Good Morning. It's Wednesday 2nd October, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Well earned draw or two points dropped? Norwich City and Leeds played out a 1-1 draw at Carrow Road in-front of 28,283 rain soaked fans (2,022 Leeds fans). Without the services of Rutter and Summerville, and with Solomon, Ampadu and James injured, Farke's side looked far less menacing (both on paper, and the rain drenched pitch) than they did last season. In truth, there was little to pick between the teams, especially when taking into account referee Stephen Martin's home bias. The man in black was out of his depth; making decisions based on complaints and crowd reaction rather than what had seen himself. The Canaries took the lead on 15 minutes when Rodon failed to take the conditions into account, and took Josh Sargent off his feet, deep within the six yard box. With Meslier as useful as a cardboard cut out at saving penalties, there was only going to be one conclusion, however bad the resulting spot kick was! Throughout the monsoon like conditions and swirling winds, one player shone. Wilfred Gnonto was the standout player on the pitch by a country mile, and almost equalised before the interval, weaving through a packed sea of yellow before striking the post with the keeper stranded. Eventually his dogged persistence paid off. His through ball put Ramazani clear through on goal, beating Gunn at his far post, fifteen minutes into the second half. The visitors had both the opportunities and impetus to get a winner, until Farke's substitutions snubbed out any chance of three points. Based on the balance of play, a draw was a fair result; but undoubtedly, this would have been a game we would have won last season! please log in to view this image Gaffer widely criticised for substitutions last night Daniel Farke has been widely criticised by Leeds fans on social media for his substitutions last night. Having just equalised, Leeds looked the side far more likely to claim three points. The shift in momentum was definitely with the visitors, only for the gaffer to freshen things up with Piroe, Bamford and Gelhardt, in place of Gnonto, Ramazani and Joseph. True, we go to the Stadium of Light on Friday night, but the changes destroyed Leeds chances of a winner when they had the bit between their teeth. Gnonto and Ramazani were by far the most dangerous players on the pitch. The trio brought on may have offered fresh legs, but their lack of pace was never going to worry a well organised Norwich defence. please log in to view this image
Morning all I will give Farke the benefit of the doubt, away to Sunderland on Friday night he might have felt he needed to rest a few tired legs. My concern is he just throws players on with a let's hope for something special attitude. The game could have went either way, it was a better Norwich team than the one we faced in the playoffs, not many teams will come away from their ground with maximum points Three points on Friday would be extra special but right now I would accept one point and no further injuries. I can't wait for the international break and hopefully get at least two players nearing a return. I hope the board are watching intently and that the scouts are already sounding out possible signings for the week the transfer window opens
Our poor quality in squad depth is coming home to haunt us. They had the whole summer to address it. If Farke felt players were tiring, he only had the likes of Bamford Byram and Gelhardt available. None of those three should even be at the club imo. Will the board strengthen in January, absolutely not. Probably more likely to sell Gnonto if he continues to shine. Our board don't understand what's required in terms of squad depth as they're not football people. Having said all that, we got a good point. We need something on Friday too though as we haven't beaten any decent teams yet
Smashed Coventry last game. They smashed unbeaten Blackburn 3-0 last night. Made Hull look very ordinary and yet they are climbing the table. Dominated Sheff Wed away from home yet West Brom went there and lost at the weekend. Not many go to Hillsboro and win. The last 2 sides to do so were us. Norwich are 20 games unbeaten at home and we were not played off the park. We created more than they did. We are fine. Its Championship football.
The trouble with the Bamford/Piroe conundrum is that I’m beginning to think Joseph isn’t quite ready yet. Maybe a goal might give him confidence but he’s missed a few good chances in the previous matches. As for midfield, how far off is Crew to breaking into the first team?
Afternoon all from sunny spain, 32c! A decent point away and a match that I was not hiding behind the sofa, they created very little real threats on goal. Although some of our own pissing about at the back did have me screaming at the tv, GET IT OUT. I sometimes wonder why we even bother with a CF as our 'wingers' are not the old school type of beat yer man and cross it.
So the prem league wannabes of Glasgow who would piss all over English teams achieved this last night.
Playing one of Europes strongest teams. They one win out of two in cl so fine. If they were handed 200m a year like pl clubs you'd soon see how big they are. Anyway over there in two weeks for my annual birthday party. Never disappoints
We looked a totally different team from Saturday, is Ampadu absence such a game changer? Tanaka went missing I thought, and this was ideal for him to stamp his authority on the team sheet. Meslier again …. what more can we all say, he is a total cluster fck, his distribution is getting worse. Joseph seems to think the CF role is his and can stroll around to his leisure…..WRONG, they all need a wake up call. Sunderland on Friday will be up for it, we must turn up and send a message out to the rest of the league.
If Crewe Alex received £200 million pounds they would be a big team,but they aren't going to recieve £200 million pounds and that why they are pub league.
