Good Morning. It's Thursday 21st September, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Hull survive Leeds onslaught Yorkshire rivals Hull City and Leeds Utd played out an entertaining goalless draw last night, and as always bragging rights were a cause for contention with Leeds playing the last 30 minutes with ten men. Not even the torrential weather conditions could dampens expectations, as buoyant fans turned up in their droves, to pack out the MKM Stadium for this midweek fixture. Hull started the game, much the brighter, but soon found themselves on the back foot. Leeds front line of Piroe, Rutter and Gnonto caused Tigers keeper (and man of the match winner) Ryan Allsop all kinds of problems throughout the game. Liam Rosenior's team spent large chunks of the game with ten men behind the ball, so much so, that at times the statistical heat maps around the Hull penalty area were more reminiscent of recent forest fires that swept through Europe. The best chance of the game, fell to Hull, right at the end, but just like they had done all game, were unable to muster a shot on target. please log in to view this image First half was never a yellow card, its was not even a foul - Farke Leeds boss Daniel Farke was understandably frustrated with having to play the final half an hour of last nights derby with ten men, after Joe Roden was given his marching orders for two (so called) booking offences. Speaking after the game, the 46yo remonstrated with members of the press about Roden's first booking, which, with the luxury of being able to replay the incident suggests his coming together with Jaden Philogene did not even warrant a free kick, let alone a yellow card. Farke was convinced that prior to the sending off, it was only a matter of time before Leeds took the lead, because they were 'so dominant', and the early bath changed the entire 'momentum of the game':- "After this game, I'm a little bit divided here because I got the feeling 65 minutes it was not the question if we go in the lead, just when because we're so dominant after a good starting period. We didn't allow them to have to have one chance." "Yes, yes. Let's be honest. So if you judge a game, that he's not allowed to finish the game feels harsh because he wasn't doing the whole game, there was two fouls and when I judge how many fouls there were just against Cree Summerville today and it's more like we have to finish an under load. It feels harsh." "First half was never a yellow card against Joe, it was not even a foul. So no one can explain me why he gets the yellow card in the situation. But you have to say if you are booked then you have to deal with smarter with the situation the second time, you have to go a bit smarter into the duel." "This is what where we have to be a bit self-critical because this situation changing obviously the whole momentum of the game." please log in to view this image Farke elated with another clean sheet Speaking during his post match press conference, Leeds boss Daniel Farke was elated with his teams recent defensive displays, and have now not conceded in three games. Even taking into account, their pre-season friendlies, the last time Hull failed to register on the team sheet was back in May against Luton Town. "Yes, very pleased because even during the whole 35 minutes when we were in under load. So plus added time, especially keeping in mind that it was for us a second difficult way trip within three days. Pretty pleased that we didn't allow them to have one chance, there was a situation in the 89th minute and I think we deserve definitely to return back with a clean sheet." "I think at the moment we're looking rock solid against a good football side against the side who created so many chances also in the last game, I was pretty pleased with how well structured we are at the moment, how good and committed we work against the ball. Also how good we are going forward and how many chances we create. Yes, the only thing I can criticise, but the efficiency in order to put the ball into the net." please log in to view this image Is Cooper ready to return to starting line up Leeds stalwart Liam Cooper returned from injury last night, after six and a half weeks on the sidelines. He was bought on for the final 35 minutes after Roden was given his marching orders, sacrificing Piroe in the process. The skipper looked short of match fitness, and a couple of steps behind his team mates. He has been out since the season opener at Cardiff, where he turned his ankle. Given Leeds improved defensive displays in recent weeks, how likely is it, that Cooper will make his way back to the starting line up on a regular basis? please log in to view this image
Morning all. We now move onto Saturday as this League is relentless but it's also enjoyable having the games coming thick and fast. Cooper was definitely off the pace last night but we have to cut him a bit of slack given the difficult situation after the red card and also the lack of game time for him this season. Personally I'd like to see the Struijk & Byram partnership restored on the left side but that would mean Cresswell coming in and clearly that's not going to happen. Also Archie Gray might benefit from a little bit of bench sitting to allow him to freshen up and then be ready to go again. Watford won't be easy by any stretch of the imagination so we'll need to play well to get the 3 points.
Farke is right on Rodon... first yellow wasn't even a foul. But when you've been booked with a card happy ref you have to choose your tackles better. 5 mins earlier there was a penalty shout. I don't think it was a pen, but if you go shoulder to shoulder and you're the man behind it can come across as a push and be given. Risky and unnecessary challenge... Ayling did something similar in the first half. Rodon played well otherwise but needs to engage his brain.
Morning everyone from Zakynthos. morning walk completed before it gets too hot. Might have a snooze this afternoon. Saw nothing of last nights game it was champions league in the bars. We are fast becoming the draw specialists of the league.
We played well though Wakey and but for the red card might have taken all 3 points. Hull could barely get over the half way line in the first half but all that changed when we went down to 10 men and then they missed an absolute siiter right at the death. All in all a good point.
Rodon played well but he was deservedly sent off for the 2nd yellow which was totally down to his decision making. No point fans trying to blame the referee.
Excellent performance given the quick turnaround compared to Hull and playing most of second half with ten. Three clean sheets in a row is refreshing to say the least although last nights was aided by the miss of the season. Archie looked tired and Cooper usual couple of blunders. For all the criticism Meslier gets, all the clean sheets must be doing his confidence a power of good
I'm a regular critic of both but Struijk and Meslier look to have built a bit of confidence back and are getting better by the game. I worry about them if and when we start getting a few rough results. They seem a bit mentally fragile.
FFS who has hijacked your account. My lads are over for the Watford match, are you going to that Eire.
Ditto… there was that annoying ‘palm a cross into the danger area’ thing Mes does but generally solid. Even his distribution has looked better.
Not going to make any games this side of xmas by the looks of things. Galway whites went once and two more before xmas but none working out for me. Hope to make up for it then. Only ever interested in seeing a competitive team in a competitive league and we seem to have that now. Couldn't care less if I never saw any of that pl crap ever again
Part of the problem seems to be we just don't have good results when you come over but pretty sure that was happening in the Championship as well. PL is not crap by the way just we were and seeing players like Salah, Kane, Haaland etc up close and live was enjoyable until we were 3-0 down
Afternoon all Cooper did look like Cooper when he came on but he also did what he often does and made a goal saving tackle Bobby Moore would have been proud of. He isn't perfect but will be adequate cover for one match on Saturday. I said before last night that Gray should be rested. Hopefully him looking off the bill last night will get him it.
It's a big injury to come back from. I'd expect a few set backs along the way but it will be a great moment if he can get back on the pitch for the first team. He deserves it given what he has done for us over the years. Good luck to him.
