Went in today expecting a much sterner first half than we faced.
Thought LLoronete and Koch would have much more of a job on their hands than they did, but whole team played significantly better.
Ayling back provides much needed experience and canniness back there and Firpo surely had his best match to date, especially when coming forwards.
Klich kept everything ticking along, Harrison looked busy without providing much, but Forshaw was everywhere, tackling, passing, moving and lasting the whole match, was immense today.
Raphinha was involved, but not as involved as I'd have hoped, but one long range shot which caught keeper out was nearly worth the admission price on its own.
Thought Tyler Roberts linked play up reallly well, great energy and great touched and unlucky to get booked,. I'm not one to go on and on about previous matches and challenges but the Xhaka challenge on Raphinha sprang to mind as a far far worse tackle.
I really want Roberts to do well, but in front of goal he just didnt produce, header from 6 yards should have at leats been on target and the number of shots which did nothing or key passes that were the wrong one was frustrating.
Harrison's business paid off and quick reactions from him bought us the lead.
Second half Cornet sub and it looked to me like Llorente went to ground far too easily, long range free kick and what a hit!
It came a minute after Roberts fluffed his lines at other end and I felt that Roberts volumes of misses seemed to be highlighted by the leveller.
Then it was a massively open game, end to end but with Leeds edging it. Better passing, better to second ball, just a bit more in control and Klich Dallas and Forshaw were at the heart of it all all along with Firpo!
A short corner routine see Klich and Dallas combine and his hit was every bit as good as Cornet's bending free kick, but Burnley keeper was utterly routed to the spot.
It really felt like Leeds were getting back to Leeds of last season, swarming all over Burnley, winning balls back and putting Burnley under wave after wave of pressure.
Roberts pulls up, chance for Gelhardt and he gets stuck into game straight away and positionally looks right at home.
With James on as well, the tide is now fully in Leeds favour and hugely intelligent play from James to feel off and then get in front of defender to head home Gelhardt cross gave Leeds their biggest score of the season and the reaction of James showed how much it meant to him, the reaction of the team showed how much it meant to us and Bielsa hugging Pablo showed just how much it meant to the boss.
A much better performance all round, rose to the occasion and showed real fight.
A well deserved 3 points and a big step towards safety in this division.
Thoughts from today
posted on 2/1/22
Pretty sure Llorente is also suspended now
Anyone know whether the suspensions can be used to miss the FA cup or are we again going to be short of players for West Ham league game?
posted on 2/1/22
its changed now pal, to be in the comp, they got the suspension. so miss league games
posted on 2/1/22
Quick search......can confirm Roberts and Llorente suspended for West Ham United league game. Hopefully Bamford will be back by then but another issue at centre back looms
posted on 2/1/22
I thought their player was confused at where the away fans were, but no he was just gloating. Do refs not have to get involved now, because he should have been booked.
posted on 2/1/22
My understanding is that suspensions only come into play for the league games not the cup games.
posted on 2/1/22
Today, we turned up as a team. We showed that we can win, without KP. We showed that we can score three goals without Bamford. This is a new year and our performance today felt like a new Leeds United, a skillful mesh of the players who got us here, and the players brought in to drive us forward into the future. Most importantly, Bielsa answered critics with a resounding win, and justifying his unique approach to the game. He showed in a recent interview that he is not beyond self-doubt. That hug at the end of he game was in some part relief that his methods work, but also, that his players fully support him. He is tortured. He is a genius. We are staying up. Welcome to the brave new world of Leeds United.
posted on 2/1/22
comment by Batty (U4664)
posted 4 hours, 4 minutes ago
comment by AndDonRevieistheKing (U7852)
posted 11 minutes ago
Unlucky not to be 5-0,
Burnley along with Wolves everything that's bad about football,
Thought Tyler did well linking play etc but at 9 his job is to score goals and would rather have Joffy there,
Koch was excellent I thought and is a top player if he stays fit,
Haven't seen there goal again, should Meslier have done better?
A good performance today with everyone contributing,
Regarding the bottle incident I have no problems with it if players detour 30 yards to goad the biggest stand then they get what they deserve,
^^^^^
Agree Don, I also thought Koch was good. And glad he's back. And Joffy should be the 9 while PB's out. Tyler was excellent today, but for me he's a 10 in this system.
He's not a finisher but he's always in good positions and is very clever on the ball. A lot to be happy about today.
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Must agree about Tyler. Lot’s to like. Sweats his nuts off, can pick a pass but never a number 9.
posted on 3/1/22
In Leeds’ 3-1 win over Burnley, Mateusz Klich ranked 1st or joint-1st among those who played more than 45 minutes for:
▫️pass accuracy (84%)
▫️final third passes completed (21)
▫️ball recoveries (9)
▫️chances created (7)
posted on 3/1/22
comment by Stoopo (U4707)
posted 3 hours, 13 minutes ago
In Leeds’ 3-1 win over Burnley, Mateusz Klich ranked 1st or joint-1st among those who played more than 45 minutes for:
▫️pass accuracy (84%)
▫️final third passes completed (21)
▫️ball recoveries (9)
▫️chances created (7)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This is why, at his best, klitch can be so vital.
Never going to get the major headlines yesterday but did everything right
posted on 3/1/22
Always liked Klich. Even more so when he came back from Holland. He's been huge for us. I really think his
run in with COVID affected his play a ton.
He was rock solid yesterday. Him, Forshaw, and Dallas
were massive.