Crucial match, early kick off, unchanged side, all sorts of murmurings before kick off from fans saying side should have been changed etc.
Ipswich one of the teams to watch in this division, not just in terms of points, but also style of play.
Right from the off, it seemed that we were in control and that we were a cut above them over most of the pitch.
Couldn't have had a much better start than we did. Yes probably a foul in build up play, Piroe doesnt get clean connection, but superb positioning and reflexes from Struijk to give us teh platform.
Overall I didn't think Struijk played that well in defence, but doesn't seem to have the big errors in him that Cooper does.
Nerves eased, Ipswich came into it a bit more in terms of possession, but overall Gray very comfortable and works well with James,. Spence grew into the role and Rodon looked very comfortable, and apart from a snapshot, we really faced nothing of note, a brilliant display against a hugely effective attacking team.
Ampadu and Kamara generally comfortable able but flashes of incisive passing from Ipswich, but we were just too good to prevent anything developing.
James is having a great season for us and him and Summerville mean teams really have their hands full, although no goals for James today, really please with how he's doing this season.
Between James and Summerville, Leif David had a mare of a game and it was almost written in stars that his day was going to get worse, Summerville so effective at this level and balls into boxes, along with corners are winning us stuff these days.
Rutter's hold up play and distribution was good and Summerville again causes problems and shows all our strikers how to take a penalty.
A lot of talk of if Gnonto leaves, Summerville too. I dont think so at all, in face, I've said it before, I think Summerville has been a good influence on Gnonto and probably helped him see sense about staying at Leeds.
Second half continues as per first half and Piroe very menacing, hitting bar, before finally getting one himself.
Good game management giving subs some minutes (wished they got more at times), exactly what was missing before under Marsch, Southampton in heat last season springs to mind.
But today is not enough, we cannot afford anything other than maximum points on Boxing Day and 3 out of nexts 4 matches are away from home, it's actually quite a tough mini run, that needs us to pick up maximum points, Leicester to do us a favour and then Ipswich drop another couple of points before facing Leicester again end of Jan.
Bot for the moment, it's been good job done by the team, great job done by Farke under really difficult circumstances at beginning with players he was expecting to stay being exited and having to deal with Gnonto.
All things considered, he really couldn't have done much of a better job, and so Merry Christmas to all Leeds fans!
Thoughts from today
posted on 24/12/23
Sorry Jonty, Merry Christmas and Happy Belated Hannukah
posted on 24/12/23
Missed the game but just watched the highlights. What a FANTASTIC result - Santa came early this year!!!! We have just got to hang on to Summerville, top priority - he's just too hot to handle - but pleased to read on here that everyone played well.
That's a great response to what will hopefully be seen later as just a minor blip and sets us up nicely for the second half of the season. Plenty to play for still...will Farke bring in any reinforcements, I wonder?
And finally, may I wish all JA606ers wherever you might be from Norway to New Zealand a very merry festive season and best wishes for 2024! We're gonna do it this season - in Farke I trust!
Thank you and good night...
posted on 24/12/23
Thanks Jaz, all well in NZ, and all well with LUFC. I wish all our posters a nine pointer Christmas and a Premier New Year. And a few more evening kick-offs for fans in the Antipodes. Take care and hug your parents, siblings, kids and grandkids. And anyone else you can find.
posted on 24/12/23
comment by Dennis - Always Leeds - Always Loyal. (U23086)
posted 1 hour, 34 minutes ago
"Rubbish tier's hold up play" Trying to work out what you meant by that Jonty. It's clearly a typo and I think it was probably something to do with Rodon.
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Rutter.....Apple hates me!
Fixed it!
posted on 24/12/23
A merry christmas to all fellow JA 606'ers
posted on 24/12/23
Yes, a merry Christmas to all. Made all the merrier by that great performance.
This is the kind of effort we need, having the most talent is great but spirit and an all for one attitude is what will make this team memorable. 9 points from next three not unthinkable.
posted on 24/12/23
Good morning all and a wonderful morning it is too🌞.
I’m still a bit shell-shocked tbh; to say I didn’t expect that result seems a little daft now (at least I got the clean sheet right😂).
DF again showed why he’s heading for greatness (‘heading’ - as he says himself, he needs to continue what he’s doing) and a special mention for Piroe who showed such class, poise and balance (erm, almost pirouette-like) for his goal. I guess that’s what he does well and I’m delighted for him and us.
So, here we are then, the season’s half-way point and doing really well so far (better than I expected but won’t go through all that again). 2nd spot definitely available but yes, we really need to start the 2nd-half of the season with a win at Preston (and Ipswich lose again v Leicester - please Santa).
Ennyhoo, a very Merry Christmas to all Leeds fans, everywhere. Let’s hope it’s a good one 🎅🎄.
posted on 24/12/23
Best performance by a Leeds side for eons - every department was excellent and made Ipswich look poor.
Merry Christmas one and all!
posted on 24/12/23
comment by Dennis - Always Leeds - Always Loyal. (U23086)
posted 12 hours, 50 minutes ago
Sorry Jonty, Merry Christmas and Happy Belated Hannukah
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Thank you, hope you have a good Christmas too!
posted on 24/12/23
Happy christmas 606ers. Hope it's a great one.