United 1 Leeds 3 - thoughts/ratings

[Deadbat]

Sorry for the tardiness again of my thoughts. Got home late last night and very tired. Work today meant not had chance all day today either. Also, apologies for those ‘few’ who like listening to the Tufty Club myself and Webding sometimes put out. That has also been sporadic in its output. Hopefully we can get ‘one’ out in the next week.



I am not going to do an in-depth match report as it is over a day and sure most people saw it but will discuss with a summary and my match ratings.



Game Summary – Really odd feeling at the end. I was gutted we lost and to concede the winner (3rd put a gloss on it) so late on and from a set play was galling, especially as they had scored a headed goal to equalise too. We saw some of the same vulnerabilities in terms of our fitness and intensity not being kept up – against the better sides and the same defensive issues where we allow too many crosses to come in and concede too many headed goals. We also can be critical of the subs/changes that did not work but easy to say in hindsight – if he had put McCallum and say Brewster on instead of Hamer and Cannon – people would question that. We can also be critical that we kind of settled for a draw I felt and did not look like we were feeling we could win it and the away side showed far more bravery and energy – helped by their subs having more of an impact. However, all that said, I was strangely pleased with the performance in many respects. We started the game brilliant and could have had another goal at least as we rattled them and came out with great intensity. We played some good football mixed in with some direct stuff from crosses/throws/corners. We looked the much better side up to the half hour mark. They great into it and had a few chances but always will with the pace and width they had. I thought our game plan was excellent though and we looked the better side at half time.



I thought that despite them coming into it, the second half was quite even for long spells and we had chances on the break but could not quite execute the final bit. Leeds also became more and more dangerous and had us at full stretch. It was a great contest. The subs did not work and gave us issues defensively and we lost the threat going forward – maybe the players like JRS and BBD were knackered (that is a worry) but I expected much more from Hamer – who is our best player but was awful and his lack of defensive discipline cost us badly. We did not have the same threat up the top – not sure Cannon was awful but Campbell’s pressing and movement meant it became easier for Leeds at the back. I did feel as a team we tired and they seemed to just overpower us. Their subs were better but even the players that played the whole game seemed to go from losing their battles, to winning them and the pressure started to mount. Would they have won without the changes? I am not sure. I personally think that their superior fitness, athleticism, pace and attacking mentality, means they may have nicked it anyway. They had 2 or 3 decent chances after they levelled and not sure we had anything close. Meslier had a poor game but did we really test him much 2nd half or in the final stages. I sensed at 1-1, after a poor goal to give away – did not stop the cross and the lad ran off his man (BBD) for the 2nd time and did not miss this one. After that I felt they were the only likely winners and we were full stretch. They could have settled but did not and went for it. The goal was frustrating as we fail to close down a shot, Gnonto initially. The corner we then lose two headers. I do not think Anel and Robinson were that bad but they simply are not physical or imposing enough and we keep conceding these type of goals. The failure to bring in a commanding centre back (if it is Holding – which I am not sure he is that type – but then why bring him in, if we are not going to play him?) may cost us automatic promotion and it seems we prioritised Cannon over this area – which seemed the absolute priority to me?



In the end, Leeds just about deserved it for their intensity and admirable desire to go foe the win. They did not settle for a point – whereas we probably did, as Wilder admitted. They are a better side than us with probably more talent in the forward areas and a couple of stronger centre backs physically. I thought Souza and Peck actually more than hold their own and maybe won the midfield battle but the wingers and wing backs for Leeds kept coming and coming and after being forced back early, they ended the game the winners and ultimately to see Bogle and Firpo in our box so often summed up the way the game had changes.



Whilst I am not sure Wilder’s comments sit well with United fans about how great Leeds are and how they are the best side (he may think that but the old Wilder would have talked about us and how we need to be better), he is right sadly. They are fitter, more powerful and more skilled in the key areas. They are not an incredible side and we got at them and feel they will really struggle at times next season defensively at the top level and if we scored a second, then who knows what may have happened? They do not keep scoring goals late on by luck. They just overpower teams and we saw it last night and at home to Sunderland the other week. I expect them to run away with the league and drop very few, if any points till the end of the season.



However, I am actually more confident about us getting promotion oddly, despite the defeat. We did play well for long periods and did match Leeds until the closing stages. We won’t face anyone like them the rest of the season. The flip side is if we did go up, Leeds might be the weakest or one of weakest sides we would face showing how much work we would need to do on the squad. Of course, you worry about that if/when you get there. If we can replicate the performances v Boro/Leeds in the remaining games, we will not be far away. We need to have the same intensity for the final 12 games and make sure we can now try and go on a winning run before we face Burnley. That is building up to a promotion decider with their being only 2 games left after that game. Sadly, we have not shown in the big games v our contenders we can stay with them in terms of results, if not performances, as we currently sit with 0 points from 9 and conceded 7 and only scored 1. We have to turn that around at Turf Moor. If we lost all 4 games versus the main two sides we are vying for, you kind of think are we good enough to go up but it is about what you do over a season I suppose.



There was lots of positives that may get lost in a heartbreaking last defeat. It felt like a pivotal moment in the promotion race and we will see how United respond at QPR at the weekend now. Our bench looked a lot stronger at least last night even if it did not play out like that. I do feel if we can play like that we will not be far away but as Wilder said, it’s about results and we have won some we have not deserved and played probably worse than the game last night. That is how Football sometimes goes. I did enjoy last night despite the gut-wrenching end. Felt like a proper game of football with two sides going for it, in front of a big crowd and a superb referee too (I rarely ever say that). Maybe on another day we get out with a draw but the players have to lick their wounds and come up with a big performance on Saturday.

 

[Deadbat]

Ratings:



Cooper 6.5/10 – No chance really on the first two goals as the defence did not do their job in front. He maybe could have done better with the Piroe shot – hit hard but he did get a hand to it. Outside of this, he made some smart saves and one superb one from Gnonto. He had to get down and smother a few other efforts. Was given way too much to do 2nd half. Still, you compare him to the Leeds keeper and it is not really a comparison. A far better goalkeeper and one that I feel will go on and play top flight football whether it is with us or another club if we do not progress.



Clarke 6/10 - He did ok to start the game and was winning tackles and getting into players. He was also moving up the field and forcing the likes of Firpo back. However, twice just before the break he switched off and let Solomon in and was trying to play an offside trap. He needed to be more aware where his man was. He picked up a knock and believe he went off due to that?



