18 Mar 2024 11:07:45
Just watched the game (back from Mrs Class birthday weekend) and what a superbly measured performance against a team who give new meaning to the word dark arts! But love our skinny little fighter Gruev who never shirks a battle.
How a referee and his two assistants could not arrive at a correct decision of a penalty (GBH) and dismiss Jake Cooper beggars belief.
But I’m with Ani and his excellent assessment that discussing contentious decisions is still far more preferable to stop start VAR fiasco in the epl who still get as many decisions wrong as right.
My reason for writing is in praise of Farley’s tactical change. Think it’s fair to say we’ve been (deliberately) conservative in our approach play in particular since Amps has gone into the back line, rather than tearing into opponents we are more Citeh like in passing sideways in and around our 18 yard box, and appear to go backwards when it seems we are in a strong position to attack?
I believe Farkey realised teams had worked us out previously in particular with a low block and now, either before, and then even more so after our first goal we hold onto the ball in and around our eighteen yard box and say to the opposition here’s the ball you’ll have to come up here to get it though.
Now admittedly it can be frustrating and plays havoc with my old ticker but it’s working as it creates pockets of space for Gio to exploit and with amps range of passing and bam bams willingness to run in behind it sews doubt into the oppositions defence to go tight or drop off.
Again, not the prettiest at times and not without risk of getting caught in possession but it’s working, and if it works until the final game then all hail mr farkes genius to adapt and play differently.
Special mention for Gio yesterday who along with Amps and Rodon is probably now irreplaceable and does what no other player in the division can do.
Mot but one game at a time I’m not underestimating just how tough this league and every game is to win.
18 Mar 2024 11:49:50
Interesting post Class
BUT that tactic definitely has significant risks when it is level especially .
. to be frank 1st half against some teams away this year we could/ should have been 1 or 2 goals down in 1st half
Leeds have at times been awful in their slow ponderous play 1st half and very lucky to get away with it!
18 Mar 2024 12:21:18
Good post and explanation of going from attack to our back line. You maybe right. It def is frustrating to watch. But. We are looking assured and nigh on unbeatable at the moment. The last couple games I never once thought we would lose. We control games most of the time, in possession and out.
Wall were appalling skill wise and dirty too.
But you would have to use the dirty word re ref. I’m convinced he got a pay off yesterday. That thuggery in penalty area has to be reviewed.
It’s going to be a roller coaster. But we in control. Any 2 from 4 still.
18 Mar 2024 12:29:44
Being top of the league Baz must be very difficult for you to swallow I imagine, given your impressive predictions. ?
You never took into consideration the situation that severely hampered the start of our season and that obviously away games would be more challenging until our team would pick up its full momentum.
You totally underestimated Farke and the players we have, you completely berated the club for not buying more and more players in January and now that is fully vindicated that it was not necessary, especially when we’ve won almost every game since January 1st.
I could go on but I’m bored and need to walk the dog.
18 Mar 2024 12:44:17
Delighted Leeds are top of League OP and hopefully Leeds will go up OP.
But hold your horses just yet. facts are 3 other teams have virtually the same points . so whilst it has been a fabulous 2024 for results so far . it will count for nothing if we don't go up
Some on here have erronously ruled out Ipswich and now Saints .
18 Mar 2024 13:17:08
If you read my posts properly you will see that I am very humble about where we are because I know in football anything can change. I can also tell from the interviews with the players, they also understand that we have achieved nothing yet until the last game of the season is concluded.
I still stay with my forecast that I made at the beginning of the season that we will win this league, I do believe Class also made that same forecast if I’m not wrong.
Onwards and Upwards.
18 Mar 2024 13:57:58
Come on Baz “Virtually 3 other teams have the same points” what sort of a statement is that? That has got to be one of the most nonsensical things you’ve posted, Leicester yes but Ipswich and Southampton no, and as Vid says I would rather have the points on the board! That as well as the run we are on, no one else is apart from maybe Ipswich. Come on Baz, it is what it is and we are it mate so happy days for all the rose tinted boys ??????.
18 Mar 2024 14:49:51
My dear Woody
re read my post and then your post ; I stated ' 3 other teams have virtually the same points '
Leicester identical ( with one game in hand ) .
Ipswich one point behind ( so virtually identical. )
Southampton. ok 9 points behind. but 2 games in hand . if they win those 3 points behind out of 81 ( virtually identical )
But yes looking much more promising than 2 months ago.
18 Mar 2024 15:36:31
Yes, OP, had two bets, with one to go up as champions and another automatic promotion, BUT, in agreement re maintaining a humble quiet disposition until the weight watchers lady finally sings, as nothing is certain other than a resolute belief in Farkey and the boys, but in football parlance (especially with refs like yesterday) one game at a time, let’s see where it takes us.
18 Mar 2024 15:50:16
It’s all nit picking just enjoy where we are no matter your right I am wrong team I am always wrong so what that’s how the world goes round have a ? happy day for all surely, but Baz is right??????????????????.
18 Mar 2024 16:17:38
Yes! ?? Naturally. You know it Whitey ???????.
18 Mar 2024 17:15:41
If nitpicking is the game, someone needs to review the definition of “identical”.
No such thing as virtually identical. As Master Yoda would say; “ It is, or is not! ”.
18 Mar 2024 17:38:22
Great post, class. Playing lateral and horseshoe passing patterns is a good way to stretch play and draw out low blocks. We can't always penetrate effectively playing vertically, as much as we would all like us to. It's generally smart play as long as its used in conjunction with trying progressive stuff, rather than it being either or.
18 Mar 2024 17:43:13
Bright ?we are all on the same side??.
18 Mar 2024 18:37:29
Brighty Yoda.
I wrote in my initial post 'virtually the same' ( which is 100 % correct)
By the way having just checked with Collins dictionary and Cambridge dictionary. the collocation ' virtually identical ' does exist, is permissable and is terminology to use also.
18 Mar 2024 19:07:55
Lol! I just knew you’d look it up Baz. The English language just ain’t what it used to be!
18 Mar 2024 19:10:17
Ah, but it’s a collocation, which is tantamount to “by ‘eckers like” having a definition too. These millennials who have created a plethora of sexes will destroy our once fine language!
18 Mar 2024 20:04:39
Brighty ?
Seeing as you like to quote Yoda :
The following is apt:
' Always pass on what you have learned ' ?.
19 Mar 2024 06:49:34
My Jack Russel is called Yoda, Baz, so yeah, love both of the little dudes! ???.
19 Mar 2024 08:48:29
taking into account all your predictions guys, about the top four and who plays who and what points we got etc etc, let's just hope that, joe, amps, DJ and connor come back injury free from international duty. or we could be up a the creek without a paddle.
19 Mar 2024 12:09:09
Totally Revie!