Leeds United
Leeds 1 Bristol City 0
By Andy Baggott
January 21 2013
Leeds kept their play off hopes alive with another win at Elland Road. It's strange times at the minute for the Whites, as this is their 6th successive home win - yet the crowd's continue to dwindle, and the cries for manager Neil Warnock's head are beginning to get louder.
We'll start with the game. It was, to be honest, another dour performance. There is little quality on display at Elland Road at the moment, but we keep grinding out results. In a game of few chances, and very little quality, loanee Ross Barkley's expert cross was met by an excellent Ross McCormack header for the only goal. I would love to report on near misses, controversy, outstandinf technical ability and some flair, but it would be a lie. There was nothing to warm up the home fans apart from the goal, and with it, the win.
So where is the problem? 6 straight wins should surely see the crowds flocking back, and an upbeat feel to the crowd. The half time boo's, the phone ins and message boards tell a different story though, as the win seems to be papering over some very large cracks at Elland Road.
Let's start with the boss Neil Warnock. These kind of games are what he's all about - not much quality, plenty of long balls, but coming away with a win sum up the manager. However, Leeds fans aren't stupid. For every ground out win, there is a shocking defeat to go with it - Barnsley last time out was abject - Hull several weeks ago even worse. You can get by, possibly, with poor football if you're at the top of the table, or thereabouts. Sitting in mid table with some shocking away performances means questions are asked.
Does the team have quality? Yes, but not enough. McCormack can always add something to the party, and Barkley is an excellent addition. Diouf as has a lot of quality, and Becchio will score. Youngsters Sam Byram and Tom Lees have big futures ahead of them, so that's half a team - surely it'a not too bad? Wrong!! We have too many players who are much of a muchness. Brown, Green and Norris are all workers - Green the best of the trio. We are struggling to find the best left back - a problem that's been around since Adam was a lad (not Drury!). Out wide, we still don't seem to have any flair. We seem to play central midfielders out wide and it shows. We don;t have anyone who can skin a man or bring the crowd alive. Central midfield is also a concern. I've mention Brown, Green and Norris, and you can add to that Rodolph Austin. He started like a house on fire, but hasn't been the same player in recent months - yes, he's been injured, but his form was dropping before that - a man desperately in need of a rest. Up front, we look like we can score, but there is no pace - a problem that runs throughout the team.
We all know that Warnock is looking for players - but he needs a couple of big signings - a striker, a defender, and a wide midfielder at least - assuming Barkely stays for the season and can play in the middle.
Leeds fans desperately need something to excite them - the football isn't doing it yet. Get the excitement back, get the passion back, and you'll get the crowds back...easy!!
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21/01/2013 16:07
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