What a satisfying performance that was. It's been a long time since we took charge of a big match like that. While a lot of the changes have been forced on Bielsa, I thought they made us look more self-assured and balanced. It is great to have players who can slot into the team and bring their own creativity, without breaking up the momentum. A couple of highlights for me:
1) Shackleton - full of energy and creativity - why did Bielsa not play him in the past two months, though?
2) Roofe looked back to his best. I think he is putting himself in the shop window, and what better a way to announce his return? A definite starter for Wednesday. This is no reflection on Bamford who, I think, will come good for us, but like Roofe, and Wood before him, needed a season to bed in.
3) Alioski, for all his energy, unbalances the team on the left side. His shots, deliveries and general decision making need to improve. His gamesmanship is embarrassing. Dallas and Harrison make a much better pairing.
4) Bera. Not a red blood cell in his body. Terrific performance today.
5) Derby must be feeling demoralised. All of the elements were lined up in their favour - 1 loss in 12 for them, 1 point in 12 for us, key players injured for us, and yet, we prevailed with something to spare. Derby have lost three times on the bounce to us and this one must be the most painful. Lampard whinged about the penalty but had to admit we deserved the win. What on earth he can do now? Buy a pair of wire-cutters, Frank, and head up to Thorp Arch.
6) We're doing it the Leeds way. Buckle up, boys and girls, the rollercoaster is still rolling.
Some final reflections
posted on 12/5/19
comment by lastapostleofvidal (U1491)
posted 12 minutes ago
Don’t use up all your exclamation marks too early, Scouse. May need some later.
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Be environmentally responsible Scouse - Use ! only when strictly necessary, and where possible recycle.
And this applies to all redundant
posted on 12/5/19
I just hope we have a go on Wednesday, 2 up top,,Marriott and Bennett?
Otherwise it’ll be like another whimper like we had last year at Craven Cottage.
Get into ‘em!!
posted on 12/5/19
Anyway, shouldn't the title of this article be 'Some semi-final reflections' ?
Counting your chickens again, Bielsa?
posted on 12/5/19
Ironic that you're talking about Leeds fans being over confident, considering the comments I've read on here and social media in the build up to the game. Leeds fans were very pessimistic and Derby fans seemed to think they had in the bag with their form
posted on 12/5/19
Yes. We all said we had it in the bag. We all said it here, many times. He has got us bang to rights there.
posted on 12/5/19
I think we've seen the last of Marriott in a Rams shirt, pity he could have been key when it counted.
posted on 12/5/19
Why do you say that Igor? I’ve read that Reading are interested in Zoon. The mind boggles..
posted on 12/5/19
comment by π Baz: Fluck VAR π (U2480)
posted 39 minutes ago
Why do you say that Igor? I’ve read that Reading are interested in Zoon. The mind boggles..
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Why else would you ever pick Nugent ahead of him at the business end of things Baz only that he is looking for a way out of the club, rumours all over the place that he doesn't train proper, ringing in sick and seen playing golf the same day.
When was the last time Nuge scored, September, I believe.
It's a balls up and if we go out with a whimper, questions need to be asked.
posted on 12/5/19
If Lampard won't pick Marriott for reasons other than fitness he needs to be sold.
posted on 12/5/19
comment by πAnglianRam π (U17428)
posted 4 hours, 25 minutes ago
Anyway, shouldn't the title of this article be 'Some semi-final reflections' ?
Counting your chickens again, Bielsa?
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I hadn't noticed that, but now you mention it, could it be a premonition? Good posts from your side. Igor must be having a baaaaad time.