Good Morning. It's Wednesday 2nd October, and here are the Leeds Utd headlines Own goal sends Leeds top An own goal six minutes before half time from West Brom's Kyle Bartley destroyed their chances of creating history and going ten games undefeated and in turn returning the Whites to the top of the Championship It was no more than what Leeds deserved having dominated for large spells in the first 45 minutes Although the visitors launched sustained attacks on the Leeds Utd goal as the game progressed, Casilla rarely looked troubled. It was in fact the Baggies shot stopper Johnstone that pulled off a series of amazing saves in the first half to keep his team in with a chance. We saw injuries to both Cooper and Shackleton. Both looked like they could be out for a number of weeks. For the first time this season Leeds had (slightly) less possession than their opponents, though they have still managed circa 20 shots at goal, and more importantly, 9 of those on target; twice as many as in other games this season. In brief, this is what both Managers had to say after the game:- Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa: "It was big, big effort from the team tonight. "We tried to manage the match, but at the end West Brom's creative play was difficult to defend. "We put all our energy into defending which made it difficult to then put our energy into the attacks." West Brom boss Slaven Bilic: "I'm very disappointed with the result but I'm proud of how we played second half. We knew who we were playing and we talked about this as a big opportunity. "They (Leeds) were more aggressive in the first half and scored a goal. But in the second I didn't see Leeds for a long time. "I think we definitely deserved one goal and I'm disappointed that we didn't take any of these chances." Bielsa's post match presser Why didn't Nketiah feature last night? Having been left out of the U23 squad for Mondays defeat against Crewe, many of us assumed that on loan Gunner Eddie Nketiah would have a major part to play in last nights game against the Baggies; some even thought that he would start. Unfortunately, the England U21 International who has netted 21 times in 27 appearances for his Country was deemed surplus to requirements last night. I can only surmise that both he, and his parent club are becoming disillusioned at his lack of game time. With almost a quarter of the season gone, and only a handful of substitute appearances, what would you do if you were in Arsenal Managers Unai Emery shoes? please log in to view this image
Morning all. I wouldn't blame Eddie for getting pissed off. Very surprised to see Roberts playing ahead of him. I know we won so shouldn't really be moaning but I wouldn't blame arsenal if they recall him if he doesn't get more playing time. I just feel it could be better managed otherwise we might end up missing out on a very good player. However, I am glad that I am not the manager having to try and make the call. It was bad enough when I was managing a team of old gits for Sunday games.
Re Eddie, Bamford played very well last night, and the circumstances of the match, 2 injuries and then the requirement for a defensive sub meant he didn’t get on. Will he be frustrated? Very likely. Will his chance come? Very likely.
Morning all... Great battling display, we had to dig deep at the end. Cooper was on the sideline at the end of the game, already dressed and showered. He hugged and congratulated each one as they left the field last night, a glimpse of why he is captain and how his team mates view him. Berardi covered well, we need to hope Coopers injury isn’t too lengthy though. I thought we could have put Nketiah on ahead of Roberts, I’m starting to fear Izzy Brown syndrome. I just hope his attitude is first class and he isn’t sulking behind the scenes otherwise his card will have been marked by Bielsa
Agree with Milky and Bucks, Bamford was awesome and no way could Eddie do what Pat did. He was defending from the front as well as creating space by dragging defenders all over the pitch and he was creating chances. last night we had 9 shots on target which is the most this season and usually a couple of those would have gone in. Their keeper saved them countless times. Also think Roberts came on to play 10 Milky but he was bypassed and wonder how the YEP scored him 7 and only 6 for Phillips
Great result and at times our play was a joy to watch. It was a penalty and was deliberate. The ref was a joke as west brom got off lightly.
I agree that the injuries limited what Bielsa could do but I think outside of goal scoring Eddie doesn't contribute as much as others. I think the only one he could replace would be Bamford and, as has been said, he had a very good game. I don't think Bielsa sees Bamford as a 10 so Roberts was the option. Plus Roberts was stand out last season against West Brom. I think last night was momentous. We ended a long unbeaten run & beat the team who were top without dominating possession but still got 9 shots on target. It goes to show that we are still better than the best around us, we just need to learn how to hammer the crap teams. Btw after last night we're evens to go up, West Brom are 6-1 according to Talk Sport. Very surprised at that.
