Loads of snow in Leeds today and it took everyone by surprise so credit to
Leeds
that they got this game on. I’m glad they did because it was an entertaining
game watched by over 31,000 people.
We started well and dominated the first half , in fact Norwich’s only shot on
target went in just before the break and I was really disappointed with Norwich
in the first 45 minutes. Maybe their plan was always to sit back at first and
then hit us second half as we tired. Nearly worked.
We should have had 3 or 4 in the first half. Both Becchio and Howson hit the
woodwork and we had numerous other attempts. We were playing 4-5-1 / 4-3-3
however McCartney was playing as an extra left winger and we had the beating of
them down our left. Snodgrass hardly had a touch first half and if there was
one
criticism it was all a bit predictable. McCartney to Gradel back to McCartney
back to Gradel then cross. With Norwich sitting back we had a lot of possession
and a lot of space which really emphasises who can play and who struggles.
Kilkenny kept it simple whereas Johnson showed time after time that simple is
not so simple for him. I thought Johnson was poor today and I think he’s a lump
in the middle we can do without. Howson was very lively playing in advanced
role. He made lots of good runs all afternoon and was very unlucky not to get
on
the scoresheet. He was my man of the match today.
Our goal when it came was untidy. A cross from the left (again) was helped on
by
somebody and Becchio and their defender just seemed to help the ball over the
line. I think there’s a chance it was over the line and also a chance that
Becchio never touched it. He’ll claim it though, he has to have a reason to be
on the pitch.
Second half Norwich came to life – they had to. The heavy pitch seemed to be
taking its toll on some of our players and we just seemed to run out of ideas.
Snodgrass was our main hope and he did have some success but Norwich looked
dangerous on the break and in Hoolihan they had the liveliest player on the
pitch. We just couldn’t seem to get a hold of the ball, Johnson looked lost and
Kilkenny was starting to look a bit fat. I actually can’t remember much about
their second goal – I think Johnson lost possession Norwich got down our right
,
pulled a cross back and Hoolihan scored. There’s something wrong with our
defence but I can’t put my finger on it. I think O’Brien might just be a bit
too
static at times.
I was amazed that Grayson waited until after 70 minutes to change things. The
problem with the 4-5-1 for me is that we rely heavily on Gradel or Snodgrass to
create something out of nothing. Howson is also expected to run beyond their
defence …. BUT was does Becchio do in this formation ? Does he hold the ball up
and support the runners ? No. Does he win his headers ? No. Does he make
intelligent runs and drag their defence all over the place ? No. Someone will
no
doubt say he scores goals. Well, that’s debatable and I think we can do so much
better up front with Somma and Paynter.
The sub worked and Somma with his very first touch volleyed home from outside
the box. A great strike from a forward who just looks like scoring with every
touch. Unfortunately our manager can’t see past Becchio at the moment.
Criminal.
There was only one winner from here and we pushed hard the best move after a
good interchange between Paynter, who replaced Becchio for the last 5 mins, and
Somma. Paynter managed to get his shot away but the keeper made a save to tip
it
wide.
I think Norwich had the better of the second half.
Scores:
Kasper – 7. Couple of decent saves.
Lichaj – 7. He looks steady enough and got forward to support Snodgrass on
occasions.
O’Brien – 6. Not convincing.
Bruce – 7. Some good defensive work.
McCartney – 8. Excellent going forward.
Johnson – 5. Poor game today.
Kilkenny – 7. Did ok but a bit too predictable today.
Snodgrass – 8. Quiet first half but came into it second half.
Gradel – 8. Lively throughout.
Howson – 8. Some excellent runs and unlucky not to score.
Becchio – 5. Hard working, pedestrian performance. Just not good enough.
Subs:
Somma – great goal.
Paynter – maybe should have scored.
Grayson – waited too long to change system.
Great crowd shit atmosphere.
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