Leeds always play in their style no matter the score:
The last three days have been amongst the best I have ever had in my 23 years of supporting Leeds United. The injury-time comeback victory at Aston Villa was unique and thoroughly deserved. The last few minutes of the Boxing Day win over Blackburn were manic. BPF produced an unfortunate mistake to gift Rovers an undeserved lead. However, Leeds didn’t panic; there were no long punts into the Blackburn box. They worked the ball into the best position and produced two fantastic crosses which where brilliantly dispatched by Kemar Roofe. I cannot ever remember consecutive games where Leeds have scored injury-time winners in such fashion. Leeds had not won successive league matches 3-2 since 1966, which shows the magnitude of the achievement. It is indeed a fantastic time to be a Leeds fan. After all the crap of the past 15 years – I think all Leeds fans bloody deserve what’s currently unfolding before our eyes.
Never die attitude:
Leeds have now won 7 games in a row for the first time since 2007. If Leeds prevail against Hull on Saturday, they will match the winning run of the team from the 1930s. The mental backbone installed into this side by Marcelo Bielsa is nothing short of a miracle. The change in mindset in these players is staggering in comparison to last season. The manic scenes after Kemar Roofe’s winner against Blackburn where exhilarating to watch. Gaetano Berardi’s celebrations showed the togetherness of this group of players.
We need to get back to keeping clean sheets:
The most interesting comment from any Leeds player over the past week was from Kemar Roofe during his Sky Sports interview after the win at Villa Park. “The manager said if we keep a clean sheet, we will win the game” – I have been beating this drum all season. When Leeds cut out the individual errors, they are streets ahead of the opposition in the Championship. Each week they grind the opposing players into submission by constant pressing and keeping levels of possession which are just mind-blowing unless you are Barcelona or Man City. Leeds had 70% possession and 28 attempts on goal against Blackburn. The game should have been over at half-time. Costly errors nearly gifted the Lancashire side an unjust away win. A scrappy one nil win over Hull on Saturday will suffice. Hopefully, the club ends 2018 on a winning note as we head into the centenary year top of the league and on the cusp of a momentous 2019.
My random ramblings:
- Pontus Jannson has proven that he is the best defender in the Championship and will be an excellent Premier League centre back. Dominance in the air and a willingness to put his side before himself will make the Swede a success in the top flight.
- Kalvin Philips is playing the game at his own pace and is merely toying with the opposition players at the moment. The poise and elegance displayed by the young Leeds star is terrific to watch. Marcelo Bielsa and his staff have carried out numerous miracles so far this season, but the utter improvement in Kalvin Philips could be the most impressive.
- Has anyone else thought about how explosive Jack Clarke will become when he stops growing and hits the weight room? It is a frightening prospect and one I cannot wait to witness.
- Leeds need to re-enforce in the January transfer window to keep the momentum going forward. A new goal-keeper to challenge BPF is a must and appears to be close. Ibai Gomez seems to fit the Bielsa requirements and could replace Samu Saiz.
Ups & Downs 