What a frustrating game that was. I'll apologise for my language to any West Stand regulars that were sat around me and were a little more tactful ... I'm sure they felt the same under the skin though because I just don't know how we didn't win that. Norwich had good chances, yes, but I've never seen so many Leeds efforts go so close, including what would have been a 92nd minute effort from luckless Billy Paynter, who for all the world looked set to lift the roof off of Elland Road with seconds remaining.
It wasn't just frustrating in the chances we missed however, as our game plan - or what I saw happening at least - grated on me somewhat as we failed to fully play to our recent strengths for the majority of the game. What I mean by this is that neither McCartney or Lichaj seemed as willing to join attacks as they have recently been. Too often the ball was sprayed out to Gradel or Snodgrass and everyone around them dispersed seemingly saying "go on then..." and leaving them to it. Both our wingers rely on the link up play and overlapping runs of the fullbacks to take away a man, allowing them to make forays into the box, or work an opening for a cross. When Lichaj and McCartney did join in, mainly when we were 1-2 down, they created panic and opportunity to get a ball in with the addition of options. This isn't to say we didn't create though, we had a hat-full of chances, with Snoddy and Gradel often at their core. We were ridiculously unlucky not to have scored at least one more goal.
Obviously, facing Norwich, who are a powerful outfit going forward, holding the fullbacks further back down the pitch and tucking them inside more often would seem sensible defensively but there were opportunities for them to join in when Norwich were sat deeper. Gradel and Snoddy would have been all the more effective for it. Multiple times Snoddy was waving Lichaj to overlap - and was clearly frustrated.
As well as the above, the effectiveness of our wingers was affected somewhat by the lack of urgency in our passing and incisiveness. This was in no small part down to Paul Lambert's instructions to Norwich to try and slow the game down and dictate play - which they did well when they had the ball. Norwich never rushed in possession as we pressed and this allowed them to break down any spells we had and any attacking impetus. This resulted in many attacks on our behalf, but not as many sustained spells of pressure - expected though, in comparison to the quality of opposition we've faced in the previous two games.
City's tactical nous and patience impressed me, as did our pressing, but Kilkenny in particular didn't help matters. His usual unwillingness or instructions from Grayson (probably the latter to be fair) not to break and run with the ball continues to annoy. Yes he's a deep lying midfielder but if you're not going to break, release Snodgrass or Gradel on the break and pressure the Norwich back line with a winger running at a single full back, instead of soaking up a counter attack and allowing Norwich to double up on our attacking players - which they also did well.
Further to the slight attacking frustration (at least compared to the Coventry and Bristol games) was the annoyance of the manner we conceded both of our goals. We marked men and pressed fairly well on the whole, with Norwich willing to be patient and pass along the back line in a bid to keep the ball. This often meant we forced Norwich to play long, which didn't phase them in the slightest, however, with Grant Holt a man mountain all game and Wilbraham a capable foil. This resulted in the first goal however, and if we want to press and force a team to play hoof-ball then it is necessary for all the players to continue marking and looking around themselves for danger whilst the play develops. A long ball was cleared well by O'Brien, but neither Gradel or primarily McCartney were in any vicinity to deal with the second ball, which fell straight to a Norwich man. The free cross was the knocked down to another unmarked player to belt home. The marking was atrocious in this instance, and Lansbury was free to just smash home from eight yards.
The second goal was just suicide defending on our part...
A look into the stats confirms why most Leeds fans will have left Elland Road frustrated - as we dominated with shots on target and also had more shots off. Norwich were saved twice by the frame of the goal and twice miraculously by Ruddy, although Holt did miss a glaring opportunity when he span to hit against the post from seven yards, unmarked.
The Game
As almost everyone expected Simon to leave the side untouched in regards personnel and formation from the previous game at Bristol - a 2-0 win and a clean sheet - so no surprises there. As I've mentioned above though, I felt we played more conservatively than we have tended to in the 4-5-1 previously, with the fullbacks being held deeper. The formation allowed us to compete with Norwich's setup more effectively and cope with a lively City midfield, hence why Grayson stuck with it he revealed after the game. Personally, although it could be said Norwich were a goal up and less likely to foray forward later in the game, we didn't seem to be any less solid after Somma came on.
We started the game the brighter, that was for sure. Howson had the first chance as he was willed forward with Becchio running alongside him to his right. He carried the ball to the edge of their box and fired a whisker wide of the post, across the keeper on his left boot. We followed up on this early chance with another, from a good Gradel cross that was fired with pace towards the centre of the box. Luciano attacked it well and the ball just hit keeper Ruddy, whose fall backwards somehow diverted the ball past the post, again missing by no more than an inch.
