Leeds 2 United 0 - report

[Deadbat_DB]

It was the first defeat of the season on Friday night under the lights at Elland Road as Leeds saw off their Yorkshire rivals. After such a good record in recent years at their old foes in West Yorkshire, United would have fancied their chances with such a strong defensive record and still yet to taste a loss before tonight.





United made changes to their starting line up and formation seemingly with Shackleton and Norrington Davies in seeing the Blades switch to a 5 at the back with the Welsh international joining Souttar and Ahmedhodzic at the back with Hamer, O’Hare behind Moore and Souza and Arblaster anchoring the midfield.



The home side started with former Blade, Jayden Bogle and had a very forward-looking line up featuring Gnonto, Ramzani, Aaronson behind Piroe. There was no place for another former Blades player, Ethan Ampadu.



After a minute’s applause for George Baldock, that saw the United fans chant their appreciation with the ’Star Man’ lasting the whole period of the tribute, and more. Several Greek flags were held aloft in an emotional moment for all those connected with the Blades.



Once the game started, there were a few tasty early challenges from both sides but the Blades settled confidently and Moore’s flick nearly got O’Hare in but Firpo got a vital touch on the ball. Some decent play then saw the ball played wide but Hamer’s cross was clutched by Meslier. The visitors had been confident and assured but slowly the home side started to find some gaps and beat the press. Shackleton had to concede a corner as Ramazani caused problems down the right.



Ahmedhodzic stepped out and found Hamer who came inside but his shot was blocked and looped into the keeper’s hands. Leeds then found a half chance as Bogle stole in from the sleeping Burrows and forced another corner. A silly foul from Souza kept the pressure on as Leeds started to take over the game. United had not been properly tested yet but several unnecessary fouls saw Leeds really start to turn the screw.



Souttar had to make a headed clearance and with the Leeds full backs pushing up and causing Shackleton and Burrows problems. Ramazani then got down the side and hit a shot from the angle that hit the outside of the post.



Burrows played Ramazani onside and his shot was destined for the corner but Cooper got down and flicked it round the post in an excellent save. The half hour mark was reached but it was all Leeds now and Cooper had to get down to take the low cross.



Hamer tried to break the pressure but his ball was overplayed. Souza was getting his foot in but a number of other were not in the game with Arblaster and Burrows not hitting the heights of their season so far and O’Hare not involved, as he was outmuscled on more than one occasion – going to ground looking meekly for free kicks that never came.



Leeds had another opportunity as Shackleton put Cooper under pressure and his kick out was returned by Aaronson but as he tried to go near side, the keeper got a touch on a ball that was probably going wide anyway but led to another corner. Moore then coughed up the ball inexplicably but Souza and then Norrington Davies got back to make the block. United’s carelessness with the ball continued right up the break and then Aaronson side footed over after Firpo got away from Shackleton yet again.



The Blades will have been happy to go in level at the break, after an initial positive start, it had been one way traffic and United had not had a shot or proper opportunity all half. Wilder wearing a suit, walked off with a lot to ponder in terms of his tactics and the levels of performance of his team individually and collectively.

Wilder opted to keep the same eleven and formation despite the Blades not really having any control outside of the first 10 minutes.



Leeds began as the aggressors again and Aaronson fired over from the cross from the right as Firpo caused problems again and the ball dropped kindly for the American. Leeds continued to control possession and were looking to find pockets of space. Souza had to concede a corner after Norrington Davies’ foul on Gnonto saw Leeds break from their own half at pace.



Souza was booked for waving a card after he was pulled back but only succeeded in getting one of his own – meaning he will be suspended for the game at Middlesbrough next week. United made changes soon after as Hamer (who took a knock), O’Hare and Shackleton departed with Campbell, Peck and Gilchrist coming on.



These changes coincided with United’s best spell as Rodon’s error saw Burrows get down the left and he found Moore but the striker opted to give the ball back to the former Posh man and the shot was blocked.



Further decent play from the Blades saw the ball drop to Arblaster but his shot deflected off Rodon and behind for a corner. It was the best opportunity of the game but soon after Leeds were able to make the breakthrough despite the visitors improved spell.



Gnonto won a corner off Gilchrist but Leeds made a double change with the winger and Aaronson coming off for James and Solomon. When the delivery came in from Rothwell, STRUIJK met it on the full as United defenders got blocked off and smashed the ball into the top corner. It was a great finish but avoidable from a defensive perspective. Finally, United’s rearguard had been broached after almost 11 hours.



