comment by Batty (U4664)
posted 50 seconds ago
Rob, Enfield, we saw the same game.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I saw the same game, Nmecha showed a lot of
promise, one for the future I think.
Thought he did well without much support.
NJS, and that's why we would probably enjoy
several beers together in whatever bar we're in.
Me, you and the entire forum guys…now that
would be fun…when you flying in from Texas?!
Next year NJS. Hopefully.
A few years ago I was back and forth a lot.
With production and various projects.
My Dad turns 90 next year so I plan on camping
out in his yard and staying with him while
watching and enjoying LUFC together.
Sorry Jonty but this is the worst take 😂
Try and make it if possible for an away game,
guaranteed tickets, next year.
We could organise a meet-up, it would be great for
everyone to meet, it could be possible if our members
Are interested!?
I thought everyone contributed to get a very good point.
Stach perhaps the quietest.
MOTM for me was Longstaff.
Thought Gruev did his job well
Nmecha was very good. Like others have said was a nuisance all day and forced their defence into poor headers which we picked up in good positions.
Aaronson effective last season? Er... nope. Weak like always.
Think I am more happy about the clean sheet against a team that should be on the top half of the league, than the point itself. Though, of course, that was important too.
But after the two last games, it was important to not let the opposition score.
Poor quality from both sides, a lot of huff puff from us which is all you can ask for. A decent point and a fair result.
comment by NJS (U8272)
posted 3 hours, 39 minutes ago
Look at all the defenders, passing the ball, sidewards
and backwards…it’s part of defensive tactics to pass the
ball to reset and clear imminent danger.
Does Gruev significantly pass the ball back or sideways,
more than other defenders,
Some of the negative comments on Gruev on the forum
are greatly exaggerated, in my view.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Most of those slating Gruev don’t understand football at all imo.
He had a decent game today. Put some good tackles in. Made a few decent forward passes and one that split Newcastle in two.
He’s there to break up play and pass it simple but he proved once again that he can pick a pass.
As for NMecha - his first half display was excellent! He was constantly fouled by their 4 but just got on with it. He needs players to get closer to him for the knock downs. Both James and Gnonto were too wide at times.
Longstaff rightly MOM but all three in midfield were great today.
Defence looks solid and Bogle is rapidly becoming the best right back we’ve had for ages.
Today we took on a top six team and I said the other day that any points from these teams will be a bonus.
Well done Leeds and Farke, Now get us that final player who can turn a game.
That was a great result - we showed some fight, we put a bad week behind us, we took a point from a game against one of the top 6 clubs, and we are still unbeaten at home.
What a relief - I was really worried about an implosion, but Longstaff and Gruev stepped up.
Nmecha showed why we should have started him against Arsenal. DCL showed how he might prove me wrong about him and I really hope he does. Perri made a couple of good saves.
I think Farke got it right this week.
All in all, I am now feeling more reassured and chuffed to bits with 4 points after game 3.
Shows that a week is a long time in Football. Last week Farke looked clueless, this week his tactics made him look Professor like.
Thought Gruev played to his absolute best and Longstaff was immense. Never seen Guimareas so quiet.
Very happy chappy this morning.
YEP have Gruev as second worst rated player.
https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/graham-smyth-leeds-united-player-ratings-newcastle-5295302?page=2
Really not sure what everyone saw in him yesterday and they didn't rate Nmecha as excellently as some are making out here either.
I think after a trouncing, we're happy with a point and suddenly think players are great.
comment by Jonty (U4614)
posted 1 minute ago
YEP have Gruev as second worst rated player.
https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/graham-smyth-leeds-united-player-ratings-newcastle-5295302?page=2
Really not sure what everyone saw in him yesterday and they didn't rate Nmecha as excellently as some are making out here either.
I think after a trouncing, we're happy with a point and suddenly think players are great.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wow! Well lots all bow down to Graham Smyth’s
player ratings…what the hell do we know!
I will take more notice of the collective opinion of
the forum.
You can take more notice of one individual opinion.
