Good Morning. It's Monday 25th October, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Gelhardt saves the day Leeds came from behind to grab a share of the spoils, during a tense encounter at Elland Road on Saturday. It was a far more spirited performance from the Whites, a display that showed the World, that West Yorkshire's finest were not just going to buckle, and let nature take its course. Leeds went behind on ten minutes. Semado was attacking down the right wing. He skipped past the despairing challenge from Harrison, and rolled the ball to Jimenez on the edge of the box. The veteran Mexican International took a touch before taking aim. His effort was thwarted by a combination of blocks from Shackleton, Struijk and Llorente, yet the ball bobbled kindly in front of Hwang Hee-Chan. The South Korean International, on loan from German outfit Leipzig grabbed his fourth goal in as many games. Meslier had no chance! To their credit, Leeds dominated both possession, and efforts at goal, but only shared the same number of shots on target (4). As the clock ticked by, it looked increasingly likely that Bruno Lage's team would seal another smash and grab against Bielsa's boys; but the 36,000 screaming home fans weren't ready to give up on their team. With fifteen minutes remaining, Bielsa finally conceded to popular demand and bought Gelhardt on. His instant arrival turned the game firmly in Leeds favour. They finally had a square peg in a square hole, and Jolly was keen to show the Leeds faithful what they had been missing this season. Being in the right place at the right time isn't luck as the 19yo proved during his fifteen minute cameo appearance. He forced a finger tip save from Sa, with another worthy effort going just wide. Deep into injury time, the hosts were finally rewarded for their hard work. Gelhardt picked the ball up 40 yards from goal, and carved the visitors wide open. His surging run into the Wolves penalty area was only interrupted when sent sprawling following a mistimed challenge by a Wolves defender. The referee had no option but to point to the Penalty spot, from which Rodrigo duly converted. The last-gasp equaliser felt more like a win, but football is rarely fair. The Whites will need to continue to show not just passion, but a gritty resolve to stop the rot, and claw their way to safety. please log in to view this image Should Bielsa be beyond reproach It would be fair to say that Tyler Roberts receives more than his fair share of criticism, but how much of it is actually justified? The 22yo was a January signing nearly four years ago, during which time he has made 87 appearances and has netted eight times. The majority of his displays have come from the bench, which can make it difficult to play catch up and make an impact on the game, which is where the problem magnifies. His half-time arrival sparked moans and groans from social media, as we saw the Welsh International once again going through the motions. Is he a bad player - No, he's more than competent, but there's no end product! He isn't the right player to bring on from a losing position, yet we see these almost robotic substitution's week in week out. Nobody can criticise what Bielsa has achieved during his three-year reign. Even at the ripe old age of 66, the Argentine continuous to be rated a legendary coach by his peers; this being the case, why is his Managerial decisions so questionable? It's well documented that he will only play one way, insists on a skeleton squad, will play square pegs in round holes and makes very questionable substitutions. Whilst we got away with it in our first season back in the top flight, opposing Managers have found a way to counter his tactics. Is Bielsa the right man to guide Leeds away from the drop zone, or is it time to change? Why is it that so many feel the Argentine is beyond reproach? please log in to view this image Equaliser - A shot in the arm for Rodrigo Rodrigo's injury time equaliser from twelve yards should be a 'shot in the arm' for Rodrigo. Leeds 30m record signing finally found the back of the net after fluffing his lines in his previous eight appearances. Though the striker isn't recognised as being a goalscorer, the hope is, he will rediscover his finishing touch that was so instrumental during the final third of last season. According to Phil Hay:- "It should be. Just what was needed and if that doesn’t give Rodrigo a shot in the arm, nothing will. I’ve never seen Elland Road celebrate a result in October like that. A big moment". The Leeds journalist went on to compliment the 36,000 fans roaring Leeds on! "I know Elland Road has to change and expand but I’ll miss the 36,000 capacity bear pit. I can’t be bothered getting into the ‘one ground is better than another’ debate but ER is so unlike a lot of other stadiums. So raw and so intense. Malice at the Palace." please log in to view this image
Morning all, Well we went behind to a goal against wolves where they got the luck of the bounce/green/Irish. We've never seen that before. I mean the ball when it was in the box of course. It actually reaching the box was awful defending on our part. Why Harrison let it bounce over him is beyond me? Wolves are not the side they were a couple of years back and to try and sit on a one goal lead for nearly a whole match is poor form. Some of them worst time wasting and poor sportsmanship I've seen from a team. Absolutely delighted to get the equaliser in the six added minutes they created. Nice to see fight and emotion back into the team.