United tried to respond but were struggling to make much headway. Rak Sayki came on for Norrington Davies but Leeds were looking the more likely to score again – as James won a corner. Cooper was fouled as the ball came in before Ramazani came off for Joseph, the outgoing man got a healthy round of applause after an excellent performance.



Brewster came on for Souza but United were not really testing the home side. A hopeful ball forward led to a mistake from the goal scorer, Struijk, that gifted the Blades a corner but after Meslier pushed it out, Arblaster pulled his man back and got a booking for his complaints.



The game ticked into the final minute but after Gilchrist’s errant pass, Leeds broke and the ball through saw sub JOSEPH in the clear and he held off Peck to sweep the ball home under Cooper and seal the three points. There was another 5 minutes of stoppage time but the Blades race had won and the game ended with the home side on the attack as they eased to the three points.

 

[Deadbat_DB]

United – Well beaten tonight. We played the best team we have faced and I felt they controlled the game most of the night. We started ok and had a nice base and they did not really get out of the blocks for a home side and felt we had something to build on but they gradually got on top and started to push us further back. The changes did not work and the formation gave Leeds way too much respect meaning we surrended possession in midfield (sometimes through our own poor passing) and it just led to them coming through us routinely. I felt Souza did his best but we had so many others off their game with Hamer and O’Hare anonymous and players who have performed really well – Arblaster and Burrows a long way short and chose the worst possible game to have their worst possible games! Souttar, Anel and Cooper did their best to repel Leeds but they were dominating and even though they did not have tons of chances, we rarely threatened at all. I was glad to go in at half time. I wanted us to change it but it seemed a bit like just chucking three men on (not helped by Hamer being injured/getting a knock again – he cannot last 90 minutes seemingly) but we then had a decent 5-minute spell. The goal came after we had woke up a bit but was a poor one to concede as Souttar sort of got blocked off and lost his man it seemed. After that we made changes but never really looked like getting back into it and seemed to lack any kind of belief. The squad strength of Leeds in comparison was clear and they got a second to finish it off. 2-0 was about right. We looked a long way off Leeds tonight and maybe the first decent team we have played, showed that we are probably still a bit off being an automatic promotion contender.



I will say, that I cannot imagine what kind of few weeks it has been and will not be too critical. WE did look flat and lacked energy. We did not have a shot on goal and looked a bit like the timid side that we saw under Wilder last season that sat back and almost waited to concede. Leeds pressed us and got their tactics spot on and Wilder was out coached tonight quite badly. We changed to try and combat them but it did not work at all but then he left it too long really. I thought we have them too much respect, even though they are a decent side. I wanted us to try and get up the field and hurt them but our passing was awful most of the game. We moved it around at the back but can rarely recall us linking or putting any moves together in their half (save that one spell for a few minutes second half). The passing was so sloppy and we seemed rushed but maybe Leeds pressure and intensity was too much. I forget we are a young and new team. The likes of Arblaster and Burrows probably had a wake-up call tonight and they were outplayed by their respective opponents. We saw that the likes of Norrington Davies (nowhere near fit or ready to play against sides like Leeds) and Shackleton (ok as a fill in against weaker teams) lack the speed and awareness against better players. I thought that we never had control of the game after the opening 10 minutes and Leeds dictated the tempo, play and how the game went. It did not help that Hamer and O’Hare offered nothing at all again and Moore after a good start got imposed by Rodon I thought. We had no outlet and that coupled with lack of ball possession/composure behind them meant it just kept coming back as we never had any real spell of keeping the ball.



Still, as I say, I cannot imagine what things have been like for the players, manager and coaching staff (and all at the club). Their was not the same zip we have seen. I personally would have kept the same side (maybe Hamer in) and changing things to worry about the opposition did not work. We now have another tough away game and have to be much better. We have to be more forceful with the ball and ensure we carry a threat. If we sit in and defend, and the so-called flair players are anonymous then we are not going to beat the better teams and sadly we are having a run of games against some sides that will be better than those we have played. I would take a draw at Boro (especially as we might not have Hamer and Souza will be out) but we need to see a response from the manager and the players as tonight we were well beaten. I expected Leeds to be higher and to go up so no shame but suppose after start we had and confidence we had acquired I expected us to have a bit of a go but it was a bit of a meek and nothing sort of performance tonight where Leeds kind of did what they wanted and we had no response.

