Leeds Utd v Aston Villa Match Thread - Klich fit, Costa in for Harrison

[The Subhuman]

Once again we looked better when our little talisman was on the pitch without threatening.

We got worse after the subs imo ..Only really the Harrison cross to cause problems for them. That may not be down to Pablo but I think it's the case

[Lumiukko]

Stuck in an airport so didn't get to watch the game. Did I miss much?

Sounds like I'll probably skip watching the recording of the game this evening when I'm home.

Also, i also really thought Llorente would play DCM this evening. Shocked to hear Struijk was played there.

[The Subhuman]

Stuck in an airport so didn't get to watch the game. Did I miss much?

Sounds like I'll probably skip watching the recording of the game this evening when I'm home.

Also, i also really thought Llorente would play DCM this evening. Shocked to hear Struijk was played there.

Good first half, conceded a horrible goal after a mis hit shot ended up at Ghazi's feet unmarked and then Villa sat back using every trick in the book to slow us down

[1964white]

Fulham?

I think they'll be to quick upfront for us, Fulham are grinding out results mainly draws. Never a happy hunting ground for Leeds.

[Aussieleeds]

I agree.

I suggested a week ago that it was insulting for Pablo to be on the bench while lesser players were on the pitch. Other fans felt Pablo should just suck up because he’s on big money. Hmmm.

[CHAPELALLMAN]

Koch will play left side as Llorente is said to be poor on that side. But for that he has to shift a club and team captain and I'm not sure that's a given. I think we signed Diego as Kalvin/Robin cover or a CB 3 in a back 3, don't be surprised if Coop starts next season with Koch

Ok, thanks Faaip.

[gessa]

Once again we looked better when our little talisman was on the pitch without threatening.

I honestly don't think we did, no worse but certainly no better.

[CHAPELALLMAN]

Agreed. Where I was going when I said a CB3 in a 3...I do think Coop starts next season as he is a natural left footed player

and Struijk ?

[gessa]

I don't think we did

Villa played their dreary tactics perfectly, I'm not sure why we aren't willing to give them credit for that

Spot on Adam

[The Subhuman]

Maybe it's me, but I can't see it myself. Bamford pulls the opposition all over the place, consistently makes intelligent runs, and is solid as the front line of defence. Whatever strengths Roberts may have, he doesn't put them to good enough use. Two or three good passes a game, four or five howlers, and a lot of huffing and puffing. That's how it looks to me, anyway.

As someone else said we all see it differently...I swear more at Bamford in game than any other player and by a significant amount ..Even Sandi says "Bamford again" after an expletive outburst

[The Subhuman]

and Struijk ?

Bench player.. he's still young

[whiteswan]

Still sat 10th in our first season back

We know that we will need to build and improve over the next few season, but don't get the slagging off of the players

This

[Mick Jones shoulder]

Villa nullified a very average leeds performance they deserve credit. We are 3 or 4 short of being a very good side. Lack invention when Raph doesn't do it . Safe so no worries for me...

[Lumiukko]

Good first half, conceded a horrible goal after a mis hit shot ended up at Ghazi's feet unmarked and then Villa sat back using every trick in the book to slow us down

Thanks Faaip! I'll give the game a watch. Through thick n thin right?

[Mick Jones shoulder]

Struijik looks the part as cb but not a holding midfield player for me.

[YorkshireSquare]

Struijik looks the part as cb but not a holding midfield player for me.

Bielsa demands a lot from his DM and Struijik doesn't offer enough for the ball or is accurate enough with his passing for me.

Actually preferred Shack there but again he is different to Phillips. He tends to bring the ball out rather than ping those passes around.

[Cjay]

What makes the Struijk thing all the more confusing (aside from why MB persists with it when it doesnt work) is a while ago in one of the press conferences MB was asked about Phillips and he said about how Koch and Llorente were seen as his replacements and how we had been unlucky to lose all 3 of them at once.

No mention of Struijk at all, he specifically said Koch and Llorente.

Yet today he chose to play Struijk in dm?

Also you don't really need a dm vs a 4-3-3 and consequently Struijk was dragged more into a midfield 3 and looked even more uncomfortable.

Just weird, dont get it.

[Mick Jones shoulder]

It is easy facing play as a cb but in the dm role receiving the ball back to play he looks uncomfortable, he's young as faiip said.

[YorkshireSquare]

What makes the Struijk thing all the more confusing (aside from why MB persists with it when it doesnt work) is a while ago in one of the press conferences MB was asked about Phillips and he said about how Koch and Llorente were seen as his replacements and how we had been unlucky to lose all 3 of them at once.

No mention of Struijk at all, he specifically said Koch and Llorente.

Yet today he chose to play Struijk in dm?

Is he still protecting Llorente slightly? Does Bielsa beleive the demands of DM are more, that he isn't quite up to that level yet or may push himself too far in that position?

[Mick Jones shoulder]

Protecting him in terms of fitness? He's obviously a talented chap looks comfortable on the ball, I'd of thought he'd play that holding role. (Llorente)