Player Ratings v Leeds

[wallyback]

PIG - 8
Calde - 6
Ward - 6.
Greer - 7.
Upson - 7.
Ince - 8
Orlandi - 5.
Stephens - 6.
D-Rod - 5.
March - 7.
Ulloa - 7


Lua Lua - 8

 

[Mowgli37]

PIG - 7, not much to do but what he had to do he did well
Ward - 7.5, poor initial crossing but was good both defensively and going forward thereafter
Upson - 7.5, solid as always, he's got years left in him
Greer - 7.5, returned to form tonight
Calderon - 7.5, as good as Bruno is when playing well it was great to see Calde back. Imo unlucky with the booking and had a good game
Ince - 8.5, a nine would be over-doing it slightly but he was our best player without a doubt, a Brighton legend in the making
Orlandi - 6.5, quiet tonight but did decently
Stephens - 6.5, still appears to be settling in the side but had a wider range of passing today, looking promising. First touch does let him down occasionally.
March - 8, very good once again, some great skill and movement.
Rodney - 7, did well and showed he's not afraid to get stuck in.
Ulloa - 7, better than against Donny. Still not fully back on form but his hold up play was generally good with a clever finish to boot.

Lualua - 8, a game changer once again, fantastic impact player
Buckley - 6.75, some nice touches, great to see him back
Obika - not on long enough for a mark

 

[Blue Valkyrie]

Kuszczak - 8
Calderon - 7
Ward - 8
Greer - 6
Upson - 8
Ince - 9
Orlandi - 7
Stephens - 6
Luis Amor Rodriguez - 7
March - 7
Ulloa - 8


Lua Lua 9
Buckley 7
Obika 6

 

[Acker79]

Kusczak 7 - solid handling, distribution not offensive, not put under too much pressure
Calderon 7 - decent
Greer 6 - Better position than saturday, seemed more confident, but distribution still iffy
Upson 7 - Solid
Ward 6 - Messed up the corner that led to Stephens plying it back to Greer
Stephens 6.5 - OK, not particularly bad or great, think he looks like he could be quite good when he gets more familiar with the team
Ince 7.5 - Can sometimes be more interested in getting a touch than where that touch sends the ball (a fair few times on saturday and a bit tonight it resulted in giving the ball away but...) fans need to not be so quick to moan and groan when he is put under pressure - if he loses the ball, he does put the effort in to winning it back often succeeding
Orlandi 6.5 - Ok, not particularly bad or great
March 7.5 - very attacking but looks lost at times, unsure what to do
Rodriguez 6.5 - quiet, perhaps too much for two games in 4 days so soon
Ulloa 6.5 - very poor first touch, better performance than saturday, looked to have a bit more confidence though


Lualua 7 - seemed a little too reluctant to use his pace, the one time he really went at leeds he crossed and we scored.
Buckley 6.5 - Still seems reluctant to get stuck in, but kept the pressure on leeds with his pace
Obika - glorified cameo


I thought the game was shaping up to be quite similar to Doncaster, but Leeds didn't keep such a high line. They basically came to defend, and we looked really strong for the first thirty, then we seemed to lose a bit of momentum, they had a few forays into our half without really threatening. Second half we were better than the second half v Doncaster, but it still felt like a step down from the first 30 this evening.

V Doncaster we seemed to get more men in the box on attacks (they jut all made the same runs) tonight we were back to not enough people getting in the box on attacks.

Oscar talks about us needing to be more clinical in front of goal, I don't know if that's a translation issue, but I'm not sure it's the shooting that's the problem, I think the problem is the build up, not just the aforementioned lack of people getting in the box or variety of runs for those in the box. So often today and v Doncaster, the passes were poor, they were at player's heels or behind them making them check their runs or causing them to get the ball trapped under their feet making it harder to be much more clinical in front of goal. That's partly reading your team mate's runs and partly the execution of the pass. Even Ulloa's goal was almost one of these instances where he just about got the ball under control.

The ref was a bit weird, yelling rather loudly to let leeds know to play on, and practically walking Ulloa off without really encouraging him to run faster. He seemed to not like any challenge from the side/behind even when the ball is won, but I thought he was quite consistent with it.