It was Nmecha's first start in the PL. What did you expect a hat trick? Thought he was excellent and as a few have said we would have lost that game with Piroe up top. Gruev did okay too. Im not usually a fan but thought he was fine yesterday. When Ampadu is back he loses his place. Cant wait to see Tanaka back too. A lot of positives from yesterday.
Perri did okay too. A few seem to have it in for him and almost want him to fail so they can say i told you so.
Have to agree with Jonty about Gruev, never really thought he cut in the championship, but he’s covering for injured players. You where ball is going when he has it, awkwardly back to defender. We need players at this level who can drive forward from midfield, or pick a forward pass when possible.
comment by Wetherby White (U6810)
posted 38 minutes ago
Have to agree with Jonty about Gruev, never really thought he cut in the championship, but he’s covering for injured players. You where ball is going when he has it, awkwardly back to defender. We need players at this level who can drive forward from midfield, or pick a forward pass when possible.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Did you ever watch Batty play? 90% of his game was what Gruev is there to do. Break up play. Strong tackles. Play it to a more forward thinking player. Unfortunately we don’t have a McAllister to play it to at the moment. Or a Speed. Or a Strachan.
As for picking a forward pass when possible - he did that a few times yesterday and one pass split them in two first half.
OK he’s not going to keep his place when everyone is fit - but when they aren’t he’s a definite starter. Reliable is my word for him.
I, and the guys around me yesterday, thought our midfield three did a great job containing a very good Newcastle side yesterday. It’s the final third where we struggle with both Gnonto and James struggling to make an impression.
A good result against a top team. Any points from the top ten from last season are bonus points.
Exactly, Stoopo
A defensive midfielder such as Gruev is picked for
precisely not to bomb forward, he’s there ready in
position, to provide cover for when inevitably our
attack breaks down.
I agree he’s not a stand out player, but unfairly much
maligned.
If you read Jonty’s article there is prime example of
unfairness…he rightly draws attention to Gruev’s
defence splitting pass, but then in the next sentence
points out a bad pass he makes.
Was he critical of the many number of bad passes
made by his team mates?
No, single outs Gruev, very unfairly.
comment by NJS (U8272)
posted 1 hour, 28 minutes ago
Exactly, Stoopo
A defensive midfielder such as Gruev is picked for
precisely not to bomb forward, he’s there ready in
position, to provide cover for when inevitably our
attack breaks down.
I agree he’s not a stand out player, but unfairly much
maligned.
If you read Jonty’s article there is prime example of
unfairness…he rightly draws attention to Gruev’s
defence splitting pass, but then in the next sentence
points out a bad pass he makes.
Was he critical of the many number of bad passes
made by his team mates?
No, single outs Gruev, very unfairly.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
You’ve clearly not actually read the article.
comment by NJS (U8272)
posted 3 hours, 40 minutes ago
comment by Jonty (U4614)
posted 1 minute ago
YEP have Gruev as second worst rated player.
https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/graham-smyth-leeds-united-player-ratings-newcastle-5295302?page=2
Really not sure what everyone saw in him yesterday and they didn't rate Nmecha as excellently as some are making out here either.
I think after a trouncing, we're happy with a point and suddenly think players are great.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wow! Well lots all bow down to Graham Smyth’s
player ratings…what the hell do we know!
I will take more notice of the collective opinion of
the forum.
You can take more notice of one individual opinion.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
He’s a professional sports journalist, who sees the players week in week out, you’re not
comment by Jonty (U4614)
posted 23 minutes ago
comment by NJS (U8272)
posted 3 hours, 40 minutes ago
comment by Jonty (U4614)
posted 1 minute ago
YEP have Gruev as second worst rated player.
https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/graham-smyth-leeds-united-player-ratings-newcastle-5295302?page=2
Really not sure what everyone saw in him yesterday and they didn't rate Nmecha as excellently as some are making out here either.
I think after a trouncing, we're happy with a point and suddenly think players are great.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wow! Well lots all bow down to Graham Smyth’s
player ratings…what the hell do we know!
I will take more notice of the collective opinion of
the forum.
