And I agree with you, he has struggled against him, I also happen to agree with those that think that he coped better this time around.
Gray was by all known metrics poor against Millar on Boxing Day and along with Meslier's stupid sending off cost us the game. Today however after a slightly concerning first 10 mins Gray completely shut Millar down and the reason being Farke trusted him to go head to head with Millar again and this time come out on top. Now if you think Archie didn't came out on top today then where were all the cut backs inside and dangerous crosses that Millar was able to do at Deepdale ? In fact other than a scuffed shot that luckily lead to their goal it's difficult to remember anything of note from Millar. Archie on the other hand got in a couple of delightul crosses whilst at the same time taking care of his defensive responsibilities. Regarding Gruev I'm pretty sure you said he wasn't good enough, now whether that was meant specifically at Stoke, or in general then only you would know.
From a set piece and Gray wasn't marking Millar. Awful scrappy goal to concede but that can happy anytime, never mind on a wet and windy day with only 2 mins on the clock. Plus Bamford lost the ball from our throw in and Rodon gave away a poor free kick so many players to question before any finger pointing at Archie Gray. Anyway shall we talk about Firpo's sublime cross for his 4th assist in 4 games ? Which by the way was the only intended assist of the game from either team.
Just a quick one for those that think Southampton & Ipswich win every game...they don't. Saints P28 W17 Ipswich P27 W17 Leeds P28 W16 All to play for then.
I've said Gray did better today than last time but did not have Millar in his pocket today. He's a 17 year old midfielder that needs help against tricky, pacy wingers and he hasn't had it in 2 games against Preston. I've kinda blamed tactics rather than Gray. Where was Gray when Rodon gave the free kick away? Should he be covering his centre half there? His last assist was a miscontrol so if you're taking the assist off Millar then take one off Firpo. You can't have it both ways.
In the early minutes today my thoughts were similar to yours, but as the first half wore on and then particularly in the second half it became clear that Farke had not only backed his young player to do what was necessary but also that he was correct in doing so. You think we might have dodged a bullet by Farke taking that risk whereas my view is that it was fantastic for the development of our best young player for a generation. It's perhaps also an insight into why Archie was happy to commit his future to us as well.
Contrary to Docs opinion. I thought Farke switched it 2nd half. It looked like Gruev was dropped a bit deeper to allow Gray to push Millar back.
Have to be honest that Gruev looked better than Ampedu in the Ampedu position and Ampedu has been probably our best player this season. Ampedu du du
I think Ampadu is defensively more switched on and reads the opposition better but Gruev has a better range of passing and plays more forward thinking passes. All joking aside, the Gruev at Stoke looked lost as the game passed him by. The Gruev in the last 3 or 4 appearances has looked up to speed with the game and is dictating play. I'm hoping the improvement hasn't peaked just yet. He seems to have put a bit of muscle on too.
What was great today was Firpo brought his 2 kids on the pitch before KO for photos etc and then they came back out after the match for a little kick about etc. Also after Piroe scored the winner Firpo was on the pitch celebrating and then immediately started directing Gruev to get in position for the restart. Whatever has been said about Firpo in the past he's fully commited to the club and this group of players.
Firpo is in good form at the moment. He still gives me nightmares when defending though. He was good today but at one point in the 2nd half he followed the ball in to midfield for no apparent reason, didn't make it and left his flank totally exposed and we would have been outnumbered if the wind didn't blow the ball off course. He does **** like that at least once every game and against better opposition they'll tear him apart.
I can bring my kids on the pitch for a kick about. I can tell Gruev to get back in position. I can be fully committed to Leeds United for the entirety of my life. But it doesn't mean I should be first choice left back.
No can't see that happening as Struijk has been a rock all season as well as being captain. However it does give us options as Ampedu can cover Rodon as well if necessary because he's right footed.
