Good Morning. It's Tuesday 2nd April, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Leeds escape mauling after late drama There was late drama at Elland Road last night, as a moment of madness cost Hull City a share of the spoils, severely denting their play off aspirations. With two minutes left on the clock, Tigers defender Regan Slater bought down Crysencio Summerville on the edge of the by-line, deep within their penalty area. The challenge was totally futile; as Joseph (the only Leeds player in the box) was outnumbered by three defenders. Up until that point, Liam Rosenior's side were more than a match for Leeds, who quite frankly looked shot of confidence, disjointed in midfield and skittish in possession; yet the night started so well for the Whites! Leeds took an early lead through Sam Byram, bundling the ball over the line after Allsop could only parry Summerville's rasping drive (after good work from Rutter). Having not won in their last five games, you'd imagine going behind so early would have effected Hull's morale, but it was Leeds who looked shaky. There were just too many players having an off day and when Bamford missed a glaring sitter from point blank range, signs of discontent filtered around Elland Road. The crowd were quieter than normal, a sure sign that something was up, cue, Hulls equaliser on 34 minutes! They had chances to take the lead, with Philogene and Seri going agonisingly close! As time wore on though, Leeds started to get back in the game. They could have re-taken the lead with ten minutes left on the clock when Firpo picked out second half substitute Matteo Joseph in a packed penalty area, only for his effort to graze the woodwork. With two minutes left on the clock, and Leeds automatic promotion hopes hanging by a thread, came the penalty decision. It was clear cut, Referee Josh Smith had no option but to point to the spot, and after wrestling the ball out of Piroe's hands, Summerville coolly dispatched his spot kick down the middle. To rub salt into their wounds, Dan James scored a third in the dying seconds from the halfway line after catching Allsop in no-mans-land after coming up for a corner. 43 out of a possible 45 points should be what dreams are made of, so why does this feel like a nightmare? Time to give Joseph a chance Bamford's glaring miss from point blank range was the talk of social media last night. The 30yo was once again ineffective in his role as lone striker! During his 72 minutes of game time, he completed just seven out of a total of eleven passes, and lost possession six times. Just like the Watford game, he was a passenger, and did little to contribute to the team; Leeds may have well have been playing with nine outfield players. Why Daniel Farke hasn't given Mateo Joseph, a younger, fitter, faster and dare I say hungrier version of the one time England flop is puzzling! I understand that Daniel Farke doesn't want to deviate from a settled line-up unless he has to, but you have to take into consideration a players form! please log in to view this image Why didn't we strengthen It's easy to blame the International break for Leeds sudden loss of form, but in truth, should they have bought in more reinforcements during the January transfer window, especially bearing in mind Pascal Struijk's injury! Championship rules dictate that clubs are allowed a maximum of five loanee's, yet Leeds only have three (Rodon, Anthony and Roberts). Injuries to Roberts, Gruev and Gnonto have shown frailties in Farke's squad, with a reshuffle needed last night to plug the gap in midfield! In truth, Leeds have had far fewer injuries than in previous campaigns, which is surprising when you consider many will have played 50 games this season! Once you've tallied International appearances this season, players like Ampadu and Rodon could be breaking the 5000 minute mark; what if either got injured? please log in to view this image
Morning all. Looking back, I think it was the correct decision by Summerville as Piroe had only come on a few minutes earlier. Maybe visions previously of Bamford insisting on taking a penalty and missing when not fully up to speed in the match.