Burrows 6/10 – I am sure some will say this mark is harsh considering he was up against a brilliant player in James (they switched him and Solomon a fair bit too). He did well to hold them up a few times and also got forward and was a threat early on as we were the aggressor. He got beat once by James for skill and then started to sit off too much. Of course, Hamer came on and did not help him one iota. He was left on an island on numerous occasions. I will say even with that comment, he has to show James inside on the goal where we had cover. The minute he drops the shoulder and goes down the side, he was in trouble and the cross came in unopposed. Tired the longer the game went on and another who seems to be flagging after an hour. He did get beat quite a few times one on one – maybe he should not be left one on one but sometimes you will – if we go up that will happen routinely and he has to be able to hold his man up but they went past him as if he was not there.



Ahmedhodzic 7/10 – I thought up to the final stages he had a good game, covering well, reading things and looked composed. He did what he had to and used the ball well, coming out a few times. As the game went on, he started to become more at full stretch and too many times balls came in and they won the headers and ultimately cost us two goals. I do feel Robinson alongside him does not work – we had a dreadful season with these paired together last time. We need a dominant, aerial player to support and compliment him. He looked great with Egan (first season) and then Souttar but too much pressure is put on him to do things that are not his strength. Our best defender on the night.



Robinson 5.5/10 – I thought he competed well and got stuck in especially at the start of the game and his long throw was actually causing them problems. As the half went on, they started to put him under pressure and he coughed up possession quite a few times. Second half I just thought he was starting to dither and lucky when he lost it when James robbed him. The balls were coming in and they were starting to win the headers/first balls and we could not get out. He gives his all but faced with quality and movement, the final stages of last night we saw how much he struggled.



Peck 7/10 – I was really impressed with him last night. He showed good energy, got around the pitch, won a number of the tackles he went in for and used the ball sensibly too. He also tried to progress with the ball when he could. I thought he helped set the tone for that first half. Admittedly he tired after the break but not sure he ever hid and just thought the weight of pressure was too much for the whole side. I think we may have been helped with having more legs to support him and Souza (Davies playing wide was a really odd move?). Against some of the best midfielders in the league he more than held his own. Looks a really good prospect and recently looked a better team with him in it.



Souza 8/10 – Excellent and my man of the match – maybe on both sides until that late really means Firpo probably takes the award for his contributions. Souza though was superb almost from start to finish and back to the player we saw at the start of the season when he bossed midfield every week. He got his foot in, showed his strength and also his passing was progressive. Some lively skills and close control too showing technically how good he is. Looked a complete player last night and very unfortunate to be on the losing side.



Brereton Diaz 6/10 – Mixed bag for me. He did some decent things including the sublime ball for the goal and began the game well down the left hugging that touchline and keeping Bogle back. He was involved in a fair few of our attacks. Thought after the break he tired badly but still had two chances to find Campbell but passes were not quite on point. They were starting to have more of a threat down that side, even before the subs came on. Seemed to switch sides for a period but on the goal Firpo seemed to be his man as the ball came in – I could be wrong? He looked sheepish after the ball went in and then was taken off. His lack of fitness is a major concern and people can say well he has not played much but we have too many that cannot sustain more than an hour of play. That is a worry.



O’Hare 6.5/10 – Worked incredibly hard and his press and intensity was key to our start. Linked well when he had it and nearly got a goal from the flicked header. Had another blocked. His impact lessened considerably after the break I thought but we saw bits and pieces. He does loads of good work off the ball but we need to get him more involved on it as his link play is good and allows us to retain possession.



Rak Sayki 6/10 – Started the game pretty well and pushed them back. Nearly got on the end of one cross and put a good cross in too. He was getting on the ball and thought he was making sure they could not push forward. As the half drew on, they had more of an influence and Firpo was coming forward more and he was not getting back to help out. He seemed to switch off a few times. Despite this he came out second half and went at his man and won a corner and got another ball in. He may have been tiring but his mere presence made sure they could not push up. As soon as we withdrew the two wide lads (maybe they were exhausted?) they just threw the full backs forward and almost had two wingers coming at us.



Campbell 6/10 – He looked lively and fought for every loose ball and linked well with others as we forced them back. Heavily involved in the goal – maybe he should have scored actually – but he continued to harass and play off the shoulders of the backline. He showed his strength and running power on a few occasions. Nearly got in 2nd half with a few chances as we broke but did not quite sit. I am not sure Cannon was awful but as soon as Campbell went off (again maybe his lack of fitness is an issue?) we did not really threaten at all after this.



Subs –



Choudhury 6.5.10 – I thought he did well when he came on to be honest. Seen some being critical but he was better than Clarke. He often got his foot to it or made the interception and did the basics and was tight to his man. Cannot recall them coming past him much or down that side to create clear chances unless it was from recycled play? He did not get forward much but often had no option to pass to and after Davies came on, we had a bizarre right side of two central midfielders. Personally, on that performance I would play him right back ahead of Clarke and Gilchrist but again I might be on my own!



Cannon 5/10 – He ran the channels ok a few times and did press his man but other than one shot blocked, he barely got on the ball. We cannot keep saying he is not having service as he had to do other parts to his game. Not sure he was awful and did put himself about but looks weak physically and not sure he is aggressive enough in all facets of the game. Still not really impressed or offered much. As I say he ran about a bit and pressed them but for the money we have supposedly spent, I expected more to be honest. Early days but he has to improve but I personally would have Campbell, Moore and maybe even Brewster ahead of him. That is a worry for your big money signing.



Hamer 3/10 – A really poor performance where he had minimal, maybe even negative impact. He played one Hollywood type ball and nearly got in when Rodon muscled him off after a good first touch. Outside of this not sure he did much right. Picked up a stupid booking, then committed another foul that may have led to a second yellow. He plays with little intelligence at times for someone with a good football brain. He did not help Burrows at all and they had 2 on 1 for much of the final stages. His discipline was poor and on the first he does not get back to support Burrows and then the second he loses Tanaka who seemed to be his man on the corner, completely switching off. Maybe he was not fit but then should not play? Wilder put him on hoping he would have a big impact and provide that moment of quality to get us another goal. The opposite happened as he made poor decisions and was not able to do what we needed to help nullify their threats. I worry he is a bit of a flat track bully as he has really not imposed himself in the big games versus the top sides. It is ok doing it v Oxford and Portsmouth etc but we need him to come to the party in those big promotion games. So far he has been really poor in all the games against the better sides.



Davies 5/10 – Felt a bit sorry for him as he was pressed into a right-wing position. He tried to move the ball on and link but our shape seemed fragmented the longer the game went on. He did try and carry it or link up but would have been better moving inside and helping stem the tide of balls out wide. Firpo was effectively playing as a striker by the end as he had no one to worry about. Why we put him here only Wilder knows?



Moore – Brought on right at the death and the game was done at this stage.



