Club managers often bemoan international breaks, because they tend to interrupt the rhythm of teams, painstakingly built up over a period of weeks or months. After today's match, the Leeds manager Brian McDermott admitted that the World Cup qualifying hiatus had benefited his charges. Tactical fine-tuning, a pause for reflection, and a general clearing of the air were all evident in the 4-0 victory over Birmingham City at Elland Road.
After a nervy and scrappy opening couple of minutes, Leeds settled down and played some direct but composed football, with a welcome lack of anxiety. It probably helped that the shortcomings in the Birmingham defence made themselves apparent very early on, and gave Leeds encouragement. Another thing which was noticeable throughout was the physical commitment of the players, not shirking challenges or 50-50 situations.
It would be easy after this performance to say that everything in the garden is rosy, but this was one (admittedly impressive) display at home against a team clearly lacking both confidence and cohesion. We need to reserve judgement until this "new Leeds" has prevailed in more adverse circumstances, against more buoyant and resilient opposition. At points in the match, too, one can see why there has been speculation about the recruitment of more strikers to the club.
After half-time, Birmingham responded, either to the pull of professional pride, or to a diatribe from Lee Clark, or a combination of the two. It would be exaggerating to say that Leeds had to weather a storm, but when openings were carved out, United retained their shape and Paddy Kenny made a couple of good saves when called upon. Yes, the post was hit, but I think Leeds have earned a bit of good fortune!
Another encouraging feature of the second half was the way in which Leeds used the ball. Despite having less possession after the interval, they were always looking to distribute the ball imaginatively and calmly, even when under pressure.
A good overall team performance, but Austin, Smith, Byram and Mowatt stood out.
Definitely something to build on, but beware of false dawns....
Showing posts with label lufc. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lufc. Show all posts
Sunday, 20 October 2013
Tuesday, 10 January 2012
Arsenal 1 Leeds United 0
Prior to tonight's FA Cup Third Round tie at the Emirates, I was slightly unclear in my mind whether the match represented an unwelcome hindrance to Leeds, in view of their league woes, or whether it would be a pleasant diversion, permitting the team to operate without the usual pressure, or rather with a different set of pressures to normal.
On paper, the team fielded by Simon Grayson looked comparatively attacking in nature, although this was probably forced on him by the club's daunting injury list. I thought to myself, very optimistically, that this was a bold move, designed to ensure that, one way or another, Leeds would not be encumbered by the prospect of a replay. Arsenal were not totally at full strength, but still looked formidable, with bounteous options on the bench, including one Thierry Henry.
In the event, the Leeds line-up was not allowed to express itself, because from the outset Arsenal settled into their familiar pattern of retaining possession, and creating elaborate passing movements. This was not unexpected, but Leeds contained them, and weathered the early "storm", such as it was. In those early minutes, Leeds displayed little in the way of attacking thrust.
The best effort which Leeds could muster in the first half was a shot over the bar by Luciano Becchio, on 23 minutes. He could probably have done better.
On the whole, however, Leeds defended solidly and quite resolutely in that first period, repelling whatever was thrown at them, although admittedly this was not very much.
In my notes at half-time, I speculated whether Arsene Wenger would make changes at the interval, as Arsenal desired a replay even less than Leeds. Their efforts on goal had been restricted mainly to long range shots and a few tame headers. As it turned out, the pivotal substitutions did not occur until later...
The sight of Henry warming up early in the second half appeared to spur the Gunners on, although Andrei Arshavin continued to be wasteful in front of goal.
"Attritional" may be the best term to describe the Leeds performance immediately after the break, save for an early surge down the right-hand side. Arsenal gradually began to pose a more sustained threat, and Leeds were forced back more and more.
Of course, the crucial intervention was made by that man Thierry Henry, brought on just before three-quarters distance, along with Theo Walcott. The way that these things tend to pan out, it was almost inevitable that the returning legend would get his name on the score-sheet!