 

[Machiavelli]

Kusczak 7 - solid handling, distribution not offensive, not put under too much pressure
Calderon 7 - decent
Greer 6 - Better position than saturday, seemed more confident, but distribution still iffy
Upson 7 - Solid
Ward 6 - Messed up the corner that led to Stephens plying it back to Greer
Stephens 6.5 - OK, not particularly bad or great, think he looks like he could be quite good when he gets more familiar with the team
Ince 7.5 - Can sometimes be more interested in getting a touch than where that touch sends the ball (a fair few times on saturday and a bit tonight it resulted in giving the ball away but...) fans need to not be so quick to moan and groan when he is put under pressure - if he loses the ball, he does put the effort in to winning it back often succeeding
Orlandi 6.5 - Ok, not particularly bad or great
March 7.5 - very attacking but looks lost at times, unsure what to do
Rodriguez 6.5 - quiet, perhaps too much for two games in 4 days so soon
Ulloa 6.5 - very poor first touch, better performance than saturday, looked to have a bit more confidence though


Lualua 7 - seemed a little too reluctant to use his pace, the one time he really went at leeds he crossed and we scored.
Buckley 6.5 - Still seems reluctant to get stuck in, but kept the pressure on leeds with his pace
Obika - glorified cameo


I thought the game was shaping up to be quite similar to Doncaster, but Leeds didn't keep such a high line. They basically came to defend, and we looked really strong for the first thirty, then we seemed to lose a bit of momentum, they had a few forays into our half without really threatening. Second half we were better than the second half v Doncaster, but it still felt like a step down from the first 30 this evening.

V Doncaster we seemed to get more men in the box on attacks (they jut all made the same runs) tonight we were back to not enough people getting in the box on attacks.

Oscar talks about us needing to be more clinical in front of goal, I don't know if that's a translation issue, but I'm not sure it's the shooting that's the problem, I think the problem is the build up, not just the aforementioned lack of people getting in the box or variety of runs for those in the box. So often today and v Doncaster, the passes were poor, they were at player's heels or behind them making them check their runs or causing them to get the ball trapped under their feet making it harder to be much more clinical in front of goal. That's partly reading your team mate's runs and partly the execution of the pass. Even Ulloa's goal was almost one of these instances where he just about got the ball under control.

The ref was a bit weird, yelling rather loudly to let leeds know to play on, and practically walking Ulloa off without really encouraging him to run faster. He seemed to not like any challenge from the side/behind even when the ball is won, but I thought he was quite consistent with it.

Hello Acker, two things:
1. what does it take to warrant an 8 for you? how many have you a(ward)ed this (up) seas(son)?
2. the problem tonight was less getting people in the box, and more the delivery when there were loads in the box. I do recognise there's a thread stating that Stephens is poor (which I also recognise is nothing to do with you) but can I just say: he's brilliant at getting in the box -- I have confidence in saying this after seeing him play for just two games -- he's even better than Crofts at getting in the box; he seems to be a box-to-box midfielder.

 

[Acker79]

Hello Acker, two things:
1. what does it take to warrant an 8 for you? how many have you a(ward)ed this (up) seas(son)?
2. the problem tonight was less getting people in the box, and more the delivery when there were loads in the box. I do recognise there's a thread stating that Stephens is poor (which I also recognise is nothing to do with you) but can I just say: he's brilliant at getting in the box -- I have confidence in saying this after seeing him play for just two games -- he's even better than Crofts at getting in the box; he seems to be a box-to-box midfielder.

1. I don't know exactly. It needs to be at least very good, and preferably productive and consistent. I rarely view 1-0 wins that way (unless it's a fantastic defensive performance against strong opponents and we nick one on the break - the defence will deserve high marks). Tonight and saturday we had so much possession, but so few shots on goal. That's not an 8 or above performance, imo. I gave six 8s (or higher) v Leicester, four v Blackburn, eight v Bolton, two v Burnley (h), and looking back I feel like I was too generous v Bolton and Burnley. Also, I've just not generally enjoyed the football as much this season, I don't know if it's just because it's one of those seasons where my mojo is a bit down, or if it's something else - too many hopeful long balls upfield rather than retaining possession, maybe the moaners around me have started to affect my enjoyment (they seriously need to be more patient before they start groaning, so often things work out for us before they've got to the second o in boo.

2. There were instances that stuck with me, like first half where Ulloa collected the ball down the right wing, no one in the box, and March decides the best thing to do instead of heading into the box to give ulloa the option was to take the longer route of moving out of the middle to run on the overlap and receive the ball from Ulloa and so we had two players on the wing and no one in the box. I might have overstated it a bit, we didn't struggle to get men in the box as often as we have in the past, but it felt like it was worse than it was v Doncaster. But now you mention it, some of the crosses were quite bad, particularly first half.

