Back in October we were dogshyt against Southampton and Cooper played in a back 3 with Struijk to his right and Llorente to his right. Shackelton and Dallas as wing backs. Think the wheels started coming off here even though we only lost 1-0 but Bielsa always seemed to have a problem against Southampton for some reason and we always went with a back 3. We had Klich as DM as no Phillips and no Ayling, Forshaw on the bench who replaced Rodrigo who played as a 9. gelhardt was brought on to replace Klich for a few mintes and Summerville replaced Roberts. this time we should be at full strength at the back and play a back 4. We should have Bamford back, Raphinha who was also missing, Ayling, Koch, Llorente, Cooper, maybe Phillips. We will have many more options this time. Yes Southampton have had some great results and played some great football, but the wheels have come off and we should be capable of making it 3 on the bounce and put serious distance between us and the drop zone. Ralf and Jesse both know each other from Red Bull days and their old boss Ralf Ragnick
The left back spot as been a problem for us, since forever, when did we last have a great one? don't like Dallas there as it weakens the midfield imo.
Southampton have been very pleasing on the eye this season. They have however only won the same amount of games as Brentford, which is one more than us. 50/50 game.
Lots of valid points about our issues this season, think the reality is there isn’t one single root cause but multiple contributing factors. For me the stand out 1 is kp though. Missing a natural dm for most of the season has left us defensively vulnerable and missing the fulcrum of our possession. We have clearly missed coops also, despite what his detractors think, and whilst rarely being able to field the same centre half partnership 2 games on the trot naturally will effect understanding some of the individually dire performances have been hard to fathom. A year ago I thought llorente was poor on set pieces but otherwise one of the best players at the club, this year he’s been a liability, struijk has gone from being an outstanding prospect to looking like a pub footballer. That’s not just lack of understanding/partnership…. When you can’t control the ball… can’t pass it, consistently get the wrong side of your opponent. I’m sure confidence from being part of a losing side has an effect on individual as well as collective form… but some of this is just poor individual performances.
You have to feel for Bamford as it's the same foot/heel problem he's had all season. No doubt he'll have followed the advice of all the medical professionals and it hasn't worked out for him. Now he will need proper rest and try to get fit for the start of next season.
I think they’re a good side but they are seemingly really streaky. It was the same last year where they had great runs followed by bad ones… hopefully the poor form they’ve slipped into has another week left to run. I think Southampton/Watford decides our season. We absolutely have to avoid defeat at Watford. 4 points and I think we’re pretty safe. 2-3 points and we’re going to the wire, 0-1 points and it’s looking grim again. Watford and Burnley have a lot of 6 pointers and either could mount a run for safety.
Name names milky. Who's top of your list for poor performances ? elland springs to mind, bucks has been MIA or and Ristac has definitely become repetitive. Wakey is now a comedy act and 2p is still crying his eyes out, Olof & Shaks are like the chuckle brothers but hardly comment on the football and Narco is another who hasn't stepped up to the plate. To be fair the list just goes on and on and we'll need everyone to up their game to avoid going back to the Championship board.
My take on the Saints is that they play really well for periods in most matches, but they don't sustain a high level for the 90 mins and that's partially why they've drawn so many games after taking the lead. The key is to stay in the game, ride out any storms and then the chances to hurt them will eventually come.
You know that's not the Leeds way Milky. We'll lose to Southampton and Watford and beat Chelsea, City and Arsenal.
Yep and I broke my wrist knocking one out earlier. Hardly surprising though when you're hung like a baboon on steroids.
I’d take that. though would probably jump off a cliff after the Watford result so not live to see the rescue act