The early dominance we had in the game continued and on 18 minutes a free kick was met by Snoddy who flicked the ball upwards towards the back post. Becchio followed in and bundled the ball over the line after competing to beat Adam Drury in the air. 1-0 was the least we'd deserved.
This was immediately followed by Becchio hitting the post with another effort from a Snodgrass free kick. Ruddy somehow palmed the ball onto the post only for the rebound to land directly into his hands as he laid prone after the save. Minutes later Howson had also struck the woodwork. Lichaj, on his first overlap in the first half, after heavy encouragement by Snodgrass to do so, bombed into the box and to the byline. His cut back found Howson perfectly and Jonny struck a defender with his first effort. The ball fell back to him and he volleyed against the underside of the bar. We were cursing our luck again. I had the same feeling Eddie Gray had after the game - that we'd pay the price for the chances we'd had.
A header glanced off the outside of the post from Ward although Schmeichel had it covered and Norwich proceeded to end the first half in the ascendency. Fox had a strike saved expertly by Schmeichel earlier and he tried is luck again from 30 yards, unmarked as Howson switched off. Luckily it fizzed the wrong side of the post. In the first minute added on in the first half, our own-half pressing and previously impressive marking failed us. We'd contained Norwich to little more than two long range strikes for the whole of the first period, until we let concentration slip. A long ball was cleared by O'Brien's head towards the left back position. McCartney had come inside, and Gradel was nowhere to be seen. A free cross was allowed and this was knocked down to Lansbury to hammer home with all the time in the world, again - not a white shirt in sight. If we were going to press Norwich and force them into long ball play, then winning the second ball is vital, and we paid for not doing so this time. It was an annoying lapse after an impressive and disciplined display, and it left Norwich on a high - they must have been thanking their lucky stars.
The second half continued in the same way, a couple of Norwich half chances as they began the brighter. Hoolahan was particularly impressive and he unlocked us more than a few times to create chances. His pace and passing, as well as his determination to keep the ball seemed his assets, and he was beginning to signal he'd be a danger and one to watch in the final third of the game.
The next Leeds chance again left the fans throwing away their good luck charms as Snoddy broke quickly on the left and fed Howson through the middle who showed good stamina to reach the edge of the box. He was momentarily held up by Zac Whitbread before he got a strike away which deflected a hair's breadth past the post.
Norwich followed up their earlier spell of pressure with skipper Holt miraculously hitting the post after spinning free seven yards out. He was indeed a thorn in the side all afternoon and I for one was more than surprised to see him miss from such an opportunity. Then came the defensive implosion that was their second goal.
The crowd were left wondering and shouting at Holt being left in such space. The Leeds lineup seemed to cower. Panic was the word. We must have missed three or four tackles in the build up to the goal, and threw away several good opportunities to break up the danger. O'Brien flew in, the Norwich man left with the ball. Johnson became a passenger, Kilkenny had a foot in that was ineffectual, Lichaj similarly so. Seemingly everyone had a go at a tackle and failed. Eventually, the ball was slid into the path of Wes Hoolahan, to the despair of the Leeds fans who saw McCartney lining up far out of position nearer the centre backs. This left their tricky midfielder to slot past the onrushing Schmeichel, and Lichaj failed to clear off the line. Sigh. I was reeling at the inability to get rid, and at that being probably their third clear effort, the others being their first goal and Holt's uncharacteristic miss.
Bar the above implosion, and the switch off for their first goal, we defended well and looked solid. This is what's frustrating and it has been all season. The personnel are there, the ability is, but the composure and concentration often isn't. We'd coped with Holt well, we'd restricted Norwich to two prior efforts on target, and had managed to create a fair amount ourselves.
We had a few tame-ish efforts following this and the buzz around me was for Somma to be introduced and Grayson duly delivered by replacing Kilkenny and putting Davide up alongside Becchio. It had to be done, we were looking a little bereft of ideas with too much being expected of Snoddy and Gradel to do alone - they lacked support from the fullbacks and as a result were cutting inside too often - we looked a touch narrow.
Somma's entrance could not have been more spectacular. Long ball, Becchio flick on and Davide watched the ball arriving over his left shoulder onto his right boot. With his first touch he slammed the ball low into the bottom right corner of the net from the edge of the 'D'. Proper moment of magic. Inspiration. Brilliance! I couldn't believe it went in. I should have expected it come to think of it with Davide's goalscoring record. His ability continues to wow - that's 12 in 11 starts...
Those doubting his ability to get involved and be effective from the long ball were left quizzing that view. Anything below head high just sticks to him. His touch is brilliant. In one instance, a launched ball from centre back and under pressure with their right back all over him saw him cradle the ball down beautifully on his right and pop off a pass - insighting an attack - he's intelligent with his use of the ball, and quick to make decisions. At times his touch can be as if his feet are acting as hands, they catch the ball - its great to watch.
