leeds to be higher and to go up so no shame but suppose after start we had and confidence we had acquired I expected us to have a bit of a go but it was a bit of a meek and nothing sort of performance tonight where Leeds kind of did what they wanted and we had no response.
United made changes to their starting line up and formation seemingly with Shackleton and Norrington Davies in seeing the Blades switch to a 5 at the back with the Welsh international joining Souttar and Ahmedhodzic at the back with Hamer, O’Hare behind Moore and Souza and Arblaster anchoring the midfield.
The home side started with former Blade, Jayden Bogle and had a very forward-looking line up featuring Gnonto, Ramzani, Aaronson behind Piroe. There was no place for another former Blades player, Ethan Ampadu.
After a minute’s applause for George Baldock, that saw the United fans chant their appreciation with the ’Star Man’ lasting the whole period of the tribute, and more. Several Greek flags were held aloft in an emotional moment for all those connected with the Blades.
Once the game started, there were a few tasty early challenges from both sides but the Blades settled confidently and Moore’s flick nearly got O’Hare in but Firpo got a vital touch on the ball. Some decent play then saw the ball played wide but Hamer’s cross was clutched by Meslier. The visitors had been confident and assured but slowly the home side started to find some gaps and beat the press. Shackleton had to concede a corner as Ramazani caused problems down the right.
Ahmedhodzic stepped out and found Hamer who came inside but his shot was blocked and looped into the keeper’s hands. Leeds then found a half chance as Bogle stole in from the sleeping Burrows and forced another corner. A silly foul from Souza kept the pressure on as Leeds started to take over the game. United had not been properly tested yet but several unnecessary fouls saw Leeds really start to turn the screw.
Souttar had to make a headed clearance and with the Leeds full backs pushing up and causing Shackleton and Burrows problems. Ramazani then got down the side and hit a shot from the angle that hit the outside of the post.
Burrows played Ramazani onside and his shot was destined for the corner but Cooper got down and flicked it round the post in an excellent save. The half hour mark was reached but it was all Leeds now and Cooper had to get down to take the low cross.
Hamer tried to break the pressure but his ball was overplayed. Souza was getting his foot in but a number of other were not in the game with Arblaster and Burrows not hitting the heights of their season so far and O’Hare not involved, as he was outmuscled on more than one occasion – going to ground looking meekly for free kicks that never came.
Leeds had another opportunity as Shackleton put Cooper under pressure and his kick out was returned by Aaronson but as he tried to go near side, the keeper got a touch on a ball that was probably going wide anyway but led to another corner. Moore then coughed up the ball inexplicably but Souza and then Norrington Davies got back to make the block. United’s carelessness with the ball continued right up the break and then Aaronson side footed over after Firpo got away from Shackleton yet again.
The Blades will have been happy to go in level at the break, after an initial positive start, it had been one way traffic and United had not had a shot or proper opportunity all half. Wilder wearing a suit, walked off with a lot to ponder in terms of his tactics and the levels of performance of his team individually and collectively.
Wilder opted to keep the same eleven and formation despite the Blades not really having any control outside of the first 10 minutes.
Leeds began as the aggressors again and Aaronson fired over from the cross from the right as Firpo caused problems again and the ball dropped kindly for the American. Leeds continued to control possession and were looking to find pockets of space. Souza had to concede a corner after Norrington Davies’ foul on Gnonto saw Leeds break from their own half at pace.
Souza was booked for waving a card after he was pulled back but only succeeded in getting one of his own – meaning he will be suspended for the game at Middlesbrough next week. United made changes soon after as Hamer (who took a knock), O’Hare and Shackleton departed with Campbell, Peck and Gilchrist coming on.
These changes coincided with United’s best spell as Rodon’s error saw Burrows get down the left and he found Moore but the striker opted to give the ball back to the former Posh man and the shot was blocked.
Further decent play from the Blades saw the ball drop to Arblaster but his shot deflected off Rodon and behind for a corner. It was the best opportunity of the game but soon after Leeds were able to make the breakthrough despite the visitors improved spell.
Gnonto won a corner off Gilchrist but Leeds made a double change with the winger and Aaronson coming off for James and Solomon. When the delivery came in from Rothwell, STRUIJK met it on the full as United defenders got blocked off and smashed the ball into the top corner. It was a great finish but avoidable from a defensive perspective. Finally, United’s rearguard had been broached after almost 11 hours.
