Leeds Utd v Sheffield Utd Match Thread - Liam Cooper returns in place of Pascal Struijk

[Cjay]

Hecky still using the 3-5-2 formation that Wilder used.

Tbf to him Blades have no wingers except maybe Oli Burke but its telling that Hecky hasnt tried anything different.

A back 4 for example, go 4-5-1 maybe or 4-2-3-1, just a different idea.

Just repeating what Wilder did that hasnt worked at all this season.

Strange that he isnt trying to use his own ideas, to show the owner that he has something different to bring to the table to try and get the job full time?

Maybe he is happy as u23 manager, found his level.

[Cjay]

1CFDDB1F-E2E4-4C34-8A8E-D8557DA11463.jpeg

He even Karate chopped TyRo in his six yard box

[Cjay]

Ayling made a crucial block/interception at 2-1 in the last quarter.

And gave away countless freekicks in dangerous areas, lost his man multiple times, caught out of position multiple times.

Almost all the Blades attacks came down the right, they knew Ayling was a weaklink.

[1964white]

Always seem to lose momentum after the breaks. Hopefully tighter for the next match.

We'll have to be v Citeh.

Tbh I'm expecting to be torn apart, we're not the first & won't be the last.

[1964white]

Really brave this from Roberts but how is this not a red?

Late, excessive force, players regularly get sent off for the follow through

Definitely a red card Cjay

[SG90]

Probably.

Was shocked Cooper came in for Struijk, today was an opportunity to show continued faith in Struijk and build for the future.

Coops shouldn't be a starting player next season.

I wasn't surprised sadly. Cooper was always going to waltz straight back in.

[1964white]

42-point mark.
Top half of the table.
Double over Sheff Utd
1st promoted PL side to win 13 of first 30 games since 2006/07.
27/30 points earned from bottom seven sides
Return of Coops, Koch and Rodrigo from injury
Llorente looking the business.
Jack Harrison's 7th goal of the season
Raphinha assist & general play.
Dallas outstanding again.

[1964white]

[Cjay]

I wasn't surprised sadly. Cooper was always going to waltz straight back in.

The boss said his performance in training made MB pick him over Struijk but Struijk is unlucky.

I suspect the truth is the boss has his pecking order (we know he does) and he still isnt convinced by Struijk.

Do wonder what will happen next season though

[andrewjohnsmith]

Definitely a red card Cjay

That would have been Red even in the 1970's. Absolutely horrendous challenge

[andrewjohnsmith]

The boss said his performance in training made MB pick him over Struijk but Struijk is unlucky.

I suspect the truth is the boss has his pecking order (we know he does) and he still isnt convinced by Struijk.

Do wonder what will happen next season though

Cooper had a decent game today in fairness. But I do think he's now our 4th best centerback. Makes you wonder what will happen next season. We need 4 players in that position. But we know Cooper wouldn't want to stick around as 4th choice.

[andrewjohnsmith]

27/30 points earned from bottom seven sides

I'd been thinking about how many of bottom teams we'd done the double over.

That's a really impressive stat. I'd be surprised if any other team has done better than that

It's been really noticeable. I was thinking today and v Fulham that it looked like Premier vs Championship.

[White Riot]

7 goals is a decent return in my opinion.

Matches Mane, Jesus and beats the likes of Bowen, Grealish and Richarlison who are all hailed at their clubs

Not to mention beats £50m Werner

All fair comments Fridge

Still think we should be aiming to do better though.

[Finnatic]

I'd say that failing applies to our performance for most of the match by most of our players. If we'd kept things simpler we would have won easily.

[Ellandback1]

You can only beat who's in front of you, and being a local derby it was never going to be a classic but overall I was disappointed by our display.

We were so much more dominant than the scoreline.

On the very odd accession the Blades were attacking, they looked dangerous, and they shouldn't.

[RebelWhite]

Just reading 27 out of 30 points against the bottom 7 sides . That's remarkable . Our season is not decided on games against the top three or four . At least not THIS season !!!

[John in Louisiana]

I'd been thinking about how many of bottom teams we'd done the double over.

That's a really impressive stat. I'd be surprised if any other team has done better than that

Chelsea certainly haven't.

[Velotrax]

Funny how on MOTD the blatant off the floor two footed assault on Tyler wasn't even mentioned

[Richard]

I was very impressed with Llorente and also how Roberts is looking increasingly better each game. I know he got the goal and assist but I felt Harrison made far too many errors in his crossing and decision making, Raphinha gave the ball away for their goal and he was sloppy at times. Dallas was my mom though he was a monster in midfield today.

[YorkshireSquare]

Roberts is looking increasingly better each game.

Didn't catch the first half but Roberts involved in two key passes leading to goals today, putting through both Raphinha and Harrison. Very solid contribution.