The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Tuesday 7th January)

[ellandback]

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Good Morning. It's Tuesday 7th January, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road.

Dazzling display ends in defeat

Leeds were edged out of the FA Cup last night in front of a packed out (58,403) Emirates Stadium. Even Pontus Jansson was seen in one of the Corporate boxes supporting his former team mates.

In a game of two halves, the Whites were relentless in the first period dominating every stats apart from the one that really mattered. In fact, no other team in the Premiership this season could better Leeds fifteen shots at the Arsenal goal mouth.

As expected, after a mouling in the dressing room at half time, a completely different Gunners side that took the field in the second half as slowly, nut surely the Gunners took control.

England U21 Striker Reiss Nelson scored the only goal of the game, ten minutes into the second half when he scrambled his miscued effort over the line from close range.

For Leeds to be as dominant as they were last night (in the first half) and not to score at least two or three in the process astonished the BBC pundits (apart from Beckford).

It may surprise the pundits, who think its beneath them to watch Championship football, but had they been clued up with watching the most comprehensive second tier football in the World, they would have realised (as Beckford had to retort) Leeds do this on a weekly basis.

Who was your man of the match for Leeds?

Looking back on the game, would you have wanted a replay?

What surprised you about the Leeds performance yesterday?

Most disappointing performance?

Beckford claimed Leeds second half performance, was the poorest of the season! Agree?

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Bielsa's Post Match Reaction

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Are Leeds in safe hands with Meslier?

Last night we saw Meslier in first team action for the Whites!

What was your opinion?

Should Casilla end up with a six - 12 game ban, are Leeds in safe hands with the French U20 keeper?

People talk about goal keepers maturing a lot later on compared to outfield players. If given the chance, can Meslier keep performing to the same level week after week?

Are Gotts / Stevens ready for first team football?

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[ristac]

Morning all...

First half MOM Harrison. Are Gotts and Stevens ready? I’d think a bit unfair judging them on a debut as tough as this one. Leeds worse player, again it would be a bit unfair.

Ayling and Douglas were on fire the first half, second half their passing went to pieces. Harrison looked more effective on the right, Costa never got into the game.

I felt it was two good tactical substitutions at the time, Gotts needed replacing and Costa coming on was to use his pace and exploit the space Arsenal were leaving in the second half as they pressed up high. Sadly it never came off but it was all a big learning curve for all involved.

I expected a defeat, I didn’t want a confidence draining drubbing, I didn’t want a key player injured, I was amazed at how we outplayed them first half, in all an excellent outing.

Meslier distribution first half was fantastic, it dropped a bit in the second, he did some decent but expected saves, I’d be confident of him having to replace Kiko

 

[DirtyLeeds]

What a night that was, no one ever tell me the FA Cup is a pointless distraction. Such a dominant first half performance against a very good Premier League side, we could have been out of sight by the interval (I no longer say "should have", because, well, it's Leeds). Great performances from many players, Harrison and Phillips were excellent but what about that kid Meslier ? Absolutely fantastic debut and got no worries if Kiko gets banned, this lad was so calm and his distribution was impeccable. Unfortunately at half time that Arteta fella reminded the Arsenal players that there was a football match going on and although the gooners took control in the second half I wouldn't say we were outclassed. How Xhaka stayed on the pitch is a mystery and Lacazette should have gone too by all accounts although I didn't see the kick at the time.

And the fans were awesome throughout. I met up with my (15 year old) son in the Wetherspoons at St Pancras and spent a couple of hours there. Rammed with Leeds fans and non-stop singing the whole time, the bell was rung as we left about 7 o'clock. I heard they shut the pub. Maybe the govnor was worried about the profanity with some kids around the place, although to be fair the only kids I saw were stood on the tables singing their hearts out as well. There was a bloke we noticed a couple of times walking about with a very worried look on his face. In hindsight he was probably the manager but to be fair the bar staff took it all in their stride just the boss that couldn't handle it.

And the atmosphere in the stadium was awesome. The noise from the Leeds fans was deafening for the whole game. The only time the Arse fans made a sound was when they scored. All in all, a cracking night to be a Leeds fan. So proud of the team and the fans. Can't wait to be back in the wedge on Saturday.

 

[southernwhite]

Morning everyone
What a performance last night.
You know what it's like sometimes, you draw and it feels like a defeat!!! well last night we lost and to me it feels like a win, the lads gave 100% and played a strong Arsenal side off the park in the first half, Although i think we all new deep down Arsenal would be a different proposition in the second period and so it proved.
If only we had a quality finisher, which i hope will be addressed by the end of the month, but i won't be holding my breath.
What can i say about man of the match, well for me Meslier, what a reassuring pleasant surprise he was to me, if Casilla get's this ban, i believe we couldn't be in a safer pair of hands, but the whole team deserved credit & many on that performance wouldn't look out of place in the premiership.
Just got to get out of this bloody championship,as others have said it's this season or possibly never & never is a long time.