Manager: Wilder 4/10 – Probably an 8 for the first half performance and how we got at them and showed superb intensity and took the game to them. However, after the break whilst we were still causing them problems, we started to get undone on the break and felt we were too open at times. He made changes that he thought would help us get a second but actually made us significantly worse. We had no wide threat, they just pushed their full backs on and we had nothing up top with Cannon offering little, even if he was isolated. Would Leeds have still gone on and levelled and won? Maybe but the subs did make us worse. He will point to players running out of stream like BBD and JRS but that is a concern? Why are we signing players all the time that cannot last more than an hour in games without looking like they cannot run anymore? At some point we need to have professionals at the top level who can sustain their intensity – when you look at how Leeds finished the game it was the inverse of us (not just subs too). However, he has made changes (Pompey, Boro and Luton) that have helped us win games and got the praise. Last night his subs did not work. I thought his comments at full time and the praise he was gushing on Leeds was over the top. They are good. We know that Wilder but want you to focus on us and what we can do better. It just felt a long way from the Wilder that had us going at teams and not sitting back and saying ‘we would have took a draw.’ Maybe I am being harsh but that bullish, forward-thinking manager at times seems to be missing? He has done a fantastic job despite these thoughts but I do think that season of beatings in the Premier League a few years ago has really hit him harder than we thought maybe? His teams seemed reserved and almost passive at times when the old days we would have kept attacking and going at Leeds. Maybe the players were spent and had exerted so much but again that is on him for not having fitter players who can sustain that intensity. That does sound harsh as Leeds are good and have beaten everyone pretty much in a similar way but we have to aspire to be the best. It had kind of set the tone for me, when we got o Burnley and god forbid even Wednesday.



Leeds – Discussed Leeds in detail above. They are good. They have areas you can exploit and are so gung-ho, teams could exploit them the other way but they are so forward thinking. They have an attitude that they just feel if they keep attacking, they will create chances and inevitably score. Farke’s Norwich team (first time around) had this attacking thrust but he became more passive as his time went on at Carrow Road. It helps he has so much pace and attacking threats. We said out bench was stronger but there is ridiculous in the quality they have in reserve.



Opponent Man of the Match – They started poorly and the centre backs were getting turned around and the full backs pushed back but by the end, they were surging at us. I like Tanaka and he of course scored the winner but thought Souza was better than him last night. In terms of the players that impressed me, James and Solomon In thought were threats all game and constantly running at us. Solomon was very good at times and we struggled to hold him up but his end product a bit lacking. Bogle was a bit mixed but he did keep going forward. Their man of the match was probably Firpo. He scored one and made one and we struggled to pick him up. Bit of an odd full back in that he just roves and goes forward – means they often have gaps at the back but he is very quick and athletic and seems to get back to do the defensive stuff as well as offering goals and assist. Rothwell’s quality on the ball and set plays has made a big difference in the last few games. He is better than Gruev for me but it is working with him coming off the bench.



Opponent Weak link – The keeper wins this award by a stretch. An own goal and nearly pushed another one in and was all over the place. They have to replace him surely when they go up? Outside of him, Aaronson was poor and they were much better when he went off. I thought Piroe was ineffectual until the goal. I think they will upgrade here in the summer.



Referee/Officials – David Webb. Outstanding and I say that in a loss. Best ref we have had all season. Kept the game flowing, did not fall for minimal contact (Both teams) and was up with play and just let things flow. He rarely got a decision wrong I thought. Sure, some went against us and some went for us but I never thought that is a dreadful decision. He just seemed to get everything right but only got involved if he had to. It made sure the game was not about him. Some may say he could have booked a few before he did but I liked the fact he was not waving cards out and read the occasion perfectly – it was a competitive derby game for the top spot. He was really good and on that performance will go to the top I feel. Heard he is line for a promotion to the Premier League and can see why.





Crowd – Good noise and felt a big game. United fans were vocal for long spells and Leeds fans only came into it when they got level and of course were in raptures by the end but had been quiet before they scored. United fans I think were largely appreciative of the efforts of the side and knew the side had done their best but just were beaten by a better team. They recognised that United were fully in the game and competing. It was an enjoyable contest despite the result and felt like a proper match.

 

[Pollingtonblade]

We are still going up, but some of the talking up by Wilder, and some of our fans, is pathetic.

As you said the old Wilder of 19 wouldn't have, nor would our fans. I find it odd that a side we are within 2 wins of are considered a God like team, 5 points (should be 3) behind with 12 games left we should be proud of the way we played last night and come out fighting, instead all I've read is how mighty leeds are who scored 2 headers and a speculative shot, we should have been 2 or 3 up on 30 mins

 

[Houston_Blade]

Always appreciated

 

[Corkblade]

Ratings:



Cooper 6.5/10 – No chance really on the first two goals as the defence did not do their job in front. He maybe could have done better with the Piroe shot – hit hard but he did get a hand to it. Outside of this, he made some smart saves and one superb one from Gnonto. He had to get down and smother a few other efforts. Was given way too much to do 2nd half. Still, you compare him to the Leeds keeper and it is not really a comparison. A far better goalkeeper and one that I feel will go on and play top flight football whether it is with us or another club if we do not progress.



Clarke 6/10 - He did ok to start the game and was winning tackles and getting into players. He was also moving up the field and forcing the likes of Firpo back. However, twice just before the break he switched off and let Solomon in and was trying to play an offside trap. He needed to be more aware where his man was. He picked up a knock and believe he went off due to that?



Burrows 6/10 – I am sure some will say this mark is harsh considering he was up against a brilliant player in James (they switched him and Solomon a fair bit too). He did well to hold them up a few times and also got forward and was a threat early on as we were the aggressor. He got beat once by James for skill and then started to sit off too much. Of course, Hamer came on and did not help him one iota. He was left on an island on numerous occasions. I will say even with that comment, he has to show James inside on the goal where we had cover. The minute he drops the shoulder and goes down the side, he was in trouble and the cross came in unopposed. Tired the longer the game went on and another who seems to be flagging after an hour. He did get beat quite a few times one on one – maybe he should not be left one on one but sometimes you will – if we go up that will happen routinely and he has to be able to hold his man up but they went past him as if he was not there.



Ahmedhodzic 7/10 – I thought up to the final stages he had a good game, covering well, reading things and looked composed. He did what he had to and used the ball well, coming out a few times. As the game went on, he started to become more at full stretch and too many times balls came in and they won the headers and ultimately cost us two goals. I do feel Robinson alongside him does not work – we had a dreadful season with these paired together last time. We need a dominant, aerial player to support and compliment him. He looked great with Egan (first season) and then Souttar but too much pressure is put on him to do things that are not his strength. Our best defender on the night.



