Good Morning. It's Monday 2nd September, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Comfortable in the end as Whites see off Tigers Leeds go into the International Break with back to back wins under their belt, after seeing off local rivals Hull at the weekend. The Whites used their new found width to good effect, utilising Solomon's lightening fast pace down the left, terrifying opposition defenders in his wake. Even so, the Whites found it difficult to break down a Hull team content to get ten men behind the ball, and very occasionally counter, when opportunities arose. Despite Leeds superiority, Ivor Pandur didn't have a great deal to do in the opening half. Bedia's ferocious drive could have given the visitors an unwarranted half-time lead, had it not been for Meslier's eye-catching save. Millar too was a constant threat down the left wing. He had an effort go narrowly wide just before the break. As the game wore on, the hosts grew in stature, and Hull slowly began to tire. Leeds took a deserved lead on the hour mark when Mateo Joseph nipped in at the near post to steer home Solomon's cross, having left Will Jarvis and Lewie Coyle in his midst. The goal knocked the stuffing out of the visitors, who never looked like recovering. Leeds doubled their lead with ten minutes left on the clock. Firpo's cross field pass found Piroe in acres of space on the right hand side of the box. He had time to take a touch, consider his options, before slotting the ball past Pandur to make the game safe. please log in to view this image Will strength in depth compensate for losing stars Hull's tactic of getting ten men behind the ball, and hitting Leeds on the break, may not have been the most original, but it's likely to be replicated my most Championship outfits this season. We no longer have a proven goal scorer/provider capable of conjuring something up from nothing! Will this harm Leeds aspirations of a top two finish or will our new founded strength in depth compensate? It took the Whites just over an hour to break down a pretty average Hull side at the weekend. It was comfortable in the end, but our average creation to goal ratio must improve if we are serious about reaching the promised land. Leeds are one of only five sides not to lose (in the league) this season. Looking at the teams in this division, it's difficult to pinpoint a side likely to finish above us this season. I don't think we'll ever have a better chance of automatic promotion, but Leeds must take their chances. We have created 71 chances so far, with 23 shots on target and 7 goals (including the Boro Cup loss). We're the Bookies favourites to go up as Champions 13/8, with Burnley 6/1, Sunderland 8/1, Boro 8/1, West Brom 12/1 and Sheffield Utd 14/1 all some way behind! please log in to view this image
I think we have a better squad and more balanced. Yes we have to create the 20 goals Summerville scored and the creation of Rutter, but I think we can do it with the creativity and work rate of Tanaka and Aaronson. I think Solomon will create and score his share and Ramazani likewise. There were signs that Farke had learned that crosses and shots from outside the box actually create goals and chances for a No9. If we do that I have no doubt Joseph will score goals. We are much stronger at the back and have cover, we just need to not leave the defence exposed by everyone pushing high at the same time.
Morning all. Makes it a good Monday when Leeds have won. New influx of players will take time to gel but as Doc alluded to, it looks much more balanced. I had doubts about Tanaka but if he can replicate his 20 minute cameo for full 90 minutes stints then he could be key. Fingers crossed. If Solomon stays fit then we have our Summerville replacement. He might not get 20 goals but he will put the ball in the box alot more for Joseph, Gnonto, Aaronson and Tanaka coming in late. It's gonna be interesting to see how it all gels together and how Farke keeps it tight at the back.
On a separate note. What's the point of an international break 3 weeks in to the season. Do away with international football, its ****. England are only playing some 2 bit 3rd world country this week. What's the point?
Good morning everyone What a great football weekend, Leeds winning, Everton capitulating to Bournemouth, scum getting spanked at home. Were looking good and putting a nice run together before the so called international break (just like last season)
Was thinking same myself. The last time the outfit were playing turned up in Dublin they wrecked the stadium. Hope there's not a repeat as FAI can't afford to rebuild it yet again
Morning all Hull can’t score goals, defensively they’d only conceded two in three league games. I for one don’t believe Summerville would have scored us 20 goals this season, a fit Solomon will create far more for us. I’m pleased with the break, it gives Farke time to get the new players up to speed, anyone who was hoping for a transfer out like possibly Wober it gives them time to get it out their system and concentrate
Matt Le Tissier started that match. It was abandoned and I don't think he ever really got a chance again.
Hull will be top 10 imo. West Brom will be top 6. Possibly top 3. Sheff Wed were very good towards the back end of last season and were near the top of the form table. They look a bit shaky but I think they will be mid table. A very good performance. The only bad result was Pompey at home and we played them off the park. Meslier and Bogle made two dumb mistakes and their other goal was a great strike from 25 yards that only goes in once in ten. Just one of those games. Cup game against Boro was as bad as I've seen in 15 years though.
Morning Leeds fans. Ahhh, doesn't it feel good when we get the three points, and fully deserved it too. Joseph's off the mark, hopefully many more to come. Solomon is going to be a great asset, definitely the best transfer of the summer. Shame we didn't get a direct replacement for Rutter but we relied too much on him and Summerville last season. These new additions, along with a revitalised Gnonto and a surprisingly impressive Aaronson (so far!) look like we've got potential to get the goals coming in from a lot more players this time round. Early days but we could be in with a shot at promotion at this rate. PS - another fantastic assist from Firpo. The guy can't defend but in this division he's a real handful going forward. Class finish from Piroe too.
We have a 12.30 kick off Saturday, Firpo and Aaronson have games which won't see them get back here until the early hours off Friday morning apparently. Forget those 2 starting
International break ****ed us last season too. Headed on to it on a record equalling run and barely looked like we knew each other when they all came back.
Like most, I hate these international breaks. However it will give time for the new signings (assuming they’re not on international duty) to work with the boss and the available players, to better understand what’s needed in the long term. Just hope those away, come back uninjured, and a bit fitter and early enough to be in the frame for Burnley.
Think this covers it. 8 starters front Saturday will be away, James injured. Manor Solomon (Israel) - Nations League vs Belgium (6th Sep) & Italy (9th Sep) Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon & Ethan Ampadu (Wales) - Nations League vs Turkey (6th Sep) and Montenegro (9th Sep) Junior Firpo (Dominican Republic) - CONCAF Nations League vs Bermuda (7th Sep) and Dominica (10th Sep) Mateo Joseph (Spain U21) - Euro U21 qualifying vs Scotland (6th Sep) and Hungary (10th Sep) Ao Tanaka (Japan) - World Cup Qualifiers vs China (5th Sep) and Bahrain (10th Sep) Willy Gnonto (Italy U21) Euro U21 qualifying vs San Marino (5th Sep) and Norway (10th Sep) Max Wöber (Austria) Nations League vs Slovenia (6th Sep) and Austria (9th Sep) Charlie Crew (Wales U21) Euro U21 qualifying vs Iceland (10th Sep) Jeremiah Mullen (Scotland U21) Euro U21 qualifying vs Spain (6th Sep) and Malta (10th Sep) Ilia Gruev (Bulgaria) Nations League vs Belarus (5th Sep) and Northern Ireland (8th Sep) Sam Chambers and Rory Mahady (Scotland U19) Friendlies vs Azerbaijan (4th Sep), Faroe Islands (6th Sep) and Netherlands (9th Sep) Brenden Aaronson (USA) Friendlies vs Canada (7th Sep) and New Zealand (11th Sep)
Depends on how many players go off to play for their country as to whether Farke can work on anything on the training ground. Hopefully we don’t pick up injuries, which screwed us last season. Morning all by the way. In agreement with the poxy international break, I never watch these matches.
Shame Summerville didn't make the Dutch squad, apparently we get £2m for a call up and another £2m if he plays.
