Leeds falls to Huddersfield Town 1 – 0
By: j | February 14th, 2009
Leeds away-form woes continued as they fell to Huddersfield Town 1 – 0 today in what is best termed a lifeless, yet thoroughly predictable performance. While the cutting tone will amuse few, Leeds is a side that whether Gary McAllister was in-charge or now, Simon Grayson, they used their attacking strong-suit miserly and effectively played to the least of their abilities.
Returning the match, Leeds lone change to last weeks line-up was week, Luciano Becchio replacing the suspended Jermaine Beckford up front. What did remain was Leeds highly predictable approach to play, poor but easily followed movement without the ball and a lack of urgency in the transition. The Terriers took the 1-0 lead sixteen minutes into the match when Nathan Clarke headed-in Gary Roberts corner past Casper Ankergren. Hunting for the leveling goal Robert Snodgrass fine corner was nodded on by Rui Marques’ from inside the six yard box but Huddersfield ‘keeper Alex Smithies was brilliant saving the lead. Young Lucas Jutkiewicz, on-loan from Everton nearly doubled the lead for Hudderfield before the break but the Leeds keeper was able to flick it above the cross bar. Seven minutes after the break, or better said fifty-two minutes after he should have been called upon, Jonny Howson entered the match and while the scoreline obvious notes his impact wasn’t dramatic, Leeds did show a quicker tempo and greater resolve. The hometown boy came close just before the hour mark with a nice header attempt and continued trying to push the tempo faster but it was to no avail. Leeds drove forward and with three minutes Richard Naylor headed Andy Robinson’s free kick against the post but that was as close as it would get and Leeds lost 1-0.
For Leeds it is a disheartening loss but unless you are blinded by hope, it was predictable. Unfortunately with the managerial change there tempo and style of attacking has not changed and while Mr. Grayson has worked hard to shore up the defending blunders that plagued the first part of the campaign, he has not addressed the true issues. Shuffling players will do little when you play a style that has effectively taken what is the foundation of a fine attacking unit in the Championship and combined it the qualities of Conference side, if not a young reserve unit.
The loss is particularly costly to Leeds as they fall considerably behind the playoff contenders. They return to play next Saturday against Hereford United.
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Comments
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You have touched upon a couple of topics recently upon which I can’t help but comment.
The first was the whinging by Mr. Harvey and their obvious slip. One can’t help wondering how many other upper administration mistakes are taking place or simply the shortcomings of that administration and even ownership. All great sports teams inspire their players from the top down. They create the examples which inspire successful character. Perhaps it is time to move on.
But the second point and one you have made repeatedly throughout the season is the predictable attack. If one looks at the rapid rise of other teams in League One, it is the coalescing of young talent who have been let to run and create and who in the process have built up a tremendous comradery and spirit.
You talk about being predictable and a team will never be great simply building an attack from a free kick, throw-ins or a ball out of play. Most of the time in this game, a player never has the ball. It is what one does when without the ball that matters the most. When Paul Scholes for example was at his greatest, if he lost the ball, he was relentless in getting it back. Opportunities arise when the opposition is thrown off balance and this requires a persistent all out forecheck from the striker back through the midfield and pinched by the backs. Put the young fast blood on the field from the outset and let them chase as well as counterattack. If they miss the timing of a check they can chase and the defenders will earn their paycheque. But this requires everyone to perform. It takes everyone to press. If two guys don’t or can’t do it the others soon tire and give up. If they get tired, get them off and get someone else. And stop playing guys because you think you owe them something or they deserve respect.
I’ll stop there.
Posted from
Canada
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Soy aficionado al Leeds desde Luciano Beccio fichó por el equipo. Lo sigo jornada a jornada. Veo los videos que cuelgan en Youtube: ¿que le está pasando al Leeds? Jermaine Beckford creo que es extraordinario. ¿el problema es su defensa? ¿defienden los del medio del campo? Por historia, estadio, afición y algunos jugadores, no merece estar en donde se encuentra. Presiento que es problema de entrenador o quizás algo que no se vé a la luz.
Posted from
Spain -
Jonathan Oldroyd: thank you for dropping by again. Unfortunately Leeds is completely botching this campaign up and this should have been an easy stroll into the Championship with Leicester City with a plus 90 point target. There are by far the “best club” on paper except have used a tactical plan that limits their ability and is easy to counter.
With regards to movement without the ball and creating spaces, it is deplorable. If you recall Luciano’s first match with the club he was following a textbook distribution and movement pattern that he learned with Boca but was ignored. Over and over, he was on the move but the ball was held back as they would grind the attack down.
However the club is now trapped in the spiral where one manager tries to leave his mark on the club. While Leeds can still qualify for the playoffs, if they do so it will be with Simon Grayson’s vision. Unfortunately that approach goes against the existing talent base and is an “easy book to read”, which is why they have lost the last two of three matches.
If they had went with a 4-4-2 diamond, using Luciano in support with Jermaine Beckford and Robert Snodgrass upfront things would have been a lot different but they insisted on slower tactical plan in the midfield and promotion is no guarantee.
Hola Manuel: Usted está correcto con sus problemas de la defensa. Además de esto, se mueven demasiado lentamente en la transición y necesitan aprender de Luciano en cómo crear el espacio.
Posted from
Bulgaria
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