Robinson 5.5/10 – I thought he competed well and got stuck in especially at the start of the game and his long throw was actually causing them problems. As the half went on, they started to put him under pressure and he coughed up possession quite a few times. Second half I just thought he was starting to dither and lucky when he lost it when James robbed him. The balls were coming in and they were starting to win the headers/first balls and we could not get out. He gives his all but faced with quality and movement, the final stages of last night we saw how much he struggled.



Peck 7/10 – I was really impressed with him last night. He showed good energy, got around the pitch, won a number of the tackles he went in for and used the ball sensibly too. He also tried to progress with the ball when he could. I thought he helped set the tone for that first half. Admittedly he tired after the break but not sure he ever hid and just thought the weight of pressure was too much for the whole side. I think we may have been helped with having more legs to support him and Souza (Davies playing wide was a really odd move?). Against some of the best midfielders in the league he more than held his own. Looks a really good prospect and recently looked a better team with him in it.



Souza 8/10 – Excellent and my man of the match – maybe on both sides until that late really means Firpo probably takes the award for his contributions. Souza though was superb almost from start to finish and back to the player we saw at the start of the season when he bossed midfield every week. He got his foot in, showed his strength and also his passing was progressive. Some lively skills and close control too showing technically how good he is. Looked a complete player last night and very unfortunate to be on the losing side.



Brereton Diaz 6/10 – Mixed bag for me. He did some decent things including the sublime ball for the goal and began the game well down the left hugging that touchline and keeping Bogle back. He was involved in a fair few of our attacks. Thought after the break he tired badly but still had two chances to find Campbell but passes were not quite on point. They were starting to have more of a threat down that side, even before the subs came on. Seemed to switch sides for a period but on the goal Firpo seemed to be his man as the ball came in – I could be wrong? He looked sheepish after the ball went in and then was taken off. His lack of fitness is a major concern and people can say well he has not played much but we have too many that cannot sustain more than an hour of play. That is a worry.



O’Hare 6.5/10 – Worked incredibly hard and his press and intensity was key to our start. Linked well when he had it and nearly got a goal from the flicked header. Had another blocked. His impact lessened considerably after the break I thought but we saw bits and pieces. He does loads of good work off the ball but we need to get him more involved on it as his link play is good and allows us to retain possession.



Rak Sayki 6/10 – Started the game pretty well and pushed them back. Nearly got on the end of one cross and put a good cross in too. He was getting on the ball and thought he was making sure they could not push forward. As the half drew on, they had more of an influence and Firpo was coming forward more and he was not getting back to help out. He seemed to switch off a few times. Despite this he came out second half and went at his man and won a corner and got another ball in. He may have been tiring but his mere presence made sure they could not push up. As soon as we withdrew the two wide lads (maybe they were exhausted?) they just threw the full backs forward and almost had two wingers coming at us.



Campbell 6/10 – He looked lively and fought for every loose ball and linked well with others as we forced them back. Heavily involved in the goal – maybe he should have scored actually – but he continued to harass and play off the shoulders of the backline. He showed his strength and running power on a few occasions. Nearly got in 2nd half with a few chances as we broke but did not quite sit. I am not sure Cannon was awful but as soon as Campbell went off (again maybe his lack of fitness is an issue?) we did not really threaten at all after this.



Subs –



Choudhury 6.5.10 – I thought he did well when he came on to be honest. Seen some being critical but he was better than Clarke. He often got his foot to it or made the interception and did the basics and was tight to his man. Cannot recall them coming past him much or down that side to create clear chances unless it was from recycled play? He did not get forward much but often had no option to pass to and after Davies came on, we had a bizarre right side of two central midfielders. Personally, on that performance I would play him right back ahead of Clarke and Gilchrist but again I might be on my own!



Cannon 5/10 – He ran the channels ok a few times and did press his man but other than one shot blocked, he barely got on the ball. We cannot keep saying he is not having service as he had to do other parts to his game. Not sure he was awful and did put himself about but looks weak physically and not sure he is aggressive enough in all facets of the game. Still not really impressed or offered much. As I say he ran about a bit and pressed them but for the money we have supposedly spent, I expected more to be honest. Early days but he has to improve but I personally would have Campbell, Moore and maybe even Brewster ahead of him. That is a worry for your big money signing.



Hamer 3/10 – A really poor performance where he had minimal, maybe even negative impact. He played one Hollywood type ball and nearly got in when Rodon muscled him off after a good first touch. Outside of this not sure he did much right. Picked up a stupid booking, then committed another foul that may have led to a second yellow. He plays with little intelligence at times for someone with a good football brain. He did not help Burrows at all and they had 2 on 1 for much of the final stages. His discipline was poor and on the first he does not get back to support Burrows and then the second he loses Tanaka who seemed to be his man on the corner, completely switching off. Maybe he was not fit but then should not play? Wilder put him on hoping he would have a big impact and provide that moment of quality to get us another goal. The opposite happened as he made poor decisions and was not able to do what we needed to help nullify their threats. I worry he is a bit of a flat track bully as he has really not imposed himself in the big games versus the top sides. It is ok doing it v Oxford and Portsmouth etc but we need him to come to the party in those big promotion games. So far he has been really poor in all the games against the better sides.



Davies 5/10 – Felt a bit sorry for him as he was pressed into a right-wing position. He tried to move the ball on and link but our shape seemed fragmented the longer the game went on. He did try and carry it or link up but would have been better moving inside and helping stem the tide of balls out wide. Firpo was effectively playing as a striker by the end as he had no one to worry about. Why we put him here only Wilder knows?



Moore – Brought on right at the death and the game was done at this stage.



Manager: Wilder 4/10 – Probably an 8 for the first half performance and how we got at them and showed superb intensity and took the game to them. However, after the break whilst we were still causing them problems, we started to get undone on the break and felt we were too open at times. He made changes that he thought would help us get a second but actually made us significantly worse. We had no wide threat, they just pushed their full backs on and we had nothing up top with Cannon offering little, even if he was isolated. Would Leeds have still gone on and levelled and won? Maybe but the subs did make us worse. He will point to players running out of stream like BBD and JRS but that is a concern? Why are we signing players all the time that cannot last more than an hour in games without looking like they cannot run anymore? At some point we need to have professionals at the top level who can sustain their intensity – when you look at how Leeds finished the game it was the inverse of us (not just subs too). However, he has made changes (Pompey, Boro and Luton) that have helped us win games and got the praise. Last night his subs did not work. I thought his comments at full time and the praise he was gushing on Leeds was over the top. They are good. We know that Wilder but want you to focus on us and what we can do better. It just felt a long way from the Wilder that had us going at teams and not sitting back and saying ‘we would have took a draw.’ Maybe I am being harsh but that bullish, forward-thinking manager at times seems to be missing? He has done a fantastic job despite these thoughts but I do think that season of beatings in the Premier League a few years ago has really hit him harder than we thought maybe? His teams seemed reserved and almost passive at times when the old days we would have kept attacking and going at Leeds. Maybe the players were spent and had exerted so much but again that is on him for not having fitter players who can sustain that intensity. That does sound harsh as Leeds are good and have beaten everyone pretty much in a similar way but we have to aspire to be the best. It had kind of set the tone for me, when we got o Burnley and god forbid even Wednesday.