As the North London team pressed more , they left a few gaps behind their defence, but Leeds were unable to exploit this, or capitalise.
On balance, Arsenal deserved their victory, for playing the more enterprising football, and having the lion's share of the attempts on goal. They made all the running, even if they looked laboured at times.
So where does this leave Leeds' season? Well, they are out of the Cup, which is never a good outcome. On the other hand, there is no replay to clog up their fixture list, and some aspects of this evening's display, such as the resilience and organisation which they showed, might instill some badly needed confidence and morale. We shall see....
On paper, the team fielded by Simon Grayson looked comparatively attacking in nature, although this was probably forced on him by the club's daunting injury list. I thought to myself, very optimistically, that this was a bold move, designed to ensure that, one way or another, Leeds would not be encumbered by the prospect of a replay. Arsenal were not totally at full strength, but still looked formidable, with bounteous options on the bench, including one Thierry Henry.
In the event, the Leeds line-up was not allowed to express itself, because from the outset Arsenal settled into their familiar pattern of retaining possession, and creating elaborate passing movements. This was not unexpected, but Leeds contained them, and weathered the early "storm", such as it was. In those early minutes, Leeds displayed little in the way of attacking thrust.
The best effort which Leeds could muster in the first half was a shot over the bar by Luciano Becchio, on 23 minutes. He could probably have done better.
On the whole, however, Leeds defended solidly and quite resolutely in that first period, repelling whatever was thrown at them, although admittedly this was not very much.
In my notes at half-time, I speculated whether Arsene Wenger would make changes at the interval, as Arsenal desired a replay even less than Leeds. Their efforts on goal had been restricted mainly to long range shots and a few tame headers. As it turned out, the pivotal substitutions did not occur until later...
The sight of Henry warming up early in the second half appeared to spur the Gunners on, although Andrei Arshavin continued to be wasteful in front of goal.
"Attritional" may be the best term to describe the Leeds performance immediately after the break, save for an early surge down the right-hand side. Arsenal gradually began to pose a more sustained threat, and Leeds were forced back more and more.
Of course, the crucial intervention was made by that man Thierry Henry, brought on just before three-quarters distance, along with Theo Walcott. The way that these things tend to pan out, it was almost inevitable that the returning legend would get his name on the score-sheet!
As the North London team pressed more , they left a few gaps behind their defence, but Leeds were unable to exploit this, or capitalise.
On balance, Arsenal deserved their victory, for playing the more enterprising football, and having the lion's share of the attempts on goal. They made all the running, even if they looked laboured at times.
So where does this leave Leeds' season? Well, they are out of the Cup, which is never a good outcome. On the other hand, there is no replay to clog up their fixture list, and some aspects of this evening's display, such as the resilience and organisation which they showed, might instill some badly needed confidence and morale. We shall see....
Sunday, 27 November 2011
Gary Speed
Sunday dawned sunny but chilly and blustery. I was preparing to follow an afternoon of quality sporting action, and logged on to the BBC sport website, only to be confronted with the news of Gary Speed's death, which was then just breaking.
At first, the news was difficult to absorb, and I found it hard to believe it was actually true. But then further details began to emerge.
Gary Speed was admired and respected across the board in football, and this transcended club loyalties. He was one of those men who every coach or player would like to have in their team. For a time, he held the Premier League appearance record, and this is testimony to how he looked after himself physically, his good disciplinary record, and the fact that at his various clubs he was one of the first names on the team-sheet for every game.
He first emerged as a youngster at Leeds, coming to greater prominence during the 1992 championship-winning season, being an integral part of a famous midfield, alongside Gordon Strachan, Gary McAllister and David Batty. Gary provided that Leeds team with youthful energy, vitality and dynamism. His aerial prowess became much-feared, and his versatility was invaluable. Even as Leeds' fortunes declined in the years after 1992, Gary Speed still gave his all.
