Some Perspective From Saturday's Game

[C17BHA]

I would like to make the following points :-

1. While admitting that we didn't play well, we were beaten by the team that is clearly going to win the titrle by some distance.

2. Leeds have now won 6 out of 8 away games, conceding a mere 4 goals in the process - and 3 of those were in one game at Millwall.

3. Simon Grayson ( very good manager ) stated over the weekend that Leeds' peformance was the best he has seen all season.

4. I could not see any weak links in the Leeds side and thought Kilkenny, Doyle and Snodgrass played really well.

5. That goal by Snodgrass was absolute quality and I found myself openly applauding it.

6. Don't think Smith could do anything about any of the goals.

 

[Mendoza]

We were rubbish, didnt have a single shot on target. We barely put two passes together. Cox was useless. Whing looked knackered after 5 minutes.

We looked scared of them, much like when Adams was in charge and he billed Leeds to be some world super power. We didnt go at them once, played for a 0-0 and were 2 goals down without Leeds trying. Yes they are a better team, but we just had no spirit or fight to even make the game a competition.

Kilkenny was different class, wish we did sign him last January. Kisnorbo (sp) was solid, didnt lose a challenge in the air (why the hell did we play it in the air so much)

Snodgrass's goal took a big deflection, but again I didnt blame Smith for any of the goals, but yet again another 3 go past him. Something isnt right with him.

We gave time and space to their most destructive players and paid the price

2-5-3 is the best formation I have EVER seen

 

[Curious Orange]

Leeds are a well organised side who press extremely well - and that is basically where they won the game, by not allowing us any time on the ball. I don't think that they are necessarily the most talented of sides, but if they continue to play the way they do they'll surely get promoted.

I don't have any complaints about Brighton's performance to be honest, but if they are looking for an exemplar of a hard working and well organised team, then it surely is Leeds.

 

[Jim D]

......I didnt blame Smith for any of the goals, but yet again another 3 go past him. Something isnt right with him....

Maybe Smith isn't Kuipers? I somehow feel that if MK had been in goal he would still have let in 3 at least but many more would have been standing up for him and pointing out that he couldn't be faulted for any of them (and it was Leeds after all). I guess we'll have to put up with this until MK either leaves or retires.

 

[sydney]

thought i already tried this one ........you lot can get f***ed.

 

[murphy's law]

Agree with the OP, Leeds were very good, lets not over analyse one defeat.

I don't understand the idea that we paid them too much respect by standing off etc.

What is obvious from all three of Poyet's games so far (which I've seen) is that when we don't have the ball we don't press recklessly, we keep our defensive shape and let the opposition pass with the idea that at this level they're not good enough to create unless we dive in and give them space.

This is a good tactic and will work against majority of teams.

 

[The Wizard]

Anyone who thought we would beat Leeds in the first place is delusional, they have wiped the floor with the majority of teams this season.

 

[Perry Milkins]

Snodgrass's goal took a big deflection, but again I didnt blame Smith for any of the goals, but yet again another 3 go past him. Something isnt right with him.

Not certain at the inherent negativity here Mendo. Is it just gut feeling or do you a point to make anout his keeping ability or maybe the fact that he doesn't organise his defence in front of him?

 

[Mendoza]

Not certain at the inherent negativity here Mendo. Is it just gut feeling or do you a point to make anout his keeping ability or maybe the fact that he doesn't organise his defence in front of him?

I cant work it out. The defence in front of him have been a joke. 5 and a half games he has played, and let in something ridiculous like 18 goals. How many has he been at fault for. One maybe two. But still no goal keeper should conceed that many.

Maybe he just doesnt inspire confidence to his defence. He has saved a penalty, but conceeded shit loads of goals. I dont honestly think he is a bad keeper, but the stats dont back him up. They probably make him the worst goal keeper in professional fooball.

Even agtainst Wycombe, he looked ropey. There were comedy moments, but ultimately he kept a clean sheet

 

[hans kraay fan club]

I cant work it out. The defence in front of him have been a joke. 5 and a half games he has played, and let in something ridiculous like 18 goals. How many has he been at fault for. One maybe two. But still no goal keeper should conceed that many.

That Chris Kirkland is obviously absolute SHIT, then...

