If Leeds were an "ordinary" side, then you should be deeply worried after that - but they're not. They are easily the most efficient and well drilled outfit in this division that few teams will better on the day. Having said that, they can be "got at" with the right tactics. Pressing higher is dangerous as they'll hit you on the break, but you have to force them out of their comfort zone. You did that after your goal and they were noticably rattled for the rest of the game. They gave you the ball back a number of times in their own half through unforced errors. Overall Leeds will be a force to be reckoned with this season, and it'll take something serious thinking outside the box to get a result home or away. If they do have a weakness it's if you get at them and force errors. Pity you hadn't popped one in earlier before they got their 3rd - that could have had a serious impact on the result.
And if my Granny had b@lls........ Tbf Sparkey, I understand what you're saying, but in fairness Leeds quite easily could have been 5 up when City scored. Could have been last week against Palace all over again. Leeds were organised and far more motivated - some of our body language was a bit concerning. LJ has said we need another FIVE players, honest maybe, but won't help the current crop much. He can't really mean we need five. If he does that might say in his 4th year as HC, that he should look in the mirror. Tbf to LJ,MA and SL - let's not forget we've improved each year. Sometimes, and I'm hoping, that yesterday was a one-off.
Trouble is RP, he has no choice in keeping the books balanced and if clubs come in and offer decent money for your best players, I feel he has no choice....it seems to be happening every season......Not easy to keep a settled side...in fairness to LJ...
My gut feeling is LJ will leave for pastures new if these signings don't materialise. It seems as if Niketah is a done deal -hoping we bloody well need him.
My west coast wake up this morning has been somewhat of a surprise and that is because the reports posted overnight have revealed disgust at yesterday`s performance. I thought it might just be me but the verdict is in - and we stunk out Ashton Gate. Admittedly we have done some good business on the exit side of the equation, and the re-signing of some players has gone over well, but I think we might be a bit late to seal the obvious shortcomings highlighted against Leeds. Thinking back over the last 15 years or so we have had a lack of management expertise when it came down to getting in that type of player who could seal the deal for us and I can`t see it happening this year, but there`s still time to act. When I saw the 4 or 5 player comment by Lee I thought to myself `` Lee you are out of your depth and it`s looking like we now need another total team rebuild`` Is that such a wrong way to feel so early in the season or will those promises made drift away in to nothing.
Don't think he's out of his depth, it's not down to him that decent players want to leave for better or more successful clubs.. It's working out a balance, in cashing in the good players but being able to progress with what's out within our budget. But has to be said, as do most clubs.. I believe we should be doing more with the academy so to allow young players to fill the void. This could well bel LJ's last season, (personally hope not) so these 5 players that are rumoured, need to fit in, gel and do the business, otherwise LJ & the fans will think he's taken us as far as he can...
With his squad size Mr Johnson should easily be able to be more methodical. The teams shape was different to last season, it was different to weeks ago. Defensively it was poor. The compact shape of last season with players dropping into a midfield block was compromised. The front two included a player who only arrived in training days earlier and proceeded to play like it displaying a alarming lack of application.
99% of all managers have a 'shelf life' as the voice /familiarity /message gets stale. Of the outfield players yesterday they all played here last season, barring Taylor Moore who happened to be one of very few positives. For all this we're getting in new exciting players as I write so for all City fans, let's keep everything crossed.
I think Leeds sussed us out early doors and had the quality to stop us from playing...They were on the front foot from the off......first half, don't think we created any chances to worry them. I think i remember you saying the same last season that our shape was lacking from the season before..........I think you have to have the right players sometimes to understand the formation you are wanting to achieve.........I think we are lacking in those players. As for two up front.......I believe most of the game, we only had Fammy up front and in my opinion lacks quality on his own.
Mr Johnson has had years to get these players. City sort of played at times with Palmer in a ten role but the point was we had a front two in an odd defensive shape Palmer was not dropping off into midfield, getting compact and goal side and screening. The player was at times walking around with Leeds in possession behind the ball. In comparison Leeds looked more cohesive and pressed as a unit. That was apparent last season as well. It displays a clarity of approach that Bristol City lack. What Leeds did should have come as no surprise but City's approach was long into Famara with Palmer the closest in his whatever it was role.. City stopped themselves from playing.
"Mr Johnson has had years to get these players".............. He's had decent players, in different seasons but are then sold on........so not really true. Leeds sussed out Famara and also sussed out how Palmer was going to play, so stayed close to him to cancel anything out. Palmer is a good player, but needs good players around him to make him efficient. What Leeds did well, was to stop any flow in our game............problem was, we didn't have a plan b.............until we were 3.0 down.....now that was LJs fault..