He served with distinction for his other clubs. From being the youngster at Leeds, he gradually turned into a kind of "elder statesman" figure, no doubt passing on his knowledge and experience to his younger colleagues.
Gary Speed's managerial career promised to be as successful and rewarding as his playing days, and hopes were high for his stewardship of a young and promising Welsh team. But it was not to be....
If young footballers can aspire to the professionalism, attitude and conduct epitomised by Gary Speed, then their careers will have a firm foundation.
Above all, though, our thoughts must be with Gary's family and friends at this time.
Rest In Peace, Gary.
At first, the news was difficult to absorb, and I found it hard to believe it was actually true. But then further details began to emerge.
Gary Speed was admired and respected across the board in football, and this transcended club loyalties. He was one of those men who every coach or player would like to have in their team. For a time, he held the Premier League appearance record, and this is testimony to how he looked after himself physically, his good disciplinary record, and the fact that at his various clubs he was one of the first names on the team-sheet for every game.
He first emerged as a youngster at Leeds, coming to greater prominence during the 1992 championship-winning season, being an integral part of a famous midfield, alongside Gordon Strachan, Gary McAllister and David Batty. Gary provided that Leeds team with youthful energy, vitality and dynamism. His aerial prowess became much-feared, and his versatility was invaluable. Even as Leeds' fortunes declined in the years after 1992, Gary Speed still gave his all.
He served with distinction for his other clubs. From being the youngster at Leeds, he gradually turned into a kind of "elder statesman" figure, no doubt passing on his knowledge and experience to his younger colleagues.
Gary Speed's managerial career promised to be as successful and rewarding as his playing days, and hopes were high for his stewardship of a young and promising Welsh team. But it was not to be....
If young footballers can aspire to the professionalism, attitude and conduct epitomised by Gary Speed, then their careers will have a firm foundation.
Above all, though, our thoughts must be with Gary's family and friends at this time.
Rest In Peace, Gary.
Saturday, 26 November 2011
Leeds United 1 Barnsley 2
So once again with Leeds it is one step forward, two steps back, as Barnsley secure their first victory at Elland Road for twenty one years.
I must confess that I didn't follow this afternoon's game particularly closely, being otherwise engaged, but it seems to me that Leeds must start to improve their form at home, and achieve some semblance of consistency in front of their own supporters. It is very unlikely that they will be able to rely all season on surprise or fortuitous away results. In addition, Leeds' goal difference is markedly inferior to the teams around them.
The Championship is habitually described as "ultra-competitive", which is another way of saying that it is largely mediocre, with few teams able to put together a convincing sequence of results. One or two teams usually emerge as a cut above the rest, and Southampton and West Ham seem poised to fulfill the role this season. The rest will be fighting for the play-off positions.
Despite how inconsistent and erratic Leeds seem, they are still in the play-off spots, partially by dint of the shortcomings of their competitors. It would be churlish to criticise the team if it reaches the play-offs, but it would also be nice if they could do it purely on their own merits, and not be seen to be benefitting from others' failings.
Goodness knows what will happen at Nottingham Forest on Tuesday evening!
I must confess that I didn't follow this afternoon's game particularly closely, being otherwise engaged, but it seems to me that Leeds must start to improve their form at home, and achieve some semblance of consistency in front of their own supporters. It is very unlikely that they will be able to rely all season on surprise or fortuitous away results. In addition, Leeds' goal difference is markedly inferior to the teams around them.
The Championship is habitually described as "ultra-competitive", which is another way of saying that it is largely mediocre, with few teams able to put together a convincing sequence of results. One or two teams usually emerge as a cut above the rest, and Southampton and West Ham seem poised to fulfill the role this season. The rest will be fighting for the play-off positions.
Despite how inconsistent and erratic Leeds seem, they are still in the play-off spots, partially by dint of the shortcomings of their competitors. It would be churlish to criticise the team if it reaches the play-offs, but it would also be nice if they could do it purely on their own merits, and not be seen to be benefitting from others' failings.