Width ensued as the players got a second wind. Gradel hugging the touchline was good to see - with McCartney now more willing to bomb on in support. Similarly, Lichaj was now automatically overlapping Snodgrass when we had the ball on their flank - at last. Norwich were again under the cosh.
Somma was almost on the end of a Johnson cross that was whipped in towards the back post only for Zak Whitbread to make a last ditch diving header to take it off Davide's forhead. Whitbread impressed all afternoon and it doesn't look to me as if Norwich will be missing Leon Barnett at all as Zak showed why the two playoff legs against Millwall were such a hardship for us - and why I wanted us to sign him so much before Norwich made the move.
The final chance of note came from Billy Paynter. He came on for the impressive Becchio and with his first involvement in the 92nd minute he played a neat one two with Somma who slid him in (after being fouled) and Billy saw his shot wrap the fingertips of Ruddy. At this moment Elland Road was on its feet as the majority surely thought he'd only done enough to palm the ball into the back of the net, but again, an inch was the distance that saved Norwich for probably the fourth time.
In the end, it was better than sending Paul Lambert home happy, who conceded a draw was a fair result. If he admitted that in a game against Leeds, you know he was more than happy to come out with a point. It was entertaining and Norwich took their opportunities. A point wasn't the end of the world.
The Players
Starting with the back line. We set up, in my opinion, a little more defensively in our 4-5-1 than we've seen before with the fullbacks either not pushing on as often, or not pushing on as far. McCartney and Lichaj linked up well when they did go forward and we looked stronger and more creative when they were added to the attack. It's something we need to see if we're to utilise Max and Snoddy to their full potential as we have done in the past few weeks.
O'Brien and Bruce competed well today with Holt, and neither goal was explicitly their fault. Kamikaze defending and a lack of shape defensively led to their second, as McCartney was left out of position, and a switch off by the midfield in our marking of their wide men on the second ball/knockdown was the reason for the first - as the defenders were probably all occupied with Norwich forwards. McCartney looked all at sea at times positionally and struggled with Hoolahan's pace and trickery.
On the whole we managed to contain Norwich well and limit them to probably three clear cut chances. For the most part we nullified Holt's goal threat, and we also pleasingly defended the set pieces well.
In midfield, Kilkenny started the game well but seemed to have less and less of an impact defensively and going forward as the game wore on. I was pleased with his work ethic and pressing, but unimpressed with the pace of his game, and unusually, his passing. None of his passes were anything more than Johnson or Howson have showed when in a midfield two and his presence didn't seem to make the lineup any more stable defensively. Howson for me was the pick of the midfield three today as he broke with pace twice to shoot at goal, hit the bar and spread the ball with purpose to the wings. He was committed to closing down play and trying his best to break up Norwich in the tackle as well as trying to up the tempo of our game, which Norwich did well to try and quash. Johnson was pretty unnoticeable, but did provide a good ball on a couple of occasions.
Gradel and Snodgrass were again good. The keys to our attacking play caused all sorts of issues again with shots and balls into the box but for me, they were left with too much to do themselves with less help than usual from the full backs and centre midfield. It looked when they got the ball as if all the other players were expecting them to unlock the defence single handedly, as everyone seemed to run away from them and into the box, or just stand still after passing it to one of them. They have been outstanding of late but to be a full success they need the support and linkup of the full backs - especially with Norwich doubling up on them both at every chance.
Becchio was good. Everything you'd expect from him and he provided a goal, and a constant threat. It was a good effort on his behalf as he managed to compete aerially with the dominating Whitbread - whose leap was akin to that of a salmon. His link up play with Howson and the other midfielders was great, as you'd expect and he assisted Somma with a pinpoint flick on.
To Sum Up
Firstly, we need to cut out these lapses at the back. The personnel is good enough, the general defending throughout games is too. The team play in an attacking manner, yes, but there's no excuse for lack of concentration, lack of marking and freebies.
We got what I predicted from the game but with the way the game went I'm disappointed we didn't get more. At least we managed not to be defeated by a direct rival, which is the least you have to do with the teams in and around you. All it means is we need to win on Tuesday night, as Barnsley is no doubt the one we'd be looking to for three points out of this weeks football, with Swansea away next Saturday.
We got what I predicted from the game but with the way the game went I'm disappointed we didn't get more. At least we managed not to be defeated by a direct rival, which is the least you have to do with the teams in and around you. All it means is we need to win on Tuesday night, as Barnsley is no doubt the one we'd be looking to for three points out of this weeks football, with Swansea away next Saturday.
As long as Becchio doesn't come too deep when Davide is playing (he didn't seem to today) then it shouldn't detract so much