You can take more notice of one individual opinion.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
He’s a professional sports journalist, who sees the players week in week out, you’re not
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Poor Jonty, needing the reassurance of a sports
journalist, who he states “sees the players week in
week out”
More like sat in an air conditioned newspaper office,
texting and phoning, sat on his harse
comment by Jonty (U4614)
posted 18 hours, 28 minutes ago
his passing his accurate
----
even you could potentially be accurate if you only passed the ball backwards 5 yards almost every time.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Spot on, I'm.great at passing backwards even at my ripe old age. Gruev wasn't good in the championship however he's teacher's pet
We need time for all of the new players to find their feet in this team. Teams aren't created overnight.
Until we get some more attacking options and our new players bed-in, we can look forward to a series of games similar to the Newcastle and Everton ones with the odd Arsenal-style oopsie mixed in.
I hope our team picks up - until then we just have to pick up points where we can and hope that there are three consistently worse teams out there.
comment by LeedsFanFor50Years (U6871)
posted 1 minute ago
We need time for all of the new players to find their feet in this team. Teams aren't created overnight.
Until we get some more attacking options and our new players bed-in, we can look forward to a series of games similar to the Newcastle and Everton ones with the odd Arsenal-style oopsie mixed in.
I hope our team picks up - until then we just have to pick up points where we can and hope that there are three consistently worse teams out there.
---------~-------------------------------------------------------------
Agree with this and am firm believer that players take time to adjust to overseas moves, but the better quality the player, the quicker they find their feet.
I feel our last 4/5 transfer windows have been have better than under Orta, and it's clear we've tried to improve the squad the time around, no hesitation in trying to improve upon Meslier, add height and midfielders, but that the striking issue and number 10 are still gaping gaps for us.
Credit to Farke for trying to progress the squad and you're right, not built overnight, but I think lack of real intent in bringing in a front man might cost us dear.
Sign in if you want to comment
Thoughts from today
Page 2 of 3
posted on 30/8/25
comment by Batty (U4664)
posted 50 seconds ago
Rob, Enfield, we saw the same game.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I saw the same game, Nmecha showed a lot of
promise, one for the future I think.
Thought he did well without much support.
posted on 30/8/25
NJS, and that's why we would probably enjoy
several beers together in whatever bar we're in.
posted on 30/8/25
Me, you and the entire forum guys…now that
would be fun…when you flying in from Texas?!
posted on 30/8/25
Next year NJS. Hopefully.
A few years ago I was back and forth a lot.
With production and various projects.
My Dad turns 90 next year so I plan on camping
out in his yard and staying with him while
watching and enjoying LUFC together.
posted on 30/8/25
Sorry Jonty but this is the worst take 😂
posted on 30/8/25
Try and make it if possible for an away game,
guaranteed tickets, next year.
We could organise a meet-up, it would be great for
everyone to meet, it could be possible if our members
Are interested!?
posted on 30/8/25
What happened there?!
posted on 30/8/25
I thought everyone contributed to get a very good point.
Stach perhaps the quietest.
MOTM for me was Longstaff.
Thought Gruev did his job well
Nmecha was very good. Like others have said was a nuisance all day and forced their defence into poor headers which we picked up in good positions.
posted on 30/8/25
Aaronson effective last season? Er... nope. Weak like always.
Think I am more happy about the clean sheet against a team that should be on the top half of the league, than the point itself. Though, of course, that was important too.
But after the two last games, it was important to not let the opposition score.
posted on 30/8/25
Poor quality from both sides, a lot of huff puff from us which is all you can ask for. A decent point and a fair result.
posted on 31/8/25
comment by NJS (U8272)
posted 3 hours, 39 minutes ago
Look at all the defenders, passing the ball, sidewards
and backwards…it’s part of defensive tactics to pass the
ball to reset and clear imminent danger.
Does Gruev significantly pass the ball back or sideways,
more than other defenders,
Some of the negative comments on Gruev on the forum
are greatly exaggerated, in my view.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Most of those slating Gruev don’t understand football at all imo.
He had a decent game today. Put some good tackles in. Made a few decent forward passes and one that split Newcastle in two.
He’s there to break up play and pass it simple but he proved once again that he can pick a pass.
As for NMecha - his first half display was excellent! He was constantly fouled by their 4 but just got on with it. He needs players to get closer to him for the knock downs. Both James and Gnonto were too wide at times.
