The defence

I cannot remember the last time the defence was so good.

In the last 5 games we have only conceded 2 goals.
In our last 3 games we haven't conceded.
All against Chmapionship opposition.

It's worth noting that both goals were identical long range efforts I would have expected the keeper to save.

Since the Forest debacle, it seems that a combination of Jansson and tactics/training sessions have clearly improved things.

Jansson so far has been a colossal signing. He's like Kisnorbo prior to his injury. Though the note of caution is Bamba was also very good before we signed his permanently. You would argue Bamba was age wise on the wane.

Bartley has for me been out best player this year and definitely most consistent. The pair of them are what we Leeds fans love to see, big tall aggressive leaders who don't let anything past them. They have formed a great partnership and with Cooper in reserve we look strong with a base for the rest of the team to be assured about.

It's still early days. We need to remember some of the team's faced are not the best in the division and stronger tests will come. Both are still loans. They are not ours but hopefully will become so.

The idea of Bridcutt and O'Kane in front of them gives us a further experienced platform to build on. You sense more leadership and organisation of you compare against previous teams.

The keeper has done alright. Seems to be improving. The Taylor contract is obviously a concern but left backs for me are not as pivotal as central positions. Ayling surprisingly has been good.

All of this means we play with less fear on the attack. One goal may be enough. It's early days and tougher challenges will come, but we are going into games with a structure at the back which is the hallmark of a promotion pushing side.

If you do your First 11, it feels less like a shot in the dark and more a case of adding the missing pieces. For me I still feel we need another quality winger as Dallas doesn't do enough for me. Maybe the young lad at Liverpool Ojo...That type on loan.

Wood is such a big player for us, but another target man to share the burden is a must.

Let's see how we get in, but how nice to see a quality defence for the first time in years