Leeds – Discussed Leeds in detail above. They are good. They have areas you can exploit and are so gung-ho, teams could exploit them the other way but they are so forward thinking. They have an attitude that they just feel if they keep attacking, they will create chances and inevitably score. Farke’s Norwich team (first time around) had this attacking thrust but he became more passive as his time went on at Carrow Road. It helps he has so much pace and attacking threats. We said out bench was stronger but there is ridiculous in the quality they have in reserve.



Opponent Man of the Match – They started poorly and the centre backs were getting turned around and the full backs pushed back but by the end, they were surging at us. I like Tanaka and he of course scored the winner but thought Souza was better than him last night. In terms of the players that impressed me, James and Solomon In thought were threats all game and constantly running at us. Solomon was very good at times and we struggled to hold him up but his end product a bit lacking. Bogle was a bit mixed but he did keep going forward. Their man of the match was probably Firpo. He scored one and made one and we struggled to pick him up. Bit of an odd full back in that he just roves and goes forward – means they often have gaps at the back but he is very quick and athletic and seems to get back to do the defensive stuff as well as offering goals and assist. Rothwell’s quality on the ball and set plays has made a big difference in the last few games. He is better than Gruev for me but it is working with him coming off the bench.



Opponent Weak link – The keeper wins this award by a stretch. An own goal and nearly pushed another one in and was all over the place. They have to replace him surely when they go up? Outside of him, Aaronson was poor and they were much better when he went off. I thought Piroe was ineffectual until the goal. I think they will upgrade here in the summer.



Referee/Officials – David Webb. Outstanding and I say that in a loss. Best ref we have had all season. Kept the game flowing, did not fall for minimal contact (Both teams) and was up with play and just let things flow. He rarely got a decision wrong I thought. Sure, some went against us and some went for us but I never thought that is a dreadful decision. He just seemed to get everything right but only got involved if he had to. It made sure the game was not about him. Some may say he could have booked a few before he did but I liked the fact he was not waving cards out and read the occasion perfectly – it was a competitive derby game for the top spot. He was really good and on that performance will go to the top I feel. Heard he is line for a promotion to the Premier League and can see why.





Crowd – Good noise and felt a big game. United fans were vocal for long spells and Leeds fans only came into it when they got level and of course were in raptures by the end but had been quiet before they scored. United fans I think were largely appreciative of the efforts of the side and knew the side had done their best but just were beaten by a better team. They recognised that United were fully in the game and competing. It was an enjoyable contest despite the result and felt like a proper match.

Great summing up of the game, 24 hrs on and time to reflect on the performance, great 1st half and as you'll find in football no 2 half's are the same, however l thought we were doing ok up until the subs ,they killed us, Mc,cullam should have come on instead of hamer and brewster instead of Ben, there energy would have been so vital in the last 20 mins, Gus was at fault for the 1st and 2 goals there's no way Sam would have left that cross come in for the 1st goal and he'd have stopped tanaka having a free header for the 2nd. Overall though it was a great game, tinged by the reality we should have got something out of it.

 

[CaptainMorgans]

We are still going up, but some of the talking up by Wilder, and some of our fans, is pathetic.

As you said the old Wilder of 19 wouldn't have, nor would our fans. I find it odd that a side we are within 2 wins of are considered a God like team, 5 points (should be 3) behind with 12 games left we should be proud of the way we played last night and come out fighting, instead all I've read is how mighty leeds are who scored 2 headers and a speculative shot, we should have been 2 or 3 up on 30 mins

The stats don't stack up to what you're saying.

We didn't do enough to be 2/3 up after 30 mins. We were winning all the second balls and showing a lot of intent, but we didn't create as many clearcut chances as you're suggesting.

This whole "cap doffing" stuff is nonsense.
Some fans watch football outside of Sheffield United. Those that do, and that have seen Leeds enough times this season, knew how much better they are. Wilder himself said it.
They'll finish a long way ahead of us and there isn't much shame in that.

The only surprise is they're not already much further ahead, but whilst we've picked up a lot of points we arguably didn't deserve, they did the opposite.

None of that matters now, there's 12 games to go and our competition is Burnley.
They don't concede and they've added good players up top.
They're 2 points behind, but with a much better GD and we have to go to their place and not lose (our record against the top 4 is poor).

It will be tight.

 

[HOT CURRIE 10]

Excellent report and if I could write as essay like this,it would be the mirror image. Tin hat on here and you called it correctly regarding Hamer,I like him but in no way is he a premiership player,showed it last season and goes missing against a decent midfield with a ill disciplined manner match after match.

 

[ancientblade]

The stats don't stack up to what you're saying.

We didn't do enough to be 2/3 up after 30 mins. We were winning all the second balls and showing a lot of intent, but we didn't create as many clearcut chances as you're suggesting.

This whole "cap doffing" stuff is nonsense.
Some fans watch football outside of Sheffield United. Those that do, and that have seen Leeds enough times this season, knew how much better they are. Wilder himself said it.
They'll finish a long way ahead of us and there isn't much shame in that.

The only surprise is they're not already much further ahead, but whilst we've picked up a lot of points we arguably didn't deserve, they did the opposite.

None of that matters now, there's 12 games to go and our competition is Burnley.
They don't concede and they've added good players up top.
They're 2 points behind, but with a much better GD and we have to go to their place and not lose (our record against the top 4 is poor).

It will be tight.

we should have been 2 - 0 up after the first 20 minutes and not getting that 2nd goal cost us the game imo wilders tactics first 30 minutes were spot on but that last 15 minutes of the first half showed us what was going to come in 2nd half yes leeds will win the league but think the scoreline flattered them we move on

 

[SouthStandGBlock]

An excellent report despite the now regular tardiness. Agree with all the ratings, with the exception of Wilder. He's a 6 for me. Spot on about the Ref, I thought he was excellent.

I had been told that you were famous at knocking one out, so surprised both the report and the podcast are late.

