Leeds United
Leeds 1 Derby 2
By Andy Baggott
August 9 2010
Leeds came back down to earth with a thump as they started life back in the Championship with a narrow defeat to Derby. The reality of the task facing Simon Grayson’s men is clear, and performances will need to be better than this showing. It wasn’t however, all doom and gloom, and there was enough of an attacking threat to show that there is life after Jermaine Beckford… Leeds started the brighter, with Sanchez Watt a threat early on. The Arsenal Loanee made several strong runs, as well as some good tracking back, as the hosts took the game to Nigel Clough’s men. It was the visitors who struck first though – Jonny Howson getting caught in midfield, and Rob Hulse firing home a rocket into the roof of the net. Elland Road was stunned, but not for long. Pantomime villain Robbie ‘Lilly’ Savage got caught with the ball this time, by Howson, and the Leeds player made amends for his error. First skipping past a tackle before unselfishly squaring a superb pass for Lucciano Becchio to slot home an unmissable chance. Leeds were back in the game now, and it was a fairly even game, with Leeds trying to press, and Derby hitting on the break. Captain Richard Naylor went close next, his volley smacking the bar, but it was Derby who scored again. New boy Lloyd Sam upending the Derby player for a very debatable penalty. It was one of those that it was harsh to give, and harsh to deny – one a home side normally profits from, but not this time. The impressive Kris Commons fired home from 12 yards.Still it was end to end – Neill Collins was the next Leeds player to hit the bar, whilst Kasper Schmeichel in the Leeds goal produced a superb save following Savages inswinging free kick that was volleyed from 6 yards. Half time came and went, and it was more of the same – Leeds huffed and puffed, but Derby looked most likely to score. Indeed, if it wasn’t for an amazing double save from Schmeichel, it would have been 3. In fact the Leeds keeper was by far and away the best Leeds player, pulling off several fine stops, as well as some confident catching, and good kicking. Leeds’ last chance was a header from Collins cleared off the line, but, in a a game that could have finished 6-4, it was Derby that emerged winners 2-1. In summary, Leeds did ‘ok’. Defensively there are some concerns. The gap between defence and midfield was too big, and Commons had a field day in the hole. Too many balls were also launched long from deep – with two pacy wingers, the ball has to go to feet better. There is also a lack of pace – the two wide men can shift, but elsewhere there is little. On the plus side, we looked a threat. 1 goal, 2 off the bar and 1 off the line shows we can create chances. In goal, Kasper had a blinder, and can be a fans favourite for years to come. We were also missing some key players – Kisnorbo, Snodgrass, Paynter and Gradel are all likely starters, whilst Parker and Somma could make the bench.Food for though after one game, but a quick striker, a defensive midfielder and a centre back must clearly be the main targets before the close of the transfer window…
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09/08/2010 11:16
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