A good start to the year means going into this fixture with optimism despite being away.
Looked comfortable right from the start, with Summerville buzzing around, Rutter a handful to knock off the ball and defenders wary of Bamford.
Defence looked pretty good, Rodon better than Koch, Llorente and Sober combined, looks assured always looking to find space, and can win headers.
Ampadu also looked really comfortable, very mobile, reading game well and Firpo had one of his better games, positionally sound and making contributions going forward, not the liability the past.
I'm still not sure of Gruev, seems to slow attacks down, goes sideways or backwards most of time and a boot near his face had him clutching the back of his head.
Kamara was much more progressive, and the mobility of our players really had Bristol on their toes.
Gray stood out ion that respect, looks so effortless on teh ball, full of energy, hope that he gets a role further up pitch when Roberts, if Robert.....plays right back.
Meslier didnt have a lot to do, but was there when needed and Gnonto was there when needed with a very neat finish that proved the difference.
It could have been more if Summerville had chipped it better or directed better with later chance, or Kamara was a striker when through, but 1-0 gives us the same points as 4-0 and whilst we all know Ipswich and Southampton will overhaul our second spot there is something psychological of being so many points behind and yes we've caught up, if only for a night.
One final thought on players, Rutter isn't anything special in terms of goals and end product, but he works his socks off and always tries to stay on his feet, I dont understand where in last couple of games he is being accused of diving or going down too early, when he actually stays on feet more than most, And nice touch from him and Summerville at the end putting Gnonto in teh spotlight to get the fans thanks.
It would be great if at some point Gnonto spoke publicly to apologise to fans for his behaviour and thank them for their support, a support you would be hard to find elsewhere.
Brilliantly professional performance and touching that two murdered boys were remembered. Senseless, tragic and one can't to begin to think how their parents must feel.
RIP Mason and Max.
Thoughts from tonight
posted on 3/2/24
I think we have enough depth to give Archie a rest.
posted on 3/2/24
comment by Dennis - Always Leeds - Always Loyal. (U23086)
posted 25 minutes ago
comment by werb (U7906)
posted 41 minutes ago
Roberts in at right back and Gray into midfield could be the key to knitting the team together. A few killer passes from Archie could be what we are missing. Front men still need to put it in the net of course but that can be a problem as we know. maybe we just need a few more Archie's on the park ?
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Not sure Roberts starts or that Gray displaces Greuv if he does. I don't think Farke is one for making wholesale changes.
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I think if Roberts starts then Gray will be on the bench until Kamara runs out of steam. Gruev is a DM. Archie won’t play there.
As long as Ampadu plays CB then Gruev has to play.
The more I see of Ampadu at CB the more I like him. He reads the game very well and is so calm when we need calm heads. We’ve not let many goals in with him and Rodon at the back.
posted on 3/2/24
Is it a coincidence we have started to wing games now Paddy is starting 😉
posted on 3/2/24
Win! Damn autocorrect
posted on 3/2/24
comment by Outwood White (U9610)
posted 20 minutes ago
Is it a coincidence we have started to wing games now Paddy is starting 😉
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I don’t think it is and I don’t think he’s at his best yet either.
He’s scored a few lately but he also leads the line well, works hard and I also think the younger guys listen to him when he gives them advice.
Keep him fit and we have a real chance of going up in May.
posted on 3/2/24
Leeds United have won 16 of the last 18 Championship matches that Patrick Bamford has started, including the last 10 in a row.
posted on 3/2/24
comment by Kebablegs (U17699)
posted 30 minutes ago
Leeds United have won 16 of the last 18 Championship matches that Patrick Bamford has started, including the last 10 in a row.
^^^
I understand that, fully. Before last night he looked
to be in Covid season form. Plus he scored one of
the best goals I've seen.
But, like Cree, even he was a bit off it last night.
Just one game. I'm not making too much of it TBH.
We're still top 4/top 3 team in the division. And
hitting our stride. Bamford's key to that.
posted on 3/2/24
Batty just seen your bamford comments, think your accounts been hacked.
posted on 4/2/24
comment by Kebablegs (U17699)
posted 6 hours, 38 minutes ago
Leeds United have won 16 of the last 18 Championship matches that Patrick Bamford has started, including the last 10 in a row.
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That's a remarkable stat which if replicated in the remaining 16 games will mean we will win 14 games giving us a total of 102 points....Championship title still up for grabs, watch out Leicester we're coming for you!!!
posted on 4/2/24
comment by Jonty (U4614)
posted 15 hours, 57 minutes ago
Batty just seen your bamford comments, think your accounts been hacked.
^^^
Brought a smile.