Goodness knows what will happen at Nottingham Forest on Tuesday evening!
Saturday, 19 November 2011
Burnley 1 Leeds United 2
After watching this Npower Champonship match on television, I feel some pangs of sympathy for Burnley and their supporters.
I thought that Leeds were very ordinary for the majority of the game at Turf Moor, but admittedly took those two chances when they were presented.
My reading of it was that Leeds started quite purposefully, but soon Burnley began to look the more organised and cohesive team. Leeds kept trying, but struggled to carve out meaningful goalscoring opportunities.
One of the undoubted plusses from my point of view was the assured performance of our new goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, although I thought he might have done marginally better for the Burnley goal. A couple of his saves later proved to be absolutely crucial. Regrettably, the defence in front of him looked much less reliable and solid.
Up until Leeds' late purple patch, Burnley had probably looked more threatening, and more likely to score in the second period. What was heartening was that once Robert Snodgrass scored, Leeds kept pressing in order to capitalise.
What conclusions should we draw from this result? Well, hopefully Simon Grayson and his players will realise that they were slightly fortunate, and that they will not be able to play like this and win on a regular basis.
In a funny way, this could be a turning point, the nature of the performance and result giving a boost to morale and even confidence. Nobody should be under any illusions, however, that there is much work still to be done.
On a lighter note, I thought that when he scored his second goal, Snodgrass might have slightly mis-hit the ball. If he had made a more perfect contact, the ball might not have ended up in the net! On such fine margins are things decided....
I thought that Leeds were very ordinary for the majority of the game at Turf Moor, but admittedly took those two chances when they were presented.
My reading of it was that Leeds started quite purposefully, but soon Burnley began to look the more organised and cohesive team. Leeds kept trying, but struggled to carve out meaningful goalscoring opportunities.
One of the undoubted plusses from my point of view was the assured performance of our new goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, although I thought he might have done marginally better for the Burnley goal. A couple of his saves later proved to be absolutely crucial. Regrettably, the defence in front of him looked much less reliable and solid.
Up until Leeds' late purple patch, Burnley had probably looked more threatening, and more likely to score in the second period. What was heartening was that once Robert Snodgrass scored, Leeds kept pressing in order to capitalise.
What conclusions should we draw from this result? Well, hopefully Simon Grayson and his players will realise that they were slightly fortunate, and that they will not be able to play like this and win on a regular basis.
In a funny way, this could be a turning point, the nature of the performance and result giving a boost to morale and even confidence. Nobody should be under any illusions, however, that there is much work still to be done.
On a lighter note, I thought that when he scored his second goal, Snodgrass might have slightly mis-hit the ball. If he had made a more perfect contact, the ball might not have ended up in the net! On such fine margins are things decided....
Sunday, 6 November 2011
Leicester City 0 Leeds United 1
After the recent trials and tribulations, this was a very welcome result for Leeds.
By all accounts, it was a tight, hard-fought match, and it is remarkable what a psychological effect winning such a contest can sometimes have on a team. Almost as importantly, there were no goalkeeping dramas!
The Championship league table is also looking a good deal healthier from a Leeds perspective this evening. There is a renewed sense that we are looking upwards with a view to challenging the play-off places, rather than beginning to glance nervously over our shoulders.
Coming up next, Leeds have what on paper look like two less demanding fixtures, against Burnley and Barnsley, but we know from bitter experience that any hint of complacency in this division is swiftly punished. Rarely has the old adage "taking each game as it comes" seemed more appropriate.
By all accounts, it was a tight, hard-fought match, and it is remarkable what a psychological effect winning such a contest can sometimes have on a team. Almost as importantly, there were no goalkeeping dramas!
The Championship league table is also looking a good deal healthier from a Leeds perspective this evening. There is a renewed sense that we are looking upwards with a view to challenging the play-off places, rather than beginning to glance nervously over our shoulders.