Morning all. That's the Easter mini competition over. Ipswich did brilliant with their six points. We were a very credible second with our effort, and it was a great effort from the lads. Three games in five days for many plus extra time, shed loads of travelling for some and they salvaged both games late on. Some of the criticism I saw from "our" fans was baffling and the criticisms of Summerville even more so. The term greedy regularly used despite his 18 goals this season and his efforts in last two matched keeping us in the promotion hunt. . What do they expect and I question why many even bother following a football team. Id go as far as to say the atmosphere in the ground was poor for first half on tv. Curious to hear from those that were at it but they too have abandoned the forum seemingly. Last six games wont be pretty and we're back depending on other results as well as our own. Is Bamford waving goodbye in Ells picture
Good morning everyone Phew i am still shaking after last night, AND IT'S NOT THE DRINK , great result it has to be said after the way we played, but were grinding out wins when not at our best, this is what the best teams do, it still stagers me after taking 43 out of a possible 45 ? (not sure if thats right) that we have not already booked our place in the PL, Leicester are still their and Ipswich just won't go away, it's gonna be tight, but what a ride for these last six or so games, whether my heart can take the stress coming up remains to be seen, but hey i am enjoying it. MOT
When Piroe put the ball on the spot, I said to my lad, I've got a bad feeling about this, he's not long been n, felt happier Jimmy taking it but Farke needs to sort out who takes the next, if we get one. Kudos to Puroe though, he didn't sulk, and was straight over to celebrate with Jimmy. Bamford has that look of despair on his face when things aren't going for him,but last night he didn't seem to put the workload he normally does, even when he's out of sorts. The question is though, is Joseph up to doing the job yet over 90 minutes, I still think we'll still see PB start on Saturday but if his form continues I'd like to see Joseph bought on sooner. Roberts, the one player we bought in in January isn't a starter, even before his injury, clubs loaning out want game time for their players, DF doesn't seem to want to deviate much from his first 11, anyway much rather win with our players than with loanees that won't be here next season.
Morning all Joseph, Anthony, Piroe on the bench, how much more could we have strengthened whilst keeping harmony at the club. Nerves are affecting everyone at the moment, it’s all about who holds them the better
It's all about results at this stage of the season. Great result in the end against a team who always raise their game when it comes to playing against the Whites. They needed the points as much as we did. I don't know what Farke sees in Bamford, he must be outstanding in training or has a clause in his contract stating he needs a certain amount of playing time. Every match from now on is going to be a battle. So strap in and enjoy the ride. I don't know how everyone else has felt about the season so far, but I've enjoyed every moment so far.
Think it was Eire predicted last season that the Championship would be infinitely more enjoyable but hey, what does he know
Can you pick the lotto numbers out for me. Talking about winning, my son and nephew were over for the match and put a 10 on a 3.1 win, handy 100 win.
Now those numbers come up, I'll get excited thinking about how much money I've won, and then be devastated that I've only won £50, as the jackpot has to be divided between everyone else who read Ell's post
Just watched the extended highlights - how the **** did Bamdoor miss that chance. It was harder to put it over the bar than score! I like Pat but think it's time Joseph had more of a game. Not saying the full 90 but if Bamdoor continues to be so poor then it's got to change at half-time. Piroe was definitely a bit miffed about not taking the penalty. Summervilles pen was a bit tame I thought. In my mind if you are going straight down the middle just belt it as hard as possible.......actually that applies to wherever you put it. Still, what do I know, he scored and that's all that counts. Loved the fact that we got a 3rd goal and particularly the manner of it. Great thinking and application by DJ. Finding it a bit tricky typing as got no fingers left after that!!!!
Afternoon all Every game is a must win from now on. We can't afford to lose points. What's should be a gentle jog has now become a sprint to the finish. Bamford I would get rid of. We can't have **** ups like last night from him in the last 6 games. It's easy to use he fits the system but lets face it he's not been good for 4 managers since Bielsa was sacked 2 years ago.
Have to say that I thought his body language was awful last night, odd considering he’s scored a few in recent matches. A few times he was given the ball and he had no intention of attacking their defence, just stood with it then rolled it backwards. Maybe the miss affected his confidence or maybe he thought the crowd might get on his back if he messed up again, it made him look disinterested at times.
I just watched them as well and apart from the Bamford miss, as good as Dan James goal was I’d forgotten how close Rutter was to ****ing up in the dying seconds just before.
I was relieved Jimmy took the ball from Piroe for the penalty. I had a dreadful feeling Piroe was going to miss, his pen against Preston was piss poor, he was lucky the keeper went the wrong way. You can say he waited to see which way the keeper went, I wouldn't be so sure. At least we'll never have to see Bamford take one again.
Which of our fit players are actually in-form at the moment? I'd say Meslier, Rodon, Ampadu and Summerville are in good form Byram, Firpo, Gray, Joseph and James are in okay form. Kamara, Rutter, Piroe, Anthony, Cooper and Bamford are in poor form. Rutter shows flashes of his talent but nowhere near what he is capable of. Is anyone really in the form of their lives at the moment? Summerville would be the only one that comes to mind.
