View from armchair : At half time I was pretty depressed and contemplating 5 defeats in 6 and Bielsa's master plan starting to fall apart. Second half, Roberts came on to play alongside Roofe, we played the game at an increased tempo and Rotherham just couldn't live with us. Everyone who had struggled first half seemed a yard quicker and more comfortable on the ball. Hernandez moved out left and started to have an impact. Harrison looked like a proper winger for once and Klich and Forshaw took control.
The equaliser was a cock up on their part with Klich apparently poking it home? To me it looked like an own goal. The second was the type of goal that Klich has become associated with but has struggled to replicate over the last 19 games. I loved it when the Leeds fans spilled onto the pitch to celebrate with Klich. Hopefully nobody got arrested. If you stand back and look at this performance you have to say that we will need either some injured players to return (Berardi and Bamford) or some signings to get us over the line, however You just can't fault Bielsa and it was interesting to see his reaction at the end of this game as he hugged his assistants for more time than is usually normal for a straight man. This meant a lot to him. Scores for me: Casilla - 7. One top drawer save, a couple of good takes, one cross he came for and didn't get there ( Peacock style) and a shot he couldn't stop. It was a great strike to be fair. I don't know if it was psychological but he looked safer, more experienced and in general more solid than BFP. Given his experience this is to be expected but on a debut that's a good sign. He's going to be a good signing. Ayling - 4. His distribution has been poor all season but today he took it to new levels. Absolutely shocking. Would I drop him ? For Berardi yes but he does have a presence and his defending is adequate. He is a player though who is definitely playing his last season for Leeds if we get promoted accepting that you could level that at 75% of the current squad. Allioski - 7. I thought he was one of the few players who actually deserved some credit in the first half. Second half he continued to work his socks off and really should have scored when played through centrally. He had more time. Cooper - 8. Ok, I've always thought Cooper can defend but he's made too many bad mistakes and always looks fragile when he goes in for those 50:50s but in a game like today when he's playing with a makeshift partner a against a big team whose main attacking ploy is to lump it in the box from long balls and long throws he looked solid. I think he's been one of our best players this season. Phillips - 6. Not happy with him playing centre back because he isn't one. The argument is that his distribution from the back makes a difference. Today it was shocking but to be fair he got stuck in and made some important clearances. Forshaw - 7. I thought he was consistent throughout the 96 mins. I like Forshaw. Klich - 7. Only 7 for the match winner ? Well, it was funny on Twitter my mate, at half-time, tweeted something like 'Klich needs taking off, he's been awful'. He was right but as with everyone he improved second half and his goals marked a return to the confident Klich that has been a revelation this season. Let's hope he pushes on now because this lad can play. Clarke - 3. He got clattered in the first 5 minutes and just couldn't get in the game. Rotherham were physical first half and Clarke for the first time for me looked like a kid in a man's game. No alarm because he will learn from this but I suspect he may return to being an impact sub for the next few games. Harrison - 8. His best game for Leeds. He's definitely got ability and it's obvious that Bielsa is giving him the best chance possible after his mate sanctioned the deal. I think he can only improve with this run in the team. Hernandez - 7. I thought he was shocking in the first half but second half he made the difference. Our best player, who has an incredible ability to play some really piss poor passes. He frustrates the hell out of me. See his free kick on the edge of the box second Hal when he just chipped it up into the wall. Another player who will hopefully win us promotion but can never figure next season. Roofe - 5. On his own up front, against brick shithouses, he just didn't stand a chance first half. Second half, Roberts helped him out and they looked good together. He should have scored second half but he did look better. Subs: Roberts - 8. I thought he made a real difference, he got the ball, passed then ran into space to make an opportunity. I think this lad has potential and I'm hoping Bielsa can mould him into a top striker. I'm hoping this lad is one who could rise to the challenge of the premier league. Overall, this was a great result and a brilliant 2nd half performance but it's going to have to be better against Norwich. I'm still looking for a bastard ticket. Celebration wine tonight is Domaine Lafond from the Rhone. Very nice. >> > _______________________________________________ > Leedslist mailing list > Info and options: https://mailman.gn.apc.org/mailman/listinfo/leedslist > To unsubscribe, email [email protected] > > Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/leedslist/ > > RIP Jimmy WAC-COE _______________________________________________ Leedslist mailing list Info and options: https://mailman.gn.apc.org/mailman/listinfo/leedslist To unsubscribe, email [email protected] Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/leedslist/ RIP Jimmy WAC-COE