 

[Deadbat]

I'd probably take Clarke, JRS and Anel down a 0.5 on reflection. Equally I was maybe harsh on BBD who did lots of good things first half.

Did the ratings last night after the game but think a few I'd change after 24 hrs

 

[bruce]

Agree with you for the most part, but I really do worry about Clarke. Since he has come in we have looked more vulnerable down our right side.
He didn't have much help from in front of him, but it seemed to me that he wasn't stopping the supply from that side. He wasn't stopping the crosses. Leeds could have had a couple of goals towards the end of the first half if they weren't so determined to imitate Portsmouth in terms of spurning chances.

 

[Older Blade]

Watch him more in depth, he's nothing more than a ball watcher, his marking is shocking and teams are exploring us down his side on every game, as I've said earlier JRS needs to up his defensive qualities and help Clarke out because he certainly needs it, our weakest link by far!

 

[bruce]

Watch him more in depth, he's nothing more than a ball watcher, his marking is shocking and teams are exploring us down his side on every game, as I've said earlier JRS needs to up his defensive qualities and help Clarke out because he certainly needs it, our weakest link by far!

Whilst Clarke was on the pitch all the threat from Leeds came down that side.
Against Portsmouth it was the same. He seemed a yard too far away from his man every time.

 

[jono_t2000]

Ratings:



Cooper 6.5/10 – No chance really on the first two goals as the defence did not do their job in front. He maybe could have done better with the Piroe shot – hit hard but he did get a hand to it. Outside of this, he made some smart saves and one superb one from Gnonto. He had to get down and smother a few other efforts. Was given way too much to do 2nd half. Still, you compare him to the Leeds keeper and it is not really a comparison. A far better goalkeeper and one that I feel will go on and play top flight football whether it is with us or another club if we do not progress.



Clarke 6/10 - He did ok to start the game and was winning tackles and getting into players. He was also moving up the field and forcing the likes of Firpo back. However, twice just before the break he switched off and let Solomon in and was trying to play an offside trap. He needed to be more aware where his man was. He picked up a knock and believe he went off due to that?



Burrows 6/10 – I am sure some will say this mark is harsh considering he was up against a brilliant player in James (they switched him and Solomon a fair bit too). He did well to hold them up a few times and also got forward and was a threat early on as we were the aggressor. He got beat once by James for skill and then started to sit off too much. Of course, Hamer came on and did not help him one iota. He was left on an island on numerous occasions. I will say even with that comment, he has to show James inside on the goal where we had cover. The minute he drops the shoulder and goes down the side, he was in trouble and the cross came in unopposed. Tired the longer the game went on and another who seems to be flagging after an hour. He did get beat quite a few times one on one – maybe he should not be left one on one but sometimes you will – if we go up that will happen routinely and he has to be able to hold his man up but they went past him as if he was not there.



Ahmedhodzic 7/10 – I thought up to the final stages he had a good game, covering well, reading things and looked composed. He did what he had to and used the ball well, coming out a few times. As the game went on, he started to become more at full stretch and too many times balls came in and they won the headers and ultimately cost us two goals. I do feel Robinson alongside him does not work – we had a dreadful season with these paired together last time. We need a dominant, aerial player to support and compliment him. He looked great with Egan (first season) and then Souttar but too much pressure is put on him to do things that are not his strength. Our best defender on the night.



Robinson 5.5/10 – I thought he competed well and got stuck in especially at the start of the game and his long throw was actually causing them problems. As the half went on, they started to put him under pressure and he coughed up possession quite a few times. Second half I just thought he was starting to dither and lucky when he lost it when James robbed him. The balls were coming in and they were starting to win the headers/first balls and we could not get out. He gives his all but faced with quality and movement, the final stages of last night we saw how much he struggled.



Peck 7/10 – I was really impressed with him last night. He showed good energy, got around the pitch, won a number of the tackles he went in for and used the ball sensibly too. He also tried to progress with the ball when he could. I thought he helped set the tone for that first half. Admittedly he tired after the break but not sure he ever hid and just thought the weight of pressure was too much for the whole side. I think we may have been helped with having more legs to support him and Souza (Davies playing wide was a really odd move?). Against some of the best midfielders in the league he more than held his own. Looks a really good prospect and recently looked a better team with him in it.



Souza 8/10 – Excellent and my man of the match – maybe on both sides until that late really means Firpo probably takes the award for his contributions. Souza though was superb almost from start to finish and back to the player we saw at the start of the season when he bossed midfield every week. He got his foot in, showed his strength and also his passing was progressive. Some lively skills and close control too showing technically how good he is. Looked a complete player last night and very unfortunate to be on the losing side.



Brereton Diaz 6/10 – Mixed bag for me. He did some decent things including the sublime ball for the goal and began the game well down the left hugging that touchline and keeping Bogle back. He was involved in a fair few of our attacks. Thought after the break he tired badly but still had two chances to find Campbell but passes were not quite on point. They were starting to have more of a threat down that side, even before the subs came on. Seemed to switch sides for a period but on the goal Firpo seemed to be his man as the ball came in – I could be wrong? He looked sheepish after the ball went in and then was taken off. His lack of fitness is a major concern and people can say well he has not played much but we have too many that cannot sustain more than an hour of play. That is a worry.



O’Hare 6.5/10 – Worked incredibly hard and his press and intensity was key to our start. Linked well when he had it and nearly got a goal from the flicked header. Had another blocked. His impact lessened considerably after the break I thought but we saw bits and pieces. He does loads of good work off the ball but we need to get him more involved on it as his link play is good and allows us to retain possession.



Rak Sayki 6/10 – Started the game pretty well and pushed them back. Nearly got on the end of one cross and put a good cross in too. He was getting on the ball and thought he was making sure they could not push forward. As the half drew on, they had more of an influence and Firpo was coming forward more and he was not getting back to help out. He seemed to switch off a few times. Despite this he came out second half and went at his man and won a corner and got another ball in. He may have been tiring but his mere presence made sure they could not push up. As soon as we withdrew the two wide lads (maybe they were exhausted?) they just threw the full backs forward and almost had two wingers coming at us.



Campbell 6/10 – He looked lively and fought for every loose ball and linked well with others as we forced them back. Heavily involved in the goal – maybe he should have scored actually – but he continued to harass and play off the shoulders of the backline. He showed his strength and running power on a few occasions. Nearly got in 2nd half with a few chances as we broke but did not quite sit. I am not sure Cannon was awful but as soon as Campbell went off (again maybe his lack of fitness is an issue?) we did not really threaten at all after this.