I thought Stephens was OK - not great, not awful, but let's be fair, he's been with us less than a fortnight. I didn't notice him getting in forward particularly, (but at times from a distance I do confuse him with Orlandi and need to check with one of my friends).

 

[Lady Whistledown]

Leeds' beige & navy away kit: 0/10.

Rubbish (I know the tools at the Macron marketing team will probably say it's "championship Gold" or something, but essentially, it's beige) kit worn by a fairly mediocre team, who got what they- and it- deserved.

Please god, let us not have Macron making our shirts, ever.

 

[The Upper Library]

Leeds' beige & navy away kit: 0/10.

Rubbish (I know the tools at the Macron marketing team will probably say it's "championship Gold" or something, but essentially, it's beige) kit worn by a fairly mediocre team, who got what they- and it- deserved.

Please god, let us not have Macron making our shirts, ever.

Strange away kit? Beige is almost off white surely

 

[Machiavelli]

1. I don't know exactly. It needs to be at least very good, and preferably productive and consistent. I rarely view 1-0 wins that way (unless it's a fantastic defensive performance against strong opponents and we nick one on the break - the defence will deserve high marks). Tonight and saturday we had so much possession, but so few shots on goal. That's not an 8 or above performance, imo. I gave six 8s (or higher) v Leicester, four v Blackburn, eight v Bolton, two v Burnley (h), and looking back I feel like I was too generous v Bolton and Burnley. Also, I've just not generally enjoyed the football as much this season, I don't know if it's just because it's one of those seasons where my mojo is a bit down, or if it's something else - too many hopeful long balls upfield rather than retaining possession, maybe the moaners around me have started to affect my enjoyment (they seriously need to be more patient before they start groaning, so often things work out for us before they've got to the second o in boo.

2. There were instances that stuck with me, like first half where Ulloa collected the ball down the right wing, no one in the box, and March decides the best thing to do instead of heading into the box to give ulloa the option was to take the longer route of moving out of the middle to run on the overlap and receive the ball from Ulloa and so we had two players on the wing and no one in the box. I might have overstated it a bit, we didn't struggle to get men in the box as often as we have in the past, but it felt like it was worse than it was v Doncaster. But now you mention it, some of the crosses were quite bad, particularly first half.

I thought Stephens was OK - not great, not awful, but let's be fair, he's been with us less than a fortnight. I didn't notice him getting in forward particularly, (but at times from a distance I do confuse him with Orlandi and need to check with one of my friends).

RE 1, really think Ince warranted an 8, at least, tonight; I think most of Upson's appearances have been an 8 this season, and Ward hasn't been far off either. Your comments above seems to be directed towards the attacking players guaranteeing an 8 for the whole team, which can't be fair.
And after two in two, with another two at home to go, get your mojo working.
RE 2, I want to praise Ward (see above), but he needs to remember that cross he put in after 2/3 of the second half against Doncaster; he didn't tonight. Ulloa, all of a sudden, has located his goalscoring boots; I love his goalscoring boots, but I prefer his goalscoring bonce: Ward just needs to plant the ball there, and he'll do the rest.
Agree about judging Stephens overall. I'm just saying that getting into the box appears to be an integral part of his game, on the basis of two games. This is A VERY GOOD THING.

 

[One Teddy Maybank]

Kuszczak - 7
Calderon - 6
Ward - 6
Greer - 7
Upson - 8
Stephens - 6
Orlandi - 6
Ince - 7
March - 7
Rodriguez - 6
Ulloa - 6

KLL - 7
Buckley - 6
Obika - N/A

 

[stugbhafc1]

Thought we were pretty comfortable last night Ince definitely MOM

 

[Seaford by the sea]

Kusczack 6
Calderon 7
Greer 7
Upson 7
Ward 7
Stephens 5
Ince 9
Orlandi 6
March 6
Rodriguez 5
Ulloa 6


LuaLua 8
Buckley -
Obika -

 

[Thunder Bolt]

Kuszczack 7
Calderon 6
Greer 7
Upson 8
Ward 7
Stephens 6
Ince 8
Orlandi 7
March 6
Rodriguez 6.5
Ulloa 7

LuaLua 7
Buckley 5

 

[Brighton Mod]

I thought March was outstanding tonight. IMO Buckley needs to put a serious shift in to win back his place.

Solly has had two starts and already it is clear that his confidence has grown. A young, a little more composure infront of goal and he will score a lot for us. Still has the stature of a boy in a mans game but I think he is earning his selection. Well done to Oscar for bringing on our DS players, that's the future.

