Leeds suffers excruciating loss
By: j | November 25th, 2008Leeds suffered an excruciating 2-1 loss at Sixfields against Northampton Town in League One action that was a by-product of both over-confidence and the lack of urgency in the attack. Being quite honest, the moment I saw midfield lineup with Jonny Howson and Robert Snodgrass on the bench with the club in a dowdy 4-4-2, the loss was a lock. Leeds lacked punch and came in with a puffed-up ego clattering about how they put up five goals against Northampton and that they were shooting for six. Well, they fell five short of six goals and with three minutes remaining Nicholas Bignall headed-in Danny Jackman’s corner to the back of the net to give Northampton the victory. Leeds controlled most of the play but Liam Davis gave the home side the lead two minutes before the half-hour mark. Leeds was unable to draw the match level until Jermaine Beckford struck with twenty-one minutes remaining. Leeds fate was however sealed with Nicholas Bignall’s goal and so went another three points towards promotion hopes. While redundant this is horrible loss for Leeds and Gary McAllister needs to accept that tactically massive errors are being made and this loss rests firmly on his shoulders. A club of this ability should be ten points clear of Leicester City but instead they are in seventh, six points behind.
Leeds returns to action this Saturday against Histon in the FA Cup.
Category: News
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I enjoy your website for insights and intelligent and helpful comments. Your posting today was on the very topic which has been brooding in my mind. This is quite apart from the continuing need for a central back defender.
Don’t misunderstand, I admire Gary McAllister, but when I read quotes that say “it was a night for knocking it longer”, that is his job to make sure the team switch strategies not for the guys on the field to recognize it. This is not the first time this year.
After nearly five decades of playing competitive soccer, I recognize the telltale signs. When players come on and start firing as though the game is a personal goal competition and then lose control and get frustrated into yellow cards, it is bad news and those players ought to know better. Young players often do not know how to maintain a consistent performance from game to game, letting their egos get in the way. Older players who don’t know better are not real quality. The manager is not “Dad”. If these guys can’t get it straight then give them the “yank”. There are games when the workhorses need to be on first to wear down the opposition first before the young legs come on and there are games when the young legs ought to go right at them. The manager must know which game tactic is being played.
And, one more issue not to do with the game. Over the last few years, I don’t no how many times the team has resurrected an older player and within days of playing or even before, that player is injured and out of action. It happens too often and is a probelm with training management. It has happened again.
I could go on but will resist. Thanks for the opportunity to vent. Jonathan Oldroyd
Posted from
Canada
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Jonathan – please feel free to offer your opinion at all times. I respect it and appreciate the interaction.
Like yourself I come from a very long background in this game and I trust you understand I “pull my punches” a morsel at times. I have respect for Gary McAllister but this club plays so predictable, it takes little to defend against. Leeds has the biggest squad and by-far the best talent in League One and they should be well in the lead now but are seventh. Movement, ball distribution, tempo is abysmal and losses are coming down to tactics and you are right club management seems more excited of Jermaine Beckford scoring than actually winning. This is becoming a dire situation because if they do not win promotion this year, they will lose a number of players and will be rooted in League One.
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Bulgaria
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