Subs –



Choudhury 6.5.10 – I thought he did well when he came on to be honest. Seen some being critical but he was better than Clarke. He often got his foot to it or made the interception and did the basics and was tight to his man. Cannot recall them coming past him much or down that side to create clear chances unless it was from recycled play? He did not get forward much but often had no option to pass to and after Davies came on, we had a bizarre right side of two central midfielders. Personally, on that performance I would play him right back ahead of Clarke and Gilchrist but again I might be on my own!



Cannon 5/10 – He ran the channels ok a few times and did press his man but other than one shot blocked, he barely got on the ball. We cannot keep saying he is not having service as he had to do other parts to his game. Not sure he was awful and did put himself about but looks weak physically and not sure he is aggressive enough in all facets of the game. Still not really impressed or offered much. As I say he ran about a bit and pressed them but for the money we have supposedly spent, I expected more to be honest. Early days but he has to improve but I personally would have Campbell, Moore and maybe even Brewster ahead of him. That is a worry for your big money signing.



Hamer 3/10 – A really poor performance where he had minimal, maybe even negative impact. He played one Hollywood type ball and nearly got in when Rodon muscled him off after a good first touch. Outside of this not sure he did much right. Picked up a stupid booking, then committed another foul that may have led to a second yellow. He plays with little intelligence at times for someone with a good football brain. He did not help Burrows at all and they had 2 on 1 for much of the final stages. His discipline was poor and on the first he does not get back to support Burrows and then the second he loses Tanaka who seemed to be his man on the corner, completely switching off. Maybe he was not fit but then should not play? Wilder put him on hoping he would have a big impact and provide that moment of quality to get us another goal. The opposite happened as he made poor decisions and was not able to do what we needed to help nullify their threats. I worry he is a bit of a flat track bully as he has really not imposed himself in the big games versus the top sides. It is ok doing it v Oxford and Portsmouth etc but we need him to come to the party in those big promotion games. So far he has been really poor in all the games against the better sides.



Davies 5/10 – Felt a bit sorry for him as he was pressed into a right-wing position. He tried to move the ball on and link but our shape seemed fragmented the longer the game went on. He did try and carry it or link up but would have been better moving inside and helping stem the tide of balls out wide. Firpo was effectively playing as a striker by the end as he had no one to worry about. Why we put him here only Wilder knows?



Moore – Brought on right at the death and the game was done at this stage.



Manager: Wilder 4/10 – Probably an 8 for the first half performance and how we got at them and showed superb intensity and took the game to them. However, after the break whilst we were still causing them problems, we started to get undone on the break and felt we were too open at times. He made changes that he thought would help us get a second but actually made us significantly worse. We had no wide threat, they just pushed their full backs on and we had nothing up top with Cannon offering little, even if he was isolated. Would Leeds have still gone on and levelled and won? Maybe but the subs did make us worse. He will point to players running out of stream like BBD and JRS but that is a concern? Why are we signing players all the time that cannot last more than an hour in games without looking like they cannot run anymore? At some point we need to have professionals at the top level who can sustain their intensity – when you look at how Leeds finished the game it was the inverse of us (not just subs too). However, he has made changes (Pompey, Boro and Luton) that have helped us win games and got the praise. Last night his subs did not work. I thought his comments at full time and the praise he was gushing on Leeds was over the top. They are good. We know that Wilder but want you to focus on us and what we can do better. It just felt a long way from the Wilder that had us going at teams and not sitting back and saying ‘we would have took a draw.’ Maybe I am being harsh but that bullish, forward-thinking manager at times seems to be missing? He has done a fantastic job despite these thoughts but I do think that season of beatings in the Premier League a few years ago has really hit him harder than we thought maybe? His teams seemed reserved and almost passive at times when the old days we would have kept attacking and going at Leeds. Maybe the players were spent and had exerted so much but again that is on him for not having fitter players who can sustain that intensity. That does sound harsh as Leeds are good and have beaten everyone pretty much in a similar way but we have to aspire to be the best. It had kind of set the tone for me, when we got o Burnley and god forbid even Wednesday.



Leeds – Discussed Leeds in detail above. They are good. They have areas you can exploit and are so gung-ho, teams could exploit them the other way but they are so forward thinking. They have an attitude that they just feel if they keep attacking, they will create chances and inevitably score. Farke’s Norwich team (first time around) had this attacking thrust but he became more passive as his time went on at Carrow Road. It helps he has so much pace and attacking threats. We said out bench was stronger but there is ridiculous in the quality they have in reserve.



Opponent Man of the Match – They started poorly and the centre backs were getting turned around and the full backs pushed back but by the end, they were surging at us. I like Tanaka and he of course scored the winner but thought Souza was better than him last night. In terms of the players that impressed me, James and Solomon In thought were threats all game and constantly running at us. Solomon was very good at times and we struggled to hold him up but his end product a bit lacking. Bogle was a bit mixed but he did keep going forward. Their man of the match was probably Firpo. He scored one and made one and we struggled to pick him up. Bit of an odd full back in that he just roves and goes forward – means they often have gaps at the back but he is very quick and athletic and seems to get back to do the defensive stuff as well as offering goals and assist. Rothwell’s quality on the ball and set plays has made a big difference in the last few games. He is better than Gruev for me but it is working with him coming off the bench.



Opponent Weak link – The keeper wins this award by a stretch. An own goal and nearly pushed another one in and was all over the place. They have to replace him surely when they go up? Outside of him, Aaronson was poor and they were much better when he went off. I thought Piroe was ineffectual until the goal. I think they will upgrade here in the summer.



Referee/Officials – David Webb. Outstanding and I say that in a loss. Best ref we have had all season. Kept the game flowing, did not fall for minimal contact (Both teams) and was up with play and just let things flow. He rarely got a decision wrong I thought. Sure, some went against us and some went for us but I never thought that is a dreadful decision. He just seemed to get everything right but only got involved if he had to. It made sure the game was not about him. Some may say he could have booked a few before he did but I liked the fact he was not waving cards out and read the occasion perfectly – it was a competitive derby game for the top spot. He was really good and on that performance will go to the top I feel. Heard he is line for a promotion to the Premier League and can see why.





Crowd – Good noise and felt a big game. United fans were vocal for long spells and Leeds fans only came into it when they got level and of course were in raptures by the end but had been quiet before they scored. United fans I think were largely appreciative of the efforts of the side and knew the side had done their best but just were beaten by a better team. They recognised that United were fully in the game and competing. It was an enjoyable contest despite the result and felt like a proper match.

Cannot agree with Choudhury mark sorry.

Once he came on we started going deeper and deeper and Leeds were able to push forward more knowing no threat from Choudhury whatsoever.

Everytime he tried a progressive pass it went straight out of play or to a Leeds player meaning we were turning over possession more and more.