Longstaff rightly MOM but all three in midfield were great today.
Defence looks solid and Bogle is rapidly becoming the best right back we’ve had for ages.
Today we took on a top six team and I said the other day that any points from these teams will be a bonus.
Well done Leeds and Farke, Now get us that final player who can turn a game.
posted on 31/8/25
That was a great result - we showed some fight, we put a bad week behind us, we took a point from a game against one of the top 6 clubs, and we are still unbeaten at home.
What a relief - I was really worried about an implosion, but Longstaff and Gruev stepped up.
Nmecha showed why we should have started him against Arsenal. DCL showed how he might prove me wrong about him and I really hope he does. Perri made a couple of good saves.
I think Farke got it right this week.
All in all, I am now feeling more reassured and chuffed to bits with 4 points after game 3.
posted on 31/8/25
Shows that a week is a long time in Football. Last week Farke looked clueless, this week his tactics made him look Professor like.
Thought Gruev played to his absolute best and Longstaff was immense. Never seen Guimareas so quiet.
Very happy chappy this morning.
posted on 31/8/25
YEP have Gruev as second worst rated player.
https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/graham-smyth-leeds-united-player-ratings-newcastle-5295302?page=2
Really not sure what everyone saw in him yesterday and they didn't rate Nmecha as excellently as some are making out here either.
I think after a trouncing, we're happy with a point and suddenly think players are great.
posted on 31/8/25
comment by Jonty (U4614)
posted 1 minute ago
YEP have Gruev as second worst rated player.
https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/graham-smyth-leeds-united-player-ratings-newcastle-5295302?page=2
Really not sure what everyone saw in him yesterday and they didn't rate Nmecha as excellently as some are making out here either.
I think after a trouncing, we're happy with a point and suddenly think players are great.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wow! Well lots all bow down to Graham Smyth’s
player ratings…what the hell do we know!
I will take more notice of the collective opinion of
the forum.
You can take more notice of one individual opinion.
posted on 31/8/25
It was Nmecha's first start in the PL. What did you expect a hat trick? Thought he was excellent and as a few have said we would have lost that game with Piroe up top. Gruev did okay too. Im not usually a fan but thought he was fine yesterday. When Ampadu is back he loses his place. Cant wait to see Tanaka back too. A lot of positives from yesterday.
Perri did okay too. A few seem to have it in for him and almost want him to fail so they can say i told you so.
posted on 31/8/25
Have to agree with Jonty about Gruev, never really thought he cut in the championship, but he’s covering for injured players. You where ball is going when he has it, awkwardly back to defender. We need players at this level who can drive forward from midfield, or pick a forward pass when possible.
posted on 31/8/25
comment by Wetherby White (U6810)
posted 38 minutes ago
Have to agree with Jonty about Gruev, never really thought he cut in the championship, but he’s covering for injured players. You where ball is going when he has it, awkwardly back to defender. We need players at this level who can drive forward from midfield, or pick a forward pass when possible.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Did you ever watch Batty play? 90% of his game was what Gruev is there to do. Break up play. Strong tackles. Play it to a more forward thinking player. Unfortunately we don’t have a McAllister to play it to at the moment. Or a Speed. Or a Strachan.
As for picking a forward pass when possible - he did that a few times yesterday and one pass split them in two first half.
OK he’s not going to keep his place when everyone is fit - but when they aren’t he’s a definite starter. Reliable is my word for him.
I, and the guys around me yesterday, thought our midfield three did a great job containing a very good Newcastle side yesterday. It’s the final third where we struggle with both Gnonto and James struggling to make an impression.
A good result against a top team. Any points from the top ten from last season are bonus points.
posted on 31/8/25
Exactly, Stoopo
A defensive midfielder such as Gruev is picked for
precisely not to bomb forward, he’s there ready in
position, to provide cover for when inevitably our
attack breaks down.
I agree he’s not a stand out player, but unfairly much
maligned.
If you read Jonty’s article there is prime example of
unfairness…he rightly draws attention to Gruev’s
defence splitting pass, but then in the next sentence
points out a bad pass he makes.
