A game we should'a won, but didn't cos of costly mistakes. It's not like you can say Derby deserved the draw, cos they didn't, but we did hand'em the draw on a golden platter cos of stupid defensive mistakes. Possesion wise Derby had 57%, but I'd say the game was fairly even with attacks ebbing and flowing both ways, and both sides made defensive errors. Football wise, it was a big improvement on the previous game as a whole, but we're not quite there yet, the sync, or understanding between players needs a lot of improvement. There was some wild passes, passes to no one etc but overall the football improved, and we actually started the game from beginning. The game changer was Saiz and Alioski, when these two are on pitch together anything can happen, throw Pablo in the mix and defenses have a lot to worry about. Berardi had a brilliant game, gave his usual 110%. I don't think Cooper had a bad game, he actually did very well after a spell on sidelines. Vieira seemed to be hot and cold till he was subbed. I think he's the best choice to partner Forshaw, but he's got to raise his game, untill Klich returns. Our first goal was well taken by PLS after a good cross by Dallas, PLS actually lost his man to score, and nutmeg the keeper, however, his lack of take off speed and pace lets PLS down, it's his biggest drawback. Their first goal was our defensive mistake, De Bock left his man unmarked, and it was our keepers turn to get nutmegged. De Bock was off par, but still played a fairly good game despite some mistakes from him. He'll know he played below par and will bounce back. Our second goal, was brilliant under what turned out to be a difficult situation. Saiz picked up the ball from Phillips and ran down wing, timed his pass to perfection (unlike Sacko), the pass allowed Alioski to run onto it and carry it forward. Alioski's shot rebounded off the Derby keeper but Alioski didn't give up, he saw the chance from the rebound and dived forward to nut it into net giving Leeds a 2-1 lead. Their second goal, pretty much a defensive blunder all round, and no one managed to clear it away. Felix needs replacing, he's a continental keeper who seems scared to come of his line to jump for crosses and corners. You do have to ask yourself, what the hell is the keeper coach doing. All up, better football from us, despite a couple of costly goals. Brentford are definitely beatable. Pablo's pre Derby interview Heckythumps pre Derby interview Brian Deane "I wore the shirt" interview. Memory Lane, game 1 v Anderlecht. Memory Lane, game 2 v Anderlecht.
I posted my thoughts on the game thread the defence. Like you I think this was a game we could have won without the defensive lapses. I agree Cooper should not get too much blame, Berardi I would not say brilliant but he improved a lot as the game went on, de Bock I thought was out of position too many times not just the first goal, Vieira and Forshaw did not operate together as a unit enough for me, a settled DM partnership would help there (whoever that might be). I’m afraid I now agree about felix he is the biggest problem. But unless the mgt can sort out both Felix and de Bock they are going to continue to cost us. I am not sure either can be coached to be good enough - but who knows. Agree that when Sais came on the whole tone of the game changed
Saiz looked dangerous but part of the reason we got better was Hernandez being replaced with someone who ran the line and did his defensive duties correctly. Hernandez has skill but he doesn’t fit the PH formation and PH is trying to accommodate him. You’ve got to give credit to Phillips coming on too, the team was far more balanced when he was introduced. Roofe was so poor we’d have looked better no matter who came on. Going back to Phillips and his haters, when he isn’t playing a cog is missing and everyone looks for a pointing finger. Even when nothing was on, Phillips would chip the ball in behind the defenders into space for a winger to run after and often the Derby defender would clear into touch. When he does play we’re usually a better balanced team. I have to totally disagree about Vieira being hot and cold, it was cold, cold, cold all the way for me. Not looking to be a Phillips lover or say he is one of the best midfielders just trying to offer an opinion as to what he offers but... Next time we’re on Sky watch Phillips and ignore the ball for a few minutes. Watch how Phillips is constantly looking around, watching other players, moving himself into positions making it hard for the opposition. He has a good footballing brain