 

[johhny757]

Morning everyone,

I really hope Radz was paying attention last night and it left him with the desire of seeing what Bielsa could do in the PL with a few more quality players.
It would be absolute criminal if we didn't go up this season and Bielsa walked. I was really impressed last night because most of the players seemed to more than hold their own against PL opposition. The only real disappointment for me was Costa when he came on who was perhaps trying too hard to impress.

 

[southernwhite]

I really hope Radz was paying attention last night and it left him with the desire of seeing what Bielsa could do in the PL with a few more quality players.
It would be absolute criminal if we didn't go up this season and Bielsa walked.

 

[Eireleeds1]

Morning all. Apart from losing, chuffed with everything about last night except refereeing and our finishing. With proper promotion and investment we've shown were well fit to take our place in the pl. More plusses, checked fixtures this morning and thanks to FA Cup exit, we now only have 4 games over next five weeks so a great chance to get the injured back for the run in. An Arsenal mate of mine was chatting me after game and he pointed out the obvious, why don't we spend 20 on a striker who can finish and wed be a top 8 pl team and certainties for promotion. Jammy made the point that its a no brainer now for Radz to invest heavily in January. For all the great work Bamford does, and whatever rose tinted glasses you want to put on, he can't head the ball, takes one touch too many when he's in a decent position and not the best at picking out passes to team mates in better scoring positions. Meslier was excellent. Just didn't get to see him deal with any crosses to judge that part of his game. As others have said, a draw wouldn't have flattered us but best concentrating now on the sole objective

 

[Doc]

What a night that was, no one ever tell me the FA Cup is a pointless distraction. Such a dominant first half performance against a very good Premier League side, we could have been out of sight by the interval (I no longer say "should have", because, well, it's Leeds). Great performances from many players, Harrison and Phillips were excellent but what about that kid Meslier ? Absolutely fantastic debut and got no worries if Kiko gets banned, this lad was so calm and his distribution was impeccable. Unfortunately at half time that Arteta fella reminded the Arsenal players that there was a football match going on and although the gooners took control in the second half I wouldn't say we were outclassed. How Xhaka stayed on the pitch is a mystery and Lacazette should have gone too by all accounts although I didn't see the kick at the time.

And the fans were awesome throughout. I met up with my (15 year old) son in the Wetherspoons at St Pancras and spent a couple of hours there. Rammed with Leeds fans and non-stop singing the whole time, the bell was rung as we left about 7 o'clock. I heard they shut the pub. Maybe the govnor was worried about the profanity with some kids around the place, although to be fair the only kids I saw were stood on the tables singing their hearts out as well. There was a bloke we noticed a couple of times walking about with a very worried look on his face. In hindsight he was probably the manager but to be fair the bar staff took it all in their stride just the boss that couldn't handle it.

And the atmosphere in the stadium was awesome. The noise from the Leeds fans was deafening for the whole game. The only time the Arse fans made a sound was when they scored. All in all, a cracking night to be a Leeds fan. So proud of the team and the fans. Can't wait to be back in the wedge on Saturday.

Agreed

 

[Normanbitmyleg70]

Brilliant first half by every player. Should have scored 2 or 3. Meslier so calm and excellent distribution. Arsenal controlled the second half but we weren't outclassed still shaded the stats overall. Just shows that we do need an out and out goalscorer.

 

[Doc]

Arsenal fans saying it was like playing Barcelona in the first half. We've all seen the comments from top players, pundits and football fans from everywhere and wow it makes you realise what damage a Bielsa team can do in the Prem given backing. We have a team of unknowns, kids and journeymen who can make a top Prem club look worse than average.

saying it now: if we dont go up Bielsa will leave and I bet he is already being offered Prem club jobs.

 

[NostradEmus]

Meslier distribution was that good we should play him in midfield.

Are we buying the kid?

 

[DirtyLeeds]

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Anyone who couldn't get tickets last night might want to ask Arsenal FC why there were hundreds of seats in the top tier (allocated to Leeds) that were covered over and unused. Arsenal couldn't sell out their allocation but we would have.

 

[leeds60]

Good Morning to matt doc and co from a dull Bardsey
I would have Bamford in for extra training to teach him how to head a ballbecause he is hopeless
Messlier was outstanding and we must buy him for 4.5m in summer window he would be a steal
I was proud of the supporters and rthe reaction of the pundits Wright could not believe it and the way we outplayed Arsenal
Lets hope AR goes against form an d buys a striker who can head a ball Freeman would make another good additionI am sure Doc will provide footage of Woodrow and Freeman and what about Ben Gibson? For CB

 

[milkyboy]

Not sure if meslier is loan only or with an option to buy. Our announcement only mentioned loan, but have read elsewhere there was a buy option. He looked confident last night. Very assured debut... distribution really good in the first half - made saves you would expect him to in all honesty (one low to his left was good). But we didn't get to see him tested on crosses as Eire says... he stayed on his line for the corners (quite rightly in my opinion... but if we keep giving free headers at every corner, our keepers will have to start coming for them).

One swallow doesn't make a summer - but promising debut, and apparently has looked consistently good in u23s.

 

[Doc]

Eslier has had a fall out with his club and the reason we were able to get him. Since then things have got worse and he will never play for his club again and we have a firm option to buy in the Summer for £4m which is a steal.

