Diary of a Leeds Fan (26/11-2/12/16)

Saturday 26/11

Rotherham United vs Leeds United

Team news: Two changes, Liam Cooper replacing Pontus Jansson, Hadi Sacko takes Ronaldo Vieira's place who drops to the bench, slightly unlucky to be dropped.

Team: Green, Ayling, Bartley, Cooper, Taylor, O'Kane, Phillips, Sacko, Roofe, Doukara, Wood.

The Game:

Leeds dominated the first half and the only surprise was that only two goals were scored by the visitors, Chris Wood after thirteen and Souymane Doukara grabbing the second in first half injury time. By this time Rotherham were down to ten men and a substitute goalkeeper was between the 'sticks', Odemwingie sent off for elbowing Cooper in the face, Camp substituted after a injury in a clash with a Leeds player and his own defender in the penalty area.

With Taylor, Sacko and Roofe having so much time and space it was disappointing that Leeds only had a couple of goals to show for their efforts.

The second half was very disappointing, Leeds could and should have increased their goal difference tally but credit to a Rotherham display who never gave up and deservedly got a goal back with less than ten minutes to play, it could have been worse for Leeds as only a goal line scramble kept Rotherham from grabbing a most unlikely draw. Monk was totally right to be upset at the way Leeds let their opponents back into the game.

This was a game that Leeds so nearly threw away two points and if it had happened they could only blame themselves. The match should have been over and done with before Rotherham staged a late fight back, lessons that need to learned.

Men of the Match: Eunan O'Kane, great first half, provided the 'bullets' for Sacko, Roofe and Taylor.

Bartley and Cooper both had good games too.

Post Match:

Garry Monk: "We brought it on ourselves, we're not good enough to play at anything less than 100%", very unhappy with second half, superb first twenty five minutes but second half wasn't good enough, when asked if the players were thinking of Liverpool in the second half he said "You'll have to ask them, they'd say no and are disappointed themselves"

He finished with this when asked about Liverpool "I'll drop them all!"

A frustrated Monk.

Kenny Jackett: On the sending off; "He put his arm up to protect himself but it looks how it looks and I understand the referee's point of view"

On the game; "There are some positives and there is some spirit in the second half from a young group".


Sunday 27/11

Andrew Butterwick's view on the Rotherham victory

https://leedsfan.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/rotherham-utd-v-leeds-utd-26th-nov-2016.html?m=1

As always a great honest view on a potential 'banana skin' that nearly was. Cheers Andrew.

Five years since Gary Speed's sad passing. Such a tragedy.

Never forgotten


Monday 28/11

Heidi Haigh's travelogue always was up even the coldest of Yorkshire mornings

http://www.followmeandleedsunited.co.uk/rotherham-26th-november-2016

Thank you Heidi as always.

Garry Monk's look ahead to the EFL Cup Quarter Final at Anfield: No decision on the line up until after training today, would say if he'd revert to the side that beat Norwich and said "We're here to win games", Bridcutt nearer to full fitness than Hernandez, both won't be involved at Liverpool.

A confident, if cautious Monk.

Kyle Bartley on Coutinho being unfit "I'm happy about that, I'm not going to lie" and that tomorrow is a taste of what the fixtures the team want week on week.

Kenny Jackett resigns as Rotherham United manager after thirty nine days, Huddersfield loose their fifth game out of seven at home to Wigan. The bubble's well and truly burst!


Tuesday 29/11

Liverpool vs Leeds United

Head to Head

Liverpool wins 57
Draws 31
Leeds wins 28

Last five meetings

Leeds 0 Liverpool 1 League Cup 09
Leeds 2 Liverpool 2 Premier 04
Liverpool 3 Leeds 1 Premier 03
Liverpool 3 Leeds 1 Premier 03
Leeds 0 Liverpool 1 Premier 02

Team: Silvestri, Berardi, Bartley, Cooper, Taylor, Phillips, O'Kane, Vieira, Sacko, Dallas, Roofe, Doukara

The Game:

Leeds bowed out of the EFL Cup at Anfield despite a spirited, battling performance, in fact on balance they created the most chances, Sacko forcing Mino into a early save and Roofe hitting a post in the second half.

Leeds settled early and created the first opening after three minutes, Dallas' through ball finding Sacko in space, the young winger steadied himself but he could not beat the Liverpool keeper, maybe the chance came too soon. Soon after Silvestri's hands were warmed by Wijnaldum's shot, a defensive mix up nearly presented Liverpool with a opportunity but Can's effort wide of the Leeds goal. Eunan O'Kane limped off just before the half hour mark, he was replaced by Kalvin Phillips. Their was plenty to keep the fans engrossed on a frosty evening, the first half ended scoreless despite the efforts of both teams.