Agreed and last night we had chances again in the first half to put the game to bed, which means we wouldn't have had to have the rearguard action we had in the 2nd half. We had more chances on target than any match so far this season, but a keeper in great form
Off topic but couldn't resist. Nowadays more and more proteges are coming to the fore. This kid is only 2 yrs old. He's got style, beat, rhythm and is calm as you like just looking around as he plays.
After reading comments about the referee there was one big decision he gave in our favour which no one has pointed out. Alioski could and perhaps should have received a second yellow just after we scored. It was a deliberate foul near the half way line to stop their attack, the referee rightly played advantage and then had a very harsh word with Alioski immediately after. How often have we seen those decisions go against us, pretty sure if we'd gone down to 10 men that we would have lost the game. Have to honest and first half Phillips was off the pace, decision making and movement all a little bit slow of thought and deed. Thoughts that LL might have a point about Phillips started to creep in and so I kept a close eye on him for the remainder of the match. At half time it was clear that Shackleton had been much brighter and indeed it had been his best 45 mins in a Leeds shirt so it was a little disappointing that he didn't reappear for the second half. Tyler Roberts came on and played as a 10 trying to receive the ball on the half turn and link the play forwards. He did reasonably well and we look more of an attacking threat with him on the field, definitely something to keep an eye on. Unfortunately for him West Brom had upped their tempo and now were causing us all sort of problems with their passing and movement through the central areas. We could have braved it out and hoped we scored a second before they equalized but Bielsa took the decision to revert back to our original formation to try and tighten things up. This meant the unfortunate Roberts getting hooked with Dallas moving into the Shacks role and Ayling taking the right back slot. The fact we closed out the game and took the points means it was the right decision and it's good to see a coach making the right calls as many times over the years we've just done nothing and then had to watch as the inevitable happens. My beady eye on Phillips was seeing an improvement second half as he got tighter and more aggressive. One slight error when he was slow to track his man resulting in him having to give away a dangerous free kick. Other than that though he was resolute and worked as hard as he could for the win, difficult to criticize any player when you can see he's giving his all. Probably what the last couple of performances have highlighted is that he's still developing and learning his different roles and consequently there will be times when he's not always on his 'A' game. Harrison was superb, it's his positioning which is different class which means he's nearly as effective as two players. Provided the assist for the goal and was both a threat and defensively sound all at the same time. How so ? Well you never see him out of position, even when he's in the opposition box he somehow manages to recover sufficiently to make sure his side of the pitch is rock solid. Prefer not to comment on Bamford as believe his performance speaks for itself. Ultimately though, what we saw was a team performance and by team I really mean squad. As the season progresses everyone will get their chance and everyone will contribute because they all have the right attitude. Nketieh and Clarke were itching to get on last night and when they do I'm sure they'll sparkle. Injuries are already taking their toll and we need these hungry young players waiting in the wings to seize their chance when it comes. Lot's of twists and turns and ups and downs to come but last night showed we're not as fragile as some would have us believe.
Good Morning to matt and co from a very sunny Bardsey A great result I have to watch the highlights Doc Strikes me that we haves shown great resilience yesterday against a very good team lets hope this carrys on Sat I would like to thank WJ for waiting with me at LGI and taking me home you are a star
Great result lads, but great performance? I think the scoreline is dictating the opinions. There was nothing to criticise in commitment but honestly had the baggies converted two of their numerous opportunities, we’d be reading about how we capitulated second half. Hats off to the lads for resolute defending but I really can’t see bielsa being pleased with us surrendering possession and resorting to hoofing it anywhere in the second half. Delighted with the 3 points, nice to get the rub of the green for a change
All I would say about Harrison is that he's not clinical enough. He always seems to want to beat the extra man or take an extra touch rather than putting his laces through it. It reminds me of how Sterling used to be. If he can sort it out he'll be a superstar.
Off topic but please take a look at this i was creased up, but wait to you see 1.35 in,i nearly wet myself it's an age thing you know
Wouldn't surprise me if Arsenal recalled Eddie. If they do, I take it we still have to pay everything? If so, will there be any money for a replacement? You just know Eddie will get recalled and Bamford will get injured the next game.