Coming up next, Leeds have what on paper look like two less demanding fixtures, against Burnley and Barnsley, but we know from bitter experience that any hint of complacency in this division is swiftly punished. Rarely has the old adage "taking each game as it comes" seemed more appropriate.
Thursday, 3 November 2011
Leeds United 0 Blackpool 5
I must admit that after Leeds' recent slight wobble in League form, I was mildly apprehensive about tonight's match at Elland Road, but even I could not have envisaged how it would turn out.
Goalkeeping errors played their part, clearly, but this appears to be part of a wider crisis of confidence which is threatening to envelope the team, not too long after things seemed relatively optimistic.
Leeds now face tricky away fixtures at Leicester and Burnley in the next few weeks, and it is to be hoped that Simon Grayson is able to find a way to stop the rot before then. There is a real danger that the season could begin to stagnate for Leeds, or worse....
Goalkeeping errors played their part, clearly, but this appears to be part of a wider crisis of confidence which is threatening to envelope the team, not too long after things seemed relatively optimistic.
Leeds now face tricky away fixtures at Leicester and Burnley in the next few weeks, and it is to be hoped that Simon Grayson is able to find a way to stop the rot before then. There is a real danger that the season could begin to stagnate for Leeds, or worse....
Sunday, 23 October 2011
The Manchester derby
Well, as a Leeds United fan, things could not have worked out much better this weekend. After Leeds fashioned a narrow but important win on Saturday, so Manchester City defeated their local rivals 6-1 in one of Sunday's matches.
No doubt many supporters of other clubs will be gloating and taking delight in Manchester United's discomfort and misfortune. However, history tells us that Sir Alex Ferguson is perfectly capable of rousing his men from their disappointment, and emerging victorious in May.
Whilst it would be premature and unwise to write off the Old Trafford club, it does seem that this City squad is closer to being the genuine article, beginning to function as a well-oiled machine, rather than as a collection of personalities and individuals. More importantly, perhaps, they look to have more belief and togetherness than before.
The gruelling winter months will tell us much, and Roberto Mancini will still be required to keep all of his star players happy, and ensure that morale can withstand any unforeseen setbacks. The City cause is arguably aided by less intense competition, with the jury still out on the "new" Chelsea, Arsenal off the pace, and other pretenders not yet entirely convincing.
The next few months will reveal plenty about the respective coaching and playing staffs of the two Manchester clubs, but I say again, write off the men in the red shirts at your peril....
No doubt many supporters of other clubs will be gloating and taking delight in Manchester United's discomfort and misfortune. However, history tells us that Sir Alex Ferguson is perfectly capable of rousing his men from their disappointment, and emerging victorious in May.
Whilst it would be premature and unwise to write off the Old Trafford club, it does seem that this City squad is closer to being the genuine article, beginning to function as a well-oiled machine, rather than as a collection of personalities and individuals. More importantly, perhaps, they look to have more belief and togetherness than before.
The gruelling winter months will tell us much, and Roberto Mancini will still be required to keep all of his star players happy, and ensure that morale can withstand any unforeseen setbacks. The City cause is arguably aided by less intense competition, with the jury still out on the "new" Chelsea, Arsenal off the pace, and other pretenders not yet entirely convincing.
The next few months will reveal plenty about the respective coaching and playing staffs of the two Manchester clubs, but I say again, write off the men in the red shirts at your peril....
Saturday, 23 April 2011
My Good Friday
Despite the fact that I spent most of yesterday under the impression that it was Saturday, I can now safely record my thoughts on how I spent my Good Friday.
As the weather continued to be glorious, I went for a morning stroll, soaking up the lazy Spring sunshine. However, my feelings of equilibrium and contentment soon evaporated when I popped into the supermarket, and in my infinite wisdom opted to use one of the self-service checkouts.
