Nice report & I agree with it all. The main feature last night was just the lack of 'sparkle' in us, which meant we were half a yard off the previous pace, and many of the first-touch passes just didn't come off. In particular, it made Saiz looked like one of those players who tries to be clever all the time, to no real effect, when previously he's looked awesome. All of which allowed a busy Brum team to get into the game. Our defence (especially Pontus) were great, and we never really looked in much danger of losing, but a draw was certainly a possibility. I thought Alioski looked the most lacklustre, which is odd, given that he'd had a rest on Saturday.
Nigel (the Dublin one) -----Original Message----- From: Leedslist [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of [email protected] Sent: 13 September 2017 11:02 To: Leeds List Subject: [LU] Brum "we are top the league, say we are top the league" - repeat and repeat Hard to believe but we are indeed top of the league with a very impressive 17 pts from 7 games and a brilliant goal difference of 12 - with just two conceeded. Ok last night was not Burton re-visited but i felt overall we deserved the 3 points in a hard fought game that ebbed and flowed in terms of possession, terrority and chances. We started very well, pretty much where we left off at Burton - really getting at them, disturbing their rythmn and forcing them into errors. When we had the ball we passed and moved it pulling them all over and creating gaps. It was a joy to watch again, and it was no surprise when we scored - already forcing one save and one goal line clearance from them. The goal whilst not a classic did have a lot going for it - a lovely long ball over the top (from O'Kane ?) led to Lasogga and the defender chasing it , Lasogga used his strength and power to win the ball and then he hit it from a tight angle - he shoots as hard as anyone we have had since Yeboah- and the keeper could only parry it. Saiz showed both bravery and awareness following it in and beating both two defenders and the keeper to force it over the line. it brought to mind the time i lost it with Kilkenny at Tranmere away when he bottled it in similar conditions. This showed that Saiz is more than just the maestro. After the goal we tried to continue giving an exhibition but we looked complacent and were over-doing it. You need to earn the right to play like that and we had not done it. So from being brilliant we began to be sloppy and let them get a foothold in the game. We nearly paid for our slackness when the keeper came for a ball in a bit of a mix up and the Birmingham forward beat him to it and the header looped over Wiedwald and towards the goal. However we do not like conceeding goals and so Luke Ayling popped up out of nowhere with a tremendous goal saving clearance So we just about went in at half time one up and just about deserved it. We hoped to come out second half pumped up but failed to do so and the game was pretty even for the next 30 minutes - we even saw Wiedwald make a save ! At the other end Lasogga and Saiz both came close. On the hour the largely disappointing Alioski was taken off and replaced by Roofe who was unlucky not to start. Roofe did add an edge of quality and commitment but by this time we were starting to look leggy and tired. Lasogga especially looked ready to drop. This allowed Brum to take a bit of control without ever really threatening as Pontus just headed away anything in the air Our rthymn and choices for substituions were further hampered as Cooper started limping and had to be subbed. Beradi coming on and Ayling being moved to centre half. We continued to look solid at the back but most fans were nervously watching the clock and hoping for it to speed up Then horror of horrors, somehow the referee found 5 minutes of time to be added on. A worrying gasp went round the crowd, could we last out ? We even got a break and took it into the corner to waste time - a sure sign of the team wanting the final whistle. Then just as we worried a bit Lasogga got the ball just over the half way line and as he passed it forward to Dallas (on as a late sub for Hernandez) he was fouled - great this would see out a few more seconds we thought, but no, the ref decided to wave play on (rubbish decision we all thought in the circumstances) as Dallas ran forward with the ball then cut inside and hit a shot just inside the near post - 2 0 and only a minute to go . Another win, another clean sheet and "we are top the league" So not a classic performance after the first 30minutes and whilst I disagree big time with Redknapp and his "complete and utter domination" comments I do think they slightly shaded the second half without ever really looking like scoring. I think had it stayed at 1 0 we would have gone 'yeah, fair result' So the 6 points that we wanted from the two home games and our solid defending goes on. Can we keep it up ? Millwall on paper is another three points we should get, but football does not always work out like that. We do seem to have it sorted at present though - not letting goals in and scoring from all positions - averaging 2 goals per game. Saiz is a genius and if we can keep him fit and on form anything is possible But for now at any rate "we are top the league" - and loving it Dave _______________________________________________ Leedslist mailing list Info and options: https://mailman.gn.apc.org/mailman/listinfo/leedslist To unsubscribe, email [email protected] FLAME WARS 'R US _______________________________________________ Leedslist mailing list Info and options: https://mailman.gn.apc.org/mailman/listinfo/leedslist To unsubscribe, email [email protected] FLAME WARS 'R US
