Your problem is you are sober and obviously understand football. We are in danger here. In all seriousness, hope you had the best time and we were amazing
Also from sky but think you're harsh on doukara, thought he had very good game, better first half without a doubt. Kind of know what you mean though, he looks like he should everything to just destroy defences, so you always expect a little bit more from him.
Would like to give that post a like but it would just make me look a complete nob because I got a mention
Just got up yeah im still buzzing.i reckon i can make the cardiff game.also hope to get ticket for sheff weds.
Morning chaps. Enjoyed catching up. Going through the match portion of this thread, my heart was pounding. Couldn't read the posts fast enough. Can't remember the last time we has such a brilliant match, and the fans should take a bow too - it was their best performance for a long while too. Much, much noisier than the sellout the other week. On the Doukara discussion, I'm going right on the fence. He did start very slowly, and made me laugh out loud at one point when he let the ball sail over his head to go out for a throw-in at the half-way line. I laughed because he didn't jump. didn't even make it on to his tiptoes. I really felt "here we go again". And yet, from then on, he got better & better, and probably put in more effort than he's ever done. He tracked back, ran forward, switched wings, ran through the middle - you name it, he did it. As did they all. On any other day, any one of the starting 11 could have been MotM with their performances on any other day. But Viera. He's been great before, but last night, he moved up another level. At 18! It was emotional watching him. Truly. Have to say also that Roofe was a hive of industry, which was probably why he was subbed. It was his most complete performance in a Leeds shirt, and I can't remember the last time I watch so much dribbling. Not just going past a man, but going past a lots of 'em, and parting with the ball at the right time. In mentioning this, I have to say that Doukara mowed his way through Derby a number of times, but not in the traditional winger way of dribbling, he just had such quick feet, and the last time I saw him with that level of confidence, he had just signed for us! Need to mention a couple of tactics I spotted too, that perhaps wasn't available to see on the telly. In the first half, Coyle man-marked their left winger & took him out of the game (a lost art these days). He did it so well, the guy got hooked. It was particularly noticeable whenever they got a throw in in their own left half. Winger & Coyle would go up for it, and Viera would slot straight in to cover. It was well drilled. Equally, whenever Ayling moved forward, Bridcutt would slot in behind him. So it wasn't all gung-ho when Ayling went forward. The detailed planning was there. Where was Monk's organisational skills when Bamba was charging up the park last season? I loved Evans, but I'm beginning to see that his team weren't as well-drilled as this one. Perhaps Cellino wasn't so daft after all when it came to renewing his contract. Makes you wonder. Finally, got to pass on a personal breakthrough at the match. It was bloody freezing, & I knew it was going to be. But I finally got round to buying the 'base layer' gear you've probably heard of but never bothered to invest in. Just like me. Turned out to be a fantastic purchase. Not particularly expensive, but amazing benefit. First time I've left in those temperatures & still able to feel my feet & legs. Highly recommended to those who haven't yet invested!
Funny isn't it, watch the same game and see two different things. Totally understand we are winning with him in the side but I just feel like we will turnover possession more times than not whenever he gets involved.
Nah, Ayling back to RB, Jansson & Bartley as CBs, perm 1 from many at LB. Next task is to hammer Barnsley.... that & get Monk & the loanees all signed up for long contracts
WJ, you were there so I will just have to take your word for it on Douk - fair play! Glad we agree on Viera. Wonder if anyone has checked his birth certificate? Just doesn't play like an 18 year old. Was gutted when we lost Cook but I wouldn't swap. Have you seen his brother play? Do we know if he is anywhere near as good?
Can't see it either, he's too valuable to leave on bench, it'll be back to normal for next game, Ayling, Jansson, Bartley, and Berardi has more than cemented his place at left back, Coyle will drop to bench.
i think Doukara is kopping some unfair flak from last night, perhaps its a hangover from his piss poor show at cambridge. Last night he made a couple of minor blips but he worked very hard, held the ball up quite well, certainly helped take the stung out of derby with some of his running. In his defence he has gone from a fringe player back to a first team regular and we have had a lot of games and perhaps he is a bit leggy and needs a game on the bench. That useles cnut Dallas should be able to come in for one game (forest).
Sky Bet info Ell. Sky Bet Championship Leeds United vs Derby County 7:45pm Friday 13th January Elland Road (Att: 25546)