 

[Rookie]

We weren't allowed to play by a Leeds team that were just better, simple. Every time we looked like getting an attack going they would give a foul away and regroup, very professional outfit.
Can't work Smith out he has played at a higher level than anyone in our current squad (playing and staring in performances in Europe) but for some reason keeps letting goals in. He wasn't to blame for any on Sat but his confidence must be suffering. Needs a solid performance and a clean sheet on Tues

 

[Knotty]

We gave time and space to their most destructive players and paid the price

We didn't give them the time and space. They made it for themselves because they are simply better-quality players. I wouldn't criticise any of our players for that. If someone has more talent than you he's going to make you look second-rate no matter how well you try to play or how much passion and commitment you show.

 

[Peter Grummit]

Smith is clearly lacking in confidence but I haven't seen the evidence to say that he is a bad keeper. The bloke next to me on Saturday (in what is normally an empty seat) was determined that he was the source of all our ills. When he loudly blamed him for the 2nd goal I told him to sling his hook in the away end if he was going to slag off Albion players, safe in the knowledge that he wouldn't be there next week and that he was, err, smaller than me.
In truth, it was always going to be a huge ask against Leeds, especially (as I pointed out last week) as they had an 'international break' and we had played 3 games in a week. Normally an optimist, I would have been happy with a point. The key is whether we learn from the experience. I learnt that Gus will be innovative in chasing the game and it is extremely unlikely we will be playing Leeds next seaason.
PG

 

[Knotty]

Smith is clearly lacking in confidence but I haven't seen the evidence to say that he is a bad keeper. The bloke next to me on Saturday (in what is normally an empty seat) was determined that he was the source of all our ills. When he loudly blamed him for the 2nd goal I told him to sling his hook in the away end if he was going to slag off Albion players, safe in the knowledge that he wouldn't be there next week and that he was, err, smaller than me.
In truth, it was always going to be a huge ask against Leeds, especially (as I pointed out last week) as they had an 'international break' and we had played 3 games in a week. Normally an optimist, I would have been happy with a point. The key is whether we learn from the experience. I learnt that Gus will be innovative in chasing the game and it is extremely unlikely we will be playing Leeds next seaason.
PG

I would pick FDM as no 1 but Smith was not to blame for any of the goals on Saturday. FDM wouldn't have saved them either.

 

[Mellotron]

That Chris Kirkland is obviously absolute SHIT, then...

Well who is it in Wigan's team that is shit? Their defence is more or less the same one that had an OUTSTANDING defensive record throughout last year.

I'm not saying it's Kirkland for a split second, btw. I rate him.

 

[Simon Morgan]

Well who is it in Wigan's team that is shit? Their defence is more or less the same one that had an OUTSTANDING defensive record throughout last year.

I'm not saying it's Kirkland for a split second, btw. I rate him.

Wigan are just a crazy football team this year. They go from the sublime to the impossibly bad. Not many teams will beat Chelsea at home and Aston Villa away this season, and I reckon not many teams will lose 9-1 either. They'll be ok though.

 

[NS Herald]

Leeds were very impressive in their work rate and determination to close us down from front to back (if that makes sense).

No-one had much time on the ball which meant we were not able to build momentumn. They closed Bennett down extremely quickly and we failed to get Cox into the space that did exist.

On the keeper front, I don't think I have actually seen Smith make any real saves in any of his games (although I am sure I will be corrected) and although I agree the first he had no chance with, it was disappointing he doesn't look to get close to shots such as the second and third.

I liked the creative attempt by Poyet to change the formation in a situation he had nothing to lose.

The team was jaded with their 3rd game in 7 days and tomorrow will be an interesting test of Manager and players - I just hope I have enough beer to compensate for what may be about to happen

 

[Rookie]

Well who is it in Wigan's team that is shit? Their defence is more or less the same one that had an OUTSTANDING defensive record throughout last year.

I'm not saying it's Kirkland for a split second, btw. I rate him.

Erik Edman had one of the worst games of professional football ever. Going by the highlights pretty much all the goals came down his side.

 

[Dave the OAP]

did McLeod actually touch the ball when he came on?

 

[mona]

Withdean is a small pitch. Leeds's team and tactics were well suited to it. This is a side issue I know. One area where we should improve is the linking of play by the full backs - I guess this is why Poyet is so keen to get Hoyte back. I'm also happier with Michel in goal altho Smith had no chance with Leeds's first two goals.

The new management team need time and training sessions to sort things out.