We all agree that we are coming to the point where certain main players from the last four years are coming to the end of theirv first team pick. I think the biggest problem we have their is Klich. He was awful on Saturday and has been getting to that point for a while now. His passing is either short or wayward. So many of his passes are so soft they often don't even reach their intended target or are easily intercepted. His shooting is predictable. It will either be fired into row z or be straight at the keeper. I don't think he has the energy to get up and down the pitch anymore so leaves us exposed, especially when Dallas is at lb. I'm not putting blame on him for our form but I do think a serious look is needed at his contributions to the team now and wonder if his time is up.
Morning all Tyler Roberts has played 93 times including cup games Elland with 5 league goals. We can all try and polish a turd but after a while the gloss comes off and people can see if theres an improvement or not. The facts are we need end product from every player selected and we get none from Roberts at all this season, he scored a goal late last season but again a shoddy season looking out of his depth in the premier league. I dont want to do weekly debates on this player, Ive said my piece enough but if Bielsa sees something I dont, I accept that but as a fan I dont have to agree. We may have more problems with injuries as it seems Jack Harrison is carrying a rib injury and its affecting his form. If thats the case he should get a free pass from me and others for his shoddy performance on Saturday. We may end up with only Dan James and Summerville for Norwich? Hearing that Bielsa has spent £150k on a new gym for the TA staff, and Bielsa’s architect wife has designed it. Treadmills, bikes, rowing machine, weights. Engraved with Marching On Together and surrounded by photos of Yorkshire. Its separate from the teams equipment due to covid and Bielsa thought all staff at TA needed something for themselves so spent his own cash. What a guy… warnock wouldnt buy you a burger
Morning all. Feels a lot better today than it did this time last week (and I'm not even talking about the scum score either). We showed enough grit and resolve to make me believe we'll be ok this season, especially when we're at full strength. Bielsa is only doing exactly what he said he'd do since the day he arrived. To say that we "got away with it" last season is unfair if I'm being polite, ridiculous if I'm being honest. He's not beyond reproach, no one is. But I'll nail my colours to the Bielsa mast, there's no one out there right now that could be doing a better job at Leeds then Marcelo. His picture will remain on my wall long after he's gone, and that won't be for a while yet.
Morning campers. With the Norwich game coming up I'd almost forgotten about the Carabao Cup game tomorrow night. Maybe it will prove a useful distraction and I'm sure the boys would rather have another game than train all week at TA. Nothing wrong with the training, it's just that we have so few midweek games and players love to play after all. Plus it's a big game, live on Sky against one of the biggest clubs in the land and there will be a huge Leeds following to cheer them on. Not too bothered about the result to be honest but as usual that will all change once the whistle goes.
A lot of talk about how we have only been for points worse offv this year from fixtures played. Well we just got one back on Saturday
Didn't get a chance yesterday to really comment on Gelhardt's home debut which was very impressive for someone so inexperienced. Firstly it was 36 mins (not 15 elland) so much more than a cameo. Plus he needed all of those minutes, as it was only the last 10 that he suddenly found his feet and burst into live. Prior to his arrival my match report was going to be all about how the modern footballer can be too safety first at times. Lots of neat passing but coached to retain possession and recycle the ball when sometimes it's crying out for someone who commits defenders and drives at the heart of the defence. Well enter Joe Gelhardt, a totally fearless player and a wonderful breath of fresh air. Let's be honest he doesn't look like much of a footballer with his slightly chubby face and stocky rather than atheltic build, but that all changes once he's in possession of the football. Great close contol, nimble quick feet and can unleash a fearsome shot in nano seconds rather than dwelling and losing the opportunity. Certainly a fantastic prospect, but still a fair way to go before he'll be a regular starter. We can however expect to see weekly appearances from the bench as he builds his fitness for first team football. Well done Joffy.
Are we really going to do the whole Tyler debate again ??? Maybe give the lad a chance and we'll see where he is in a couple of months.
Morning all As we entered the final few minutes before Gelhardt earned the penalty I was certainly feeling like it was going to be a relegation dog fight for the remainder of the season, I’m feeling much better about it since the goal. I always stuck up for Phillips, I could honestly see what a few were not seeing so when it comes to Tyler I do take note when a few on here fight his corner. I still don’t see his selection as justified but having a chunk of fans seeing something in him leaves me more open minded.
Looks like Emma and LUFC have parted ways!!!!!!! He has taken down her Leeds profile, and is now part of Mola TV.
I can't remember the last time Klich had a good game. He is overdue another rest. I'd love to see what Bate can do!
