after being excited about seeing a live game for the 1st time in about 12 months, that was unfortunately a bit of an anti climax.
There's definitely a change in culture, the walk to the ground was much more upbeat and atmospheric than anything for a few years to be fair. Supporters were generally in high spirits, and there was a fair amount of consensus that we had an attacking line up, though the bench looked weak, and lacking options (Cavaleiro aside).
The game had more excitement that last year too. However, as has been alluded to we looked like a collection of individuals, not a team. There's some talent there, but it isn't being utilised properly, and thus were ineffective. We played today with zero width, and no real plan, other than lump it towards Bodvarsson. Far too much long ball for a team that has players capable of passing the ball or running with it. And we were too easy to deal with - stick 2 on Bod, as every long ball, and every throw in was directed to him.
Neither team did enough to win really. The only chances Leeds had came from mistakes we made, and we failed to create any real opportunities. First half saw both teams have 1 clear opportunity each. Huge panic ensued when Dicko went down under a heavy challenge after 15 mins, but it was essentially a case of cancelling each other out. Leeds would've taken a point at the start, as they didn't really look to win the game in any seriousness.
Second half we were simply poor. Summed up by Doherty trying to sheild a slowing ball over a 15 yard space to the touchline, having had more than enough time to deal with it, resulting in them catching us out. Sadly, we never really looked like levvelling the scoreline.
Of the defence, Baath was fairly solid, and won most airborne balls. Silvio looked pretty good I thought. He may be a bit slow, but he stopped a few crosses coming in, and did one nice piece of skill to bring the ball out in the 2nd half. I've been a big fan of Hause, but he was poor today, as was Doherty.
Of the midfield 4 (it probably wasn't a 4, but it didn't really seem obvious at any point how we set up) We were far too narrow. Saiss generally looked good to me, couple of nice forward passes, and he got knocked about a bit. Texiera drifted in & out the game, when he's in, he's an asset, though always wants one touch too many. When he's out, it's like we're a man down. Costa was also in & out a lot, and he's the one player who can offer some width, but didn't really. Had a couple of decent efforts, but was roughed up a little too. Edwards was for me our best player, got involved going forward and defensively. Some good interceptions, and short passes. Sadly, the 4 of them didn;t gel or play as any form of unit, similar to the defence really.
Dicko/Bod, as mentioned, Dicko is (on todays showing only 70 % of the Dicko we know and love. This was my first sight of Bodvarsson. From reports, if we can get these 2 to click, we've a chance of scoring plenty. Well, we're a long way off on this viewing. Neither had a good game, though Bodvarsoon, like Costa was kicked left right and centre. Not sure either were 100% fit, and concerned that Gladon was their back up.
Ref - wasn't awful, but was inconsistent with a few decisions - bookings and fouls really. Seemed aware of some of Leeds time wasting though.
On the positive side, nice to see some friendly faces who it's been too long really, and also meet a few new ones - Jabba, Mrs Jabba, & I hadn't realised I was stood with kenny til it was too late...
