So busy now back on court, having to watch the match later in the day whilst trying to ignore the score.
Thought City started on top, but we had a couple of great chances with Raphinia having acres of space on the left.
I like Costa, but was disappointed in him just not doing enough with the ball overall.
Roberts was looking more influential, Bamford a little quiet and our defence was looking good, thought Llorente had a really good game, Cooper was looking good too, but shirt pulling in the box had me a little worried that he's a little out his depth.
I was thinking about that after listening to Lescott's comments that we've hit a ceiling.
I think we upgrade players like Cooper, Alioski, Costa and this system works even better.
Costa gets a bit of luck, Bamford unselfish and 1 shot, 1 goal, Stuart Dallas, such a valuable, unsung hero player for us.
Cooper, stupid tackle, no complaints with that red card, VAR was used perfectly for that to get the correct decision.
Disappointed to see Bamford go off would have rather seen Roberts off at that point.
I'd already felt text the team were digging in well before the red card but after it we were brilliant. So disciplined, so calm, and then when there's a chance, Raphinha was such an outlet.
Thought he made wrong deacon when Ederson put in amazing tackle, but later on when he was taken out by Fernandinho, that was as much of a red card as Cooper's was.
It was feeling like us against 10 men, never going to score, but then I thought we lost our composure for their equaliser, it was left to Philips to try and stop the goalscorer and he's really not a last ditch defender, and it felt deflating.
Meslier kept us in that match, but although City had 27 shots, not that many on target, credit to the defensive work of our team.
And then that breakaway goal. I was sick of hearing Stones this, Stones that, so it was great that Dallas surged through beating Stones to that ball and through the keepers legs!!!!!!
Lovely to see even Meslier up the pitch celebrating that.
Then post match listen to Man City this, Man City that....
But the day belongs to Dallas, to Bielsa, to Leeds to us.
Game, set and match Leeds United.
Thoughts from today
posted on 10/4/21
I honestly dont know what more you can say about Dallas.
Everything in his game is phenomenal.
he is the sort of player you can see still at the top end of the game when he is 36/37.
Cause the way his mind works you know that he could keep going even once his legs are a little slower cause he will just adapt hs game and be one of those midfielders who pings the ball everywhere
posted on 10/4/21
Good to see you back Jonty. Disagree with you about Costa, though. Thought he held up the play well and was a real handful for Cancelo. His pass to Bamford to set up the first goal was superb. He was a real asset today. Otherwise with your thoughts.
posted on 10/4/21
Glad to see you back Jonty,
I think subbing Bamford was a masterstroke by Bielsa it kept us a tight unit, the goal would come from midfield as it did
posted on 11/4/21
Overall a good performance and a great result.
I was as incensed as anyone about Cooper's at first, but having watched it a few times from other angles I don't think we've that much to complain about. It was a pretty reckless challenge and he caught the guy nastily on the knee, although he did get the ball first.
It worked out for us, though, got Struijk onto the pitch and a bit later Koch, and our defence became well organised and resolute ... it needed to because City played some very sharp, slick attacking football, as you'd expect.
After a lacklustre spell, I think Costa has come on strong and is challenging for a regular start. Good game today imho.
I'll excuse Paddy's failure with what looked a golden opportunity early on, there was still slippery snow in the pitch then, although you couldn't see it!
The lads done good.
posted on 11/4/21
Never a red card though. If they start giving reds for that type of tackle the game is dead.
Disgraceful that the two footed lunge on Roberts last week didn’t even get a yellow. Two feet off the ground. Never touched the ball. Dangerously high.
No consistency whatsoever in the game - unless you are one of the top teams of course
posted on 11/4/21
The ref missed the kneel before the game as well!
posted on 11/4/21
i was pretty sure you were just busy with work jonty so nice to have you back.
i think taking bamford off was the right move. save him for pool, a game like this is tough on the players and they're probably felt it after the game when they finally relaxed.
the red i think the ref got it right the first time, only a yellow for me. with the tackle of roberts still fresh in my mind id like to see some consistency.
i agree to a point with the upgrades but i wouldn't buy another cb this summer or let any of those three go.
buy a left back but keep alioski.
posted on 11/4/21
Just a shout to someone who's not had many this season. Two really key involvements crucial in the two goals from Costa. Played a big role in our victory.
He struggled for much of the season but is now making an effective contribution. Bielsa doesn't write off players, keeps believing in them and helps them get back to form. Here's hoping for more of this from Costa in the remaining games but great to see him playing well again.
posted on 11/4/21
Nice you are back Jonty made my day that and of course the result.All the best
posted on 11/4/21
Donn, Jonty's return made your day - does not take much !!