 

[Deadbat_DB]

Ratings:



Cooper 6.5/10 – First half made one great save and a few other good moments but then a mistake – not helped by Shackleton but at least got back. Felt he was not helped by those in front- sides and midfield rather than centre backs. Second half he was not tested as much actually up to the goal with a few catches/takes but then he had no chance on the goal. The second he was badly exposed. Was always going to concede.



Shackleton 3/10 - Showed that he should only be used as a stop game or rotation player against weaker teams. Given a bit of a going over from Firpo. Taken off finally but he looks nowhere near the level needed for a right back against good opponents. On that evidence Leeds fans were right when they said they would not sad he was moved on.



Burrows 4/10 – Had a bit of a nightmare I felt and the first game where the step up looked a bit much for him – which seems harsh but the power and pace and intensity of the game seemed to almost catch him out which is odd as he has played so well so far. Did improve a bit second half and had some involvement in some of the things we did down the left but took too long to play in Moore and then likewise he waited to shoot after it came back. Thought they caused problems down both sides.



Ahmedhodzic 7/10 – My man of the match just ahead of Souza. He was ok to start with and did what he had to but we were put under pressure down the sides and through the middle. He showed his football brain as he read the game and made some great interceptions.



Souttar 6.5/10 – Had another sound game where he won things and did not lose much at all. He swept up around and looked nice and calm. The goal he does get blocked but needs to stay with his man and felt he switched off a bit.



Souza 6.5/10 – Played well first half and our stand out I felt. He got his foot in, won headers and looked up for it. Felt he was on his own a lot in terms of carrying the fight and got round the pitch and tried to ensure we were hard to ruin through but had little help from those around him. Silly booking loses him half a mark.



Norrington-Davies 3.5/10 – Looked off the pace and they caused issues down this side. They found gaps and him and Burrows did not seem alert to danger. I worried giving him a start in such a big game after so long out and so it proved. He looked to be blowing from the off and seemed not sure on where he was meant to be playing.



Arblaster 4/10 – Love Oli but he was nowhere near it tonight against some talented and strong midfielders. He was poor on the ball and seemed to not quite sure whether to press, sit off or where to be positionally. He was really careless on the ball and got muscled off it a few times. Rarely did he find a shirt and just seemed to get lost in the pace of the game. Thought Leeds completely won the midfield area, Souza did his best but outside of him we offered little on and off the ball as they ran through and then picked us off. Had one deflected shot but this was rather telegraphed.



O’Hare 3/10 – Non-existent and starting to annoy me now. Frustrating again and not a threat. Lost the ball easily, went to ground pathetically and weakly and not able to hold the ball. Just looked completely lost and not a factor. Needs taking out of the team. Just looks a bit of a nothing player to me. I keep hear he works hard but I am not seeing it. Teams just knock him off like a fly.



Hamer 4/10 – He has scored goals and shown quality this season but not sure he has had that good a season – which sounds weird – in terms of overall performances. Today he gave it away, tried to overplay and then just sort of drifted out of the game. Picked up a knock and went off but had barely been in the game.



Moore 4/10 –Started well, holding it up and looking strong and powerful but then he became isolated and also did not keep the ball. He nearly gave them a goal and then Rodon started to win headers/challenges and he became peripheral as Leeds dominated. Some of the crossing from likes of Burrows/Hamer gave him nothing to go at, as it was too close to the keeper. He then started to lose the ball when he did have it. Should have shot when Burrows gave him the chance.



Subs -



Gilchrist 4/10 – Better than Shackelton in that at least he got stuck in and got tight but looked a bit dithering when on the ball and his error led to the second goal.



Campbell 3.5/10 – Not sure he touched the ball very much at all! Had a few bits of link up but seems way off the pace. I would have brought Brewster on instead of him as he at least will chase around.



Peck 5/10 – Thought he got stuck in at least and that little period, he helped us keep the ball. Got the wrong side of his man on the goal and could have been sent off – glad he just let him score in the end as it mattered little. Will start with Arblaster you think next week.



Rak Sayki – Given one chance to run but Firpo saw this off – he was not really given the ball as Gilchrist struggled to find him. Harsh to be dropped after his best game and two goal salvo.



Brewster – Did not notice him at all. I would have brought him on much earlier – and instead of Campbell.