I know that these contraptions are intended to speed up the shopping experience, but for many people they merely contrive to create other forms of frustration and anguish. After undergoing the ritual humiliation of calling for the checkout supervisor, and finally paying, I made a hasty exit from the premises. My visit to the supermarket ended on a more hopeful note when I put some money into the collection bucket for Guide Dogs for The Blind.
One minute I was sampling the impersonal and arbitrary nature of a mechanised society, the next I was happily and voluntarily lending my help to my fellow citizens. The curious juxtaposition did not occur to me until later.
I spent most of my Friday afternoon watching and listening to re-runs of "Dad's Army", in film, television and radio-show format. This served to remind me of the quality of the writing and acting which makes it so enduring.
Watching the film version, I was struck by how the greater time available permitted the writers and producers to insert more considered and reflective passages, particularly about the justness of the British cause and the principles and values over which the war was being fought. These were quite moving, although the tension was always broken with a health dose of bathos!
The movie, just like the television programme, gently celebrates, and occasionally pokes fun at, both English eccentricty and the innocent idealism of the times. One has to wonder whether such things would be considered desirable, or even feasible, these days, as we live in more cynical times.
Sub-plots were all part of the fun of "Dad's Army". There was the apparent class-related tension between the insecure, self-made Captain Mainwaring, and the dilettante and languid Sergeant Wilson. In addition, the constant bickering between the Home Guard and the ARP warden Mr Hodges also made for great comedy. These elements ensured that there was more depth and nuance to the show, in addition to the slapstick.
To complete my day, I followed the Championship match between Leeds United and Reading. A 0-0 draw was the result, and Leeds are now outside of the play-off places. Once can only hope that Simon Grayson is able to inspire his men to summon up one last push. Momentum appears to be ebbing away, just as other teams are acquiring some of their own.
And so that was my Good Friday.
As the weather continued to be glorious, I went for a morning stroll, soaking up the lazy Spring sunshine. However, my feelings of equilibrium and contentment soon evaporated when I popped into the supermarket, and in my infinite wisdom opted to use one of the self-service checkouts.
I know that these contraptions are intended to speed up the shopping experience, but for many people they merely contrive to create other forms of frustration and anguish. After undergoing the ritual humiliation of calling for the checkout supervisor, and finally paying, I made a hasty exit from the premises. My visit to the supermarket ended on a more hopeful note when I put some money into the collection bucket for Guide Dogs for The Blind.
One minute I was sampling the impersonal and arbitrary nature of a mechanised society, the next I was happily and voluntarily lending my help to my fellow citizens. The curious juxtaposition did not occur to me until later.
I spent most of my Friday afternoon watching and listening to re-runs of "Dad's Army", in film, television and radio-show format. This served to remind me of the quality of the writing and acting which makes it so enduring.
Watching the film version, I was struck by how the greater time available permitted the writers and producers to insert more considered and reflective passages, particularly about the justness of the British cause and the principles and values over which the war was being fought. These were quite moving, although the tension was always broken with a health dose of bathos!
The movie, just like the television programme, gently celebrates, and occasionally pokes fun at, both English eccentricty and the innocent idealism of the times. One has to wonder whether such things would be considered desirable, or even feasible, these days, as we live in more cynical times.
Sub-plots were all part of the fun of "Dad's Army". There was the apparent class-related tension between the insecure, self-made Captain Mainwaring, and the dilettante and languid Sergeant Wilson. In addition, the constant bickering between the Home Guard and the ARP warden Mr Hodges also made for great comedy. These elements ensured that there was more depth and nuance to the show, in addition to the slapstick.
To complete my day, I followed the Championship match between Leeds United and Reading. A 0-0 draw was the result, and Leeds are now outside of the play-off places. Once can only hope that Simon Grayson is able to inspire his men to summon up one last push. Momentum appears to be ebbing away, just as other teams are acquiring some of their own.
And so that was my Good Friday.
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