Freeman and Woodrow will be tough to pull off as both clubs are playing hard ball and Ben Gibson is going to Germany

 

[southernwhite]

saying it now: if we dont go up Bielsa will leave and I bet he is already being offered Prem club jobs

We simply must do it this season,if not we never will & i for one will firmly put the blame on radz shoulders
Any way Doc don't spoil my euphoria & make me mad,as i am still buzzing over last night

 

[Whitejock]

Here we go again. How short some memories are.

This Bamford chap, the one who can't head or score in a brothel, needs replaced, apparently. Says a lot of people that should know better.

And yet, Bielsa clearly demonstrated with Nketiah that Bamford is indispensable. Try to recall the 2 games that Nketiah started. It's not that long ago. How did we do defensively? We let in how many!!?? How well did Nketiah defend? Oh, he didn't, did he? How many chances did Nketiah provide? Oh, none was it? Well he must have scored a shedload for us to put up with that, mustn't he? Oh, he scored none?

And yet we had 15 attempts on goal in the first half, apparently. You'd think Bamford would have scored at least one. I mean, 15 attempts! Oh, hang on, it was the team that had 15 attempts? And it was other players who missed too? But we don't want to mention them, do we? Would ruin the anti-Bamford argument, wouldn't it?

FFS, the lad did brilliantly. He did everything that was asked of him. How many strikers that play up front on their own score the 50 or 60 goals a season some seem to expect from Bamford? I'd genuinely love to know who in the world could put in Bamford's workrate & still score more than him. As we discovered against Birmingham, without him defending from the front, we get over-run. For me, the goals are a bonus. The incredible number of chances we create should result in goals from lots of players - and it does! But it only seems to be Bamford that gets the blame when we don't score. This clown Bielsa should drop him, shouldn't he?

Some of you need to give your head a wobble.

 

[xbpod]

Surprise surprise of the top two teams in the championship this season Bamford is the leading scorer (I think).

 

[Whitejock]

So it wasn't just me that thought Gotts more than held his own last night ....

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co...otts-after-long-awaited-debut-arsenal-1357041

Spotlight on Leeds United midfielder Robbie Gotts after long-awaited debut at Arsenal

Leeds United academy product Robbie Gotts was handed his first senior start by Marcelo Bielsa in the FA Cup
By Joe Urquhart
Tuesday, 7th January 2020, 11:45 am

Leeds United academy product Robbie Gotts was thrust into his first senior action on Monday evening in the FA Cup against Arsenal.

The 20-year-old has been forced to bide his time at Thorp Arch having been named on Marcelo Bielsa's Whites bench a massive 35 times in all competitions without playing a single minute since his arrival at the club over 18 months ago.

At the 36th time of asking, though, Gotts was handed his chance under the Emirates spotlight and became the 13th academy graduate to make his debut under the Argentine.

Among the world class talent of Mesut Ozil, Alexandre Lacazette and Arsenal club record signing Nicolas Pepe, United's Under-23s skipper held his own for much of the opening half.

Gotts' first action of the evening was to release striker Patrick Bamford in behind Mikel Arteta's backline with a well crafted ball before a short while later leaving Matteo Guendouzi in a heap on the floor with a perfectly-timed challenge.

Bielsa's right-back turned attacking midfielder drove Leeds on alongside a confident Mateusz Klich as he linked up well with winger Gjanni Alioski before aiding Kalvin Phillips in the middle of the park.

United's head coach described it in the pre-match build-up as the "best moment" for his long-awaited debut and Bielsa's belief appeared to be proven right in the capital.

Gotts has an eye for goal, too. And enjoyed arguably United's best chance of the opening half as he darted past his marker to the near post to scoop a shot over Emi Martinez's bar.

It was to be a minor hiccup on a night those involved in his development will have been rightly proud of his efforts before his substitution on the hour mark.

Similarities have been drawn with fellow midfielder Jamie Shackleton over Gotts' ability and while the two could be mistaken off the pitch the pair are very much players in their own right on it.

Pace, skill and an ability to drive forward and track back with a low sense of gravity were all on display with a lack of composure forgivable on a night that had been long in the making.

The stats said as much; 30 touches, 23 passes, five ball recoveries, one chance created and one tackle won.

"It's something you dream of as a kid to make your debut at a stadium like this," Gotts said beforehand. He didn't look out of place at the full-time whistle.

Bielsa was gushing in his praise for a performance beyond his years against the Gunners afterwards, and as he left the pitch to a standing ovation on the toughest of nights to make a first appearance it's hard to see Gotts having to wait another 35 matchdays for a second opportunity.

 

[Normanbitmyleg70]

I'm not a nodding dog so no head wobble from me.

There is no denying that Bamford contributes with his work rate but his primary focus is our one and only striker. The aim of the striker is to score goals so we can win games. Yes he does score goals but it is the number of chances he needs before putting the ball in the net that I find frustrating. In an ideal world we would at least have a backup to Bamford but at the moment we don't.

Just my opinion by the way.