The second half brought a change for Leeds, Cooper was replaced by Ayling, who partnered Bartley in the centre. Leeds should have got their noses in front nearing the hour mark, Kemar Roofe's superb curling shot hitting the inside of Mignolet's post and bounced back into play, unfortunately for Leeds nobody in a white shirt had reacted fast enough and the ball was cleared. Liverpool themselves hit a post when Wijnaldum's effort bounced out and was cleared. It was hard to see who would win this tussle, but with just over ten minutes to play Liverpool got the goal that must have felt like a dagger to each and every Leeds player and fan. Youngster Trent Alexander-Arnold put in a superb ball that beat the Leeds rearguard for once and Origi scored at the near post. Within minutes it was two, teenager Woodburn applying a superb finish past Silvestri, Leeds still had a few moments, Wood's effort disallowed for offside and Sacko blasted over when in on goal. Leeds didn't give in until the final whistle was blown.

Without doubt the Leeds players should be so proud of their efforts, a bit more composure and luck could well have seen Leeds the victors and Garry Monk will have seen enough to be delighted with his charges.

Well done too to the travelling 'army' who sang from minute one to the bitter end in support of their team, at times all you could hear was Leeds songs.

Ecstasy and Agony: Woodburn celebrates whilst Bartley and Roofe feel the pain.

Post Match:

Garry Monk: "I was gutted for them", the game set a marker down, the type of mentality, spirit and quality was there for all to see, the group will look back on and realise what a good performance it was, hopes that if they carry on they can be successful and get where they want to be, wants to make this 'type of fixture' regular, it might be this season or next but believes this squad, in time can do it, thinks the squad made massive strides tonight and asked the players to play a different way and it worked.

A very proud Monk.

Jurgen Klopp: Very pleased with youngster Ben Woodburn and very happy for him and the other youngsters who played. "We tried to change things a half time because it was a real challenge from the first second and Leeds are really strong."


Wednesday 30/11

David Watkins look at the heartbreaking but heartwarming defeat at Liverpool

http://dlw10.wixsite.com/leedsunited/liverpool-nov-29-2016

Thank you David for the superb report on a great performance.

Thousands gather in Brazil to mourn the victims of the plane crash in Columbia on Monday which claimed most of the Chapecoense football team. The Brazilian team were flying to cup final against Athletico National, the game was due to be played this evening. Heartbreaking.

Chapecoense FC
RIP those who died.

Gareth Southgate named as England manager, no surprise there.


Thursday 1/12

Garry Monk's look at the game with Aston Villa:

O'Kane and Jansson expected to be fit for Villa game, O'Kane has a ongoing injury from the international break; groin and Cooper has a problem with his ankle, Jansson had swollen glands but trained today, Hernandez still injured but the Spaniard is expecting to sign permanently after his loan spell ends, too early to speak of possible January signings but thinks the club has been 'unlucky' with injuries so far this season.

No comment on possible investment or takeover "I focus on the football", Bridcutt will hopefully train next week with the first team.

A Happy Monk, despite the injury situation.


Friday 2/12

Leeds v Aston Villa Preview

Head to Head

Leeds wins 29
Draws 27
Villa wins 38

Last five games

Aston Villa 2 Leeds 0 Prem 04
Leeds 0 Aston Villa 0 Prem 03
Leeds 3 Aston Villa 1 Prem 03
Aston Villa 0 Leeds 0 Prem 02
Aston Villa 0 Leeds 2 Prem 02

Leeds will hope to bounce back from their courageous exploits on Merseyside, the positive reaction through the media and supporters must be carried into this important clash with in-form Villa.

Since taking over, Steve Bruce has lifted the squad that was struggling under previous manager Roberto DiMatteo, they are on a impressive run and cannot be taken lightly.

An impressive squad was boosted by Ross 'McContract' in the summer and although his leaving left a sour taste in fans mouths, he's still a quality striker the defence will be wary of.

Leeds hopefully will welcome back key performers Pontus Jansson, Luke Ayling and Chris Wood, the Swede was ill on Tuesday so missed the cup tie, Ayling and Wood came of the bench during it.

Rob Green will probably return in goal and if fit, Eunan O'Kane will probably partner Kalvin Phillips as the middle two with Man of the Match at Liverpool Kemar Roofe in the number ten role. The wing places will go to two of Doukara, Sacko and Dallas.

I'm expecting a tough game on Saturday tea time but I think Leeds will edge it by the odd goal in three. Leeds 2-1.

A positive week for the club, even after the cup defeat.

MOT

By Keith Ingham