Manager: Wilder 3/10 – The selection and changes did not work. Maybe Leeds would have won anyway but why change what has been working? Rak Sayki being dropped was bizarre and no reward for a player who must be very peeved. The subs came but seemed a bit hopeful rather than changing the formation or shape – forced by Hamer going off too. I thought that we gave Leeds too much respect -they are a good side but not even sure they are close to the side under Bielsa – and almost by sitting back, allowed them to dominate the ball and eventually the breakthrough came. Thought it looked like the timid, back foot Wilder of last season after he has done a great job so far this season. Felt we sat off and just kind of invited Leeds on. When we had it, we had no belief to keep it and move up in groups. It was just kick it away or channel balls and hope for the best. Really disappointing we had no clear pattern of play tonight. Like with the players, must have been so hard though to even get yourself ready for a game – his interview pre game (pre-recorded) where he was clearly emotional – was quite a hard watch. Goes back to a former club Boro (a place we have not won at for 27 years – Deane and Whitehouse in 1997) and will hope we see a better performance – we need to be more positive with and without the ball.

 

[Deadbat_DB]

Leeds – Going into the season on the back of a playoff final defeat back in May, many people tipped Leeds to be the side that would joust for the relegated three for promotion. Since that defeat to many players from that Leeds side of 2023/24 have since changed allegiances. Key winger and star man Crysencio Summerville joined West Ham for £25 million, whilst Archie Gray went to Spurs for £35 million. Top assister Georginio Rutter also departed down south, joining Brighton for a club record departure of £40 million. Midfielder Glen Kamara joined Stade Rennais for just shy of £9 million, and many others left on frees, such as Luke Ayling to Middlesbrough and Jamie Shackleton who joined Sheffield United. Leeds did also spend some of their returns, bringing in Japanese international midfielder Ao Tanaka from Dusseldorf, Belgian winger Largie Ramazani from Almeria for over £10 million, Joe Rodon rejoined, this time on a permanent deal, and Jayden Bogle did the opposite of Shackleton, moving from United to Leeds for £5 million. Leeds had started with some defensive frailties but were scoring goals and the swept aside some side. Leeds sat 5th in the table ahead of the game, and looked to be putting up comfortable performances. Leeds fans have questioned manager Farke and Illan Meslier as reasons for dropping points on numerous occasions. Leeds came into the game on a four-match unbeaten run, drawing to both Norwich and Sunderland away after two comfortable simultaneous wins over Cardiff and Coventry. They have also only been defeated once this season, at home to Burnley. The key players that have stood out for Leeds this season are Italy international Wilfried Gnonto, former Barcelona left back Junior Firpo, and the now injured, former Blade, Ethan Ampadu. Leeds were without numerous key players, including defender Maximilian Wober, and midfield duo Ampadu and Ilia Gruev.



Tonight, they looked a good side. They were not amazing but played with power and pace and controlled all the key areas of the field. They did not create loads but had more possession, corners, chances, shots on goal and overall, 2-0, was about right. They probably expected a much tougher game but in the end, it was rather comfortable. I still expect anyone who finishes above Leeds to go up and think they have too much talent to miss out again -whether it be automatic or via the Playoffs. They had quite a few out tonight and still had a far stronger bench and in the end their pace and movement caused us problems down the sides and through the middle. 30 touches in the box to 4 sums up how dominant they were. It was a very similar game to us against Luton where they did nothing at all and lacked belief they could get anything.



Opponent Man of the Match – Thought Ramazani was very good but Gnonto caused a few problems too. Rothwell and Tanaka were excellent in midfield and controlled the game but the best player was probably the left full back, Firpo who caused all sorts of problems.



Opponent Weak link – Not sure anyone was that bad but glad we did not sign Piroe. Thought the two centre backs handled him easily and never that impressed when I see him. Looks slow and quite lazy.



Referee/Officials – The referee for this game was Lewis Smith, who has only refereed 63 times whilst brandishing 235 yellow cards and 8 red cards. This game was only his fourteenth game at Championship level, and he had never refereed either side prior to this encounter. An easy game to ref. We picked up lots of silly fouls and silly bookings too. Not sure he got much wrong and let it flow and had a solid game. Even in a loss you have to call it as you see it and he was very good.

 

[Blade for Life]

Agree completely about O’Hare but he was out of position and looked lost. Hamer was isolated and wasted. Arblaster just dropped deeper seeming like he was caught between 2 systems. He gave the ball away constantly and was very poor on the night. Wing backs do not suit this squad !. Finally Moore needs to back himself when in shooting positions. The fact that Rak Sakhi and Brooks did not start with Hamer behind Moore is criminal. Square pegs in round holes is on Wilder. He needs to put that formation in room 101 pronto.

 

[Bulmer1889]

I’d knock another point off Souza for losing his man at the set piece from which he scored,other than that he did ok but that changed the game in their favour