Guess he did the basics well of passing sideways and backwards and getting his foot in when needed but far too safe/limited for this level.

5/10 at best for me

 

[Fjortoft's Aeroplane]

You're bang on about us losing any wide threat after the subs. Wilder's decision to exclude Brooks from the squad was baffling to me, not 1 player from the 9 on the bench that could offer us attacking width, madness.

 

[Fjortoft's Aeroplane]

duplicate

 

[KiwiBlabe]

Choudhury defended well, but as said above his distribution is terrible. A 5 to 10 yard ball will find his man, but anything remotely progressive or adventurous was either out of play or straight to the shitty yellow shirts with the even shitter badge on it. His defending was solid though, so now we have Clarke/Choudhury as opposed to Gilchrist/Seriki.

 

[Champagneblade]

Cannot agree with Choudhury mark sorry.

Once he came on we started going deeper and deeper and Leeds were able to push forward more knowing no threat from Choudhury whatsoever.

Everytime he tried a progressive pass it went straight out of play or to a Leeds player meaning we were turning over possession more and more.

Guess he did the basics well of passing sideways and backwards and getting his foot in when needed but far too safe/limited for this level.

5/10 at best for me

They threatened less there but I would like to see a stat of where his passes go.

I’d envisage most are backwards, then sideways and limited forward passes. He often plays pointless passes just back to the person who gave him the ball.

He’ll be ok for the season but I don’t see a scenario where we think signing him is going to be a progressive move.

 

[CopenhagenBlade]

Whilst Clarke was on the pitch all the threat from Leeds came down that side.
Against Portsmouth it was the same. He seemed a yard too far away from his man every time.

While I am not a huge fan of Clarke, he is good to have when we’re attacking but not attacked, he is not helped by the ‘defensive line’ that we have, which is more of a zigzag than a line. I really can’t believe how amateurish our defending is. Do we not do shape training? It’s been done to death on here, but we need a big strong centre half who controls the defence and keeps the line. Robinson is not that player

 

[Rufus Smalls]

Excellent write up, as usual DB.

I too thought Vini was MOM. He was everywhere for most of the match and made us tick that first 30 minutes when Leeds were struggling to handle us.

With the ref - yes he did have a good game but there were a couple of challenges on Peck and Vini that looked poor and should have been yellows. Just because you don’t want to wave red cards all game, a bad challenge is a bad challenge and it seemed to happen a couple of times where the ref should have been stronger on the punishment.

 

[United Aren't Back.]

Cannot agree with Choudhury mark sorry.

Once he came on we started going deeper and deeper and Leeds were able to push forward more knowing no threat from Choudhury whatsoever.

Everytime he tried a progressive pass it went straight out of play or to a Leeds player meaning we were turning over possession more and more.

Guess he did the basics well of passing sideways and backwards and getting his foot in when needed but far too safe/limited for this level.

5/10 at best for me

He was absolutely shocking.

 

[United Aren't Back.]

Not certain Clarke merits a 6. Why did every Leeds attack 1st afe go down the left? They saw the weakest link.

 

[Yellarbellyblade]

I'd probably take Clarke, JRS and Anel down a 0.5 on reflection. Equally I was maybe harsh on BBD who did lots of good things first half.

Did the ratings last night after the game but think a few I'd change after 24 hrs

I felt for Clarke as he had two sometimes three coming down his wing in the first half and JRS wasn’t consistently tracking back. I think his performance looked worse than it was. The reverse happened in the second half when Burrows was likewise left exposed

 

[Jon B]

"Bogle was a bit mixed but he did keep going forward"

Exactly how he was with us. Very good going forward but not Premier League quality as a defender.

 

[ATL Recs]

We are still going up, but some of the talking up by Wilder, and some of our fans, is pathetic.

As you said the old Wilder of 19 wouldn't have, nor would our fans. I find it odd that a side we are within 2 wins of are considered a God like team, 5 points (should be 3) behind with 12 games left we should be proud of the way we played last night and come out fighting, instead all I've read is how mighty leeds are who scored 2 headers and a speculative shot, we should have been 2 or 3 up on 30 mins

Exactly why today I’m still angry Wilder should not be deflecting like this

 

[TJ blade]

Choudhury defended well, but as said above his distribution is terrible. A 5 to 10 yard ball will find his man, but anything remotely progressive or adventurous was either out of play or straight to the shitty yellow shirts with the even shitter badge on it. His defending was solid though, so now we have Clarke/Choudhury as opposed to Gilchrist/Seriki.

Iiias Chair, on Saturday will have a field day, down that right side! Clarke/ Choudhrey ffs...

 

[gordoncharles]

I felt for Clarke as he had two sometimes three coming down his wing in the first half and JRS wasn’t consistently tracking back. I think his performance looked worse than it was. The reverse happened in the second half when Burrows was likewise left exposed

There were also at least two occasions when Clarke was beaten, but had Burrows not have been two yards behind the rest of the defence then Clarke's winger would have been offside

I don't understand the way our defence is being set up and I stick by my long-held opinion that having Robinson as a centre-half in a back four is courting disaster.

 

[ancientblade]

clarke and jrs just dont work down that side it has to be changed would love to see seriki back either for the first hour or last half hour wouldnt mind us trying bbd in a front 2 with campbell /cannon i think hes got goals in him if we play him more central

 

[N20 Blade]

Thank you, Deadbat, it's reassuring that I'm not the only one feeling more positive after a defeat!!

My eldest son's friend knows Hamer quite well, he can do no wrong in Wilder's eyes. In the dressing room, he is immune from criticism, which surprised me initially, but since being told, the body language between the two, then Hamer and other players, supports the theory, which is a worry.

 

[John Street West Terrace]

Good report & pretty much agree with the player ratings . We started well & could have been 2-0 up when we were in the ascendancy playing pretty much a 433 & the 3 frontmen really restricted there ability to build from the back , second half after the changes /substitutions we dropped to 2 up top & then to one with Cannon on his own . Tactically Wilder got that wrong I’m afraid , their fullbacks pushed right up after this supporting Solomon & James creating overlaps all over the place & Rodon was given the freedom of Sheffield to carry the ball from the back . Once Campbell & BBD had gone off we had no target man who could hold the ball up & in came straight back at us .
Not taking anything away from Leeds they are a good side , best in this division by a distance but it’s all about taking those chances at this level .. we didn’t .. they did .. an opportunity missed for me ..
Defensively we just do not look remotely as strong without Souttar & I worry about sides continually exposing Clarke . Going forward it’s surely gotta be time to give Brookes a run out playing on his natural left hand side instead of a square peg in a round hole on the right ? ah well …MOTM Souza .. back to his best in the middle of the park ⚔