United tried to respond but were struggling to make much headway. Rak Sayki came on for Norrington Davies but Leeds were looking the more likely to score again – as James won a corner. Cooper was fouled as the ball came in before Ramazani came off for Joseph, the outgoing man got a healthy round of applause after an excellent performance.
Brewster came on for Souza but United were not really testing the home side. A hopeful ball forward led to a mistake from the goal scorer, Struijk, that gifted the Blades a corner but after Meslier pushed it out, Arblaster pulled his man back and got a booking for his complaints.
The game ticked into the final minute but after Gilchrist’s errant pass, Leeds broke and the ball through saw sub JOSEPH in the clear and he held off Peck to sweep the ball home under Cooper and seal the three points. There was another 5 minutes of stoppage time but the Blades race had won and the game ended with the home side on the attack as they eased to the three points.
United – Well beaten tonight. We played the best team we have faced and I felt they controlled the game most of the night. We started ok and had a nice base and they did not really get out of the blocks for a home side and felt we had something to build on but they gradually got on top and started to push us further back. The changes did not work and the formation gave Leeds way too much respect meaning we surrended possession in midfield (sometimes through our own poor passing) and it just led to them coming through us routinely. I felt Souza did his best but we had so many others off their game with Hamer and O’Hare anonymous and players who have performed really well – Arblaster and Burrows a long way short and chose the worst possible game to have their worst possible games! Souttar, Anel and Cooper did their best to repel Leeds but they were dominating and even though they did not have tons of chances, we rarely threatened at all. I was glad to go in at half time. I wanted us to change it but it seemed a bit like just chucking three men on (not helped by Hamer being injured/getting a knock again – he cannot last 90 minutes seemingly) but we then had a decent 5-minute spell. The goal came after we had woke up a bit but was a poor one to concede as Souttar sort of got blocked off and lost his man it seemed. After that we made changes but never really looked like getting back into it and seemed to lack any kind of belief. The squad strength of Leeds in comparison was clear and they got a second to finish it off. 2-0 was about right. We looked a long way off Leeds tonight and maybe the first decent team we have played, showed that we are probably still a bit off being an automatic promotion contender.
I will say, that I cannot imagine what kind of few weeks it has been and will not be too critical. WE did look flat and lacked energy. We did not have a shot on goal and looked a bit like the timid side that we saw under Wilder last season that sat back and almost waited to concede. Leeds pressed us and got their tactics spot on and Wilder was out coached tonight quite badly. We changed to try and combat them but it did not work at all but then he left it too long really. I thought we have them too much respect, even though they are a decent side. I wanted us to try and get up the field and hurt them but our passing was awful most of the game. We moved it around at the back but can rarely recall us linking or putting any moves together in their half (save that one spell for a few minutes second half). The passing was so sloppy and we seemed rushed but maybe Leeds pressure and intensity was too much. I forget we are a young and new team. The likes of Arblaster and Burrows probably had a wake-up call tonight and they were outplayed by their respective opponents. We saw that the likes of Norrington Davies (nowhere near fit or ready to play against sides like Leeds) and Shackleton (ok as a fill in against weaker teams) lack the speed and awareness against better players. I thought that we never had control of the game after the opening 10 minutes and Leeds dictated the tempo, play and how the game went. It did not help that Hamer and O’Hare offered nothing at all again and Moore after a good start got imposed by Rodon I thought. We had no outlet and that coupled with lack of ball possession/composure behind them meant it just kept coming back as we never had any real spell of keeping the ball.
Still, as I say, I cannot imagine what things have been like for the players, manager and coaching staff (and all at the club). Their was not the same zip we have seen. I personally would have kept the same side (maybe Hamer in) and changing things to worry about the opposition did not work. We now have another tough away game and have to be much better. We have to be more forceful with the ball and ensure we carry a threat. If we sit in and defend, and the so-called flair players are anonymous then we are not going to beat the better teams and sadly we are having a run of games against some sides that will be better than those we have played. I would take a draw at Boro (especially as we might not have Hamer and Souza will be out) but we need to see a response from the manager and the players as tonight we were well beaten. I expected Leeds to be higher and to go up so no shame but suppose after start we had and confidence we had acquired I expected us to have a bit of a go but it was a bit of a meek and nothing sort of performance tonight where Leeds kind of did what they wanted and we had no response.