Was he critical of the many number of bad passes
made by his team mates?
No, single outs Gruev, very unfairly.
posted on 31/8/25
comment by NJS (U8272)
posted 1 hour, 28 minutes ago
Exactly, Stoopo
A defensive midfielder such as Gruev is picked for
precisely not to bomb forward, he’s there ready in
position, to provide cover for when inevitably our
attack breaks down.
I agree he’s not a stand out player, but unfairly much
maligned.
If you read Jonty’s article there is prime example of
unfairness…he rightly draws attention to Gruev’s
defence splitting pass, but then in the next sentence
points out a bad pass he makes.
Was he critical of the many number of bad passes
made by his team mates?
No, single outs Gruev, very unfairly.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
You’ve clearly not actually read the article.
posted on 31/8/25
comment by NJS (U8272)
posted 3 hours, 40 minutes ago
comment by Jonty (U4614)
posted 1 minute ago
YEP have Gruev as second worst rated player.
https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/graham-smyth-leeds-united-player-ratings-newcastle-5295302?page=2
Really not sure what everyone saw in him yesterday and they didn't rate Nmecha as excellently as some are making out here either.
I think after a trouncing, we're happy with a point and suddenly think players are great.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wow! Well lots all bow down to Graham Smyth’s
player ratings…what the hell do we know!
I will take more notice of the collective opinion of
the forum.
You can take more notice of one individual opinion.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
He’s a professional sports journalist, who sees the players week in week out, you’re not
posted on 31/8/25
comment by Jonty (U4614)
posted 23 minutes ago
comment by NJS (U8272)
posted 3 hours, 40 minutes ago
comment by Jonty (U4614)
posted 1 minute ago
YEP have Gruev as second worst rated player.
https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/graham-smyth-leeds-united-player-ratings-newcastle-5295302?page=2
Really not sure what everyone saw in him yesterday and they didn't rate Nmecha as excellently as some are making out here either.
I think after a trouncing, we're happy with a point and suddenly think players are great.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wow! Well lots all bow down to Graham Smyth’s
player ratings…what the hell do we know!
I will take more notice of the collective opinion of
the forum.
You can take more notice of one individual opinion.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
He’s a professional sports journalist, who sees the players week in week out, you’re not
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Poor Jonty, needing the reassurance of a sports
journalist, who he states “sees the players week in
week out”
More like sat in an air conditioned newspaper office,
texting and phoning, sat on his harse
posted on 31/8/25
comment by Jonty (U4614)
posted 18 hours, 28 minutes ago
his passing his accurate
----
even you could potentially be accurate if you only passed the ball backwards 5 yards almost every time.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Spot on, I'm.great at passing backwards even at my ripe old age. Gruev wasn't good in the championship however he's teacher's pet
posted on 31/8/25
We need time for all of the new players to find their feet in this team. Teams aren't created overnight.
Until we get some more attacking options and our new players bed-in, we can look forward to a series of games similar to the Newcastle and Everton ones with the odd Arsenal-style oopsie mixed in.
I hope our team picks up - until then we just have to pick up points where we can and hope that there are three consistently worse teams out there.
posted on 31/8/25
comment by LeedsFanFor50Years (U6871)
posted 1 minute ago
We need time for all of the new players to find their feet in this team. Teams aren't created overnight.
Until we get some more attacking options and our new players bed-in, we can look forward to a series of games similar to the Newcastle and Everton ones with the odd Arsenal-style oopsie mixed in.
I hope our team picks up - until then we just have to pick up points where we can and hope that there are three consistently worse teams out there.
---------~-------------------------------------------------------------
Agree with this and am firm believer that players take time to adjust to overseas moves, but the better quality the player, the quicker they find their feet.
I feel our last 4/5 transfer windows have been have better than under Orta, and it's clear we've tried to improve the squad the time around, no hesitation in trying to improve upon Meslier, add height and midfielders, but that the striking issue and number 10 are still gaping gaps for us.
Credit to Farke for trying to progress the squad and you're right, not built overnight, but I think lack of real intent in bringing in a front man might cost us dear.
Page 2 of 3