 

[El Presidente]

Tomas 6: Some excellent clearances from crosses but otherwise little to do.
Calde 7: Don't recall him being beaten. Thought the booking was harsh
Ward 7: Linked well with Kaz
Upson 7: Mr Reliable
Greer 7: Much better than recently.
Orlandi 5: For someone who is a flairista we don't see much of it
Stephens 5: Tried too many Hollywood balls, seems confused as to his exact role.
Ince 6: Broke up play well, but did very little in the Leeds half. Passing accuracy still not great.
March 6: Looks dangerous when he has the ball out wide, but too often drifted to a central position where he is less effective.
Ulloa: 6 Feed the Lion and he will score, but we don't feed him enough.
Rod 5: Ran well with the ball but saw too little of it.

Subs
Kaz 7.5: Changed the game, Leeds had four men marking him at times
Buckley 6: Looked hungry when he came on
Obika n/a but doesn't look an adequate replacement for Leo should he be injured/suspended

 

[Medwayseagull]

Greer/Upson combo MoM - they didn't,t look like scoring all game.

 

[mjking73]

Kuszczak - 7 - Did what he had to well.
Calderon - 7 - Did great and especially after being booked.
Ward - 6 Defensively 7; Crossing 5
Greer - 6.5 Solid, better than Saturday
Upson - 7 Very solid especially when Smith came on
Ince - 9 - MOM even whn he lost the ball he battled to win it, quality performance
Orlandi - 6 - Solid but should a midfielder be seemingly anonymous
Stephens - 5.5 - Sluggish!!
Rodriguez - 6.5 - Ok performance, not quite on a par with Saturday
March - 7 - A replica of Saturday, general play great, crossing...needs so me improvement
Ulloa - 6.5 - Poor first touch but battled hard and took goal with aplomb

Lua Lua - Leeds were bricking it when he came on - sometimes 2 or 3 on him.
Buckley - Seems to be back to fitness and did well...bugger that's his hamstring gone then!
Obika - Did okay for the time he was on

 

[keaton]

Pig 7
Calderon 7 - the amount of running he did was impressive
Greer 7
Upson 7
Ward 7
Ince 7.5 - erratic but still very good and is bossing the midfield now
Stevens 6 - Another meh game but he's new
Orlandi 6 -Another meh gaming but appears to be getting fitter
March 7.5 - Some lively skills, will get better
Rodriguez 6.5 Decent

Ulloa 6.5 still some of his best, but is getting there and another decent finish.

Lua Lua 7.5 Changed the game
Buckley 6.5 Actually looks approaching fitness for possibly the first time this season
Obika 5.5

 

[Machiavelli]

Top Kat 7 -- solid as ever, distribution better
Calde 7
Greer 8 -- three or four brilliant long balls, and can't remember a misplaced pass, had McCormack in his pocket, and wasn't bothered by their hoof ball approach to the big man
Upson 8 -- same as Greer, although fewer brilliant long balls
Ward 7.5 -- solid as ever
Ince 8.5 -- MoM, awesome, getting better with every game
Stephens 5.5 -- so so
March 7 -- very promising
Ulloa 6 -- touch was poor, apart from when it really mattered
SD*2 5.5 -- think his touch could have been better too

KLL 8.5 -- changed the game; when the opposition constantly put three players on one of ours, you know that they're scared of him
Buckley 6
Obika 5

Oscar 9: brilliant substitutions

 

[Acker79]

Your comments above seems to be directed towards the attacking players guaranteeing an 8 for the whole team, which can't be fair.

I think I was trying to put it in the context of last night's results. 1-0s are rarely deserving of eights because to only score one we either didn't attack enough, or attacked ineffectively, so attacking players don't deserve high marks, about our defence kept a clean sheet either because our opponents didn't attack enough or effectively, if it's the former the defence haven't done enough for 8s, if it's the latter it's either inept opposition, or a stout 8s-worthy performance from the defence.

Since the defence is usually the only part of the team that can get an 8 in a 1-0 victory, I don't think it does put the responsibility on high marks on the attack. A great defensive display would get 8s, but Leeds didn't really test us. Upson is a great player, but was not really tested last not, IMO.

As for Ince, he was good, but he did give the ball away a fair bit, when he got the ball in the box seemed to lose composure/struggled with what to do and ended up running out of the box and passing the ball back, his tackling was a bit untidy at times.

8 just seems really generous to me, and there were too many (albeit small) flaws in each players' performance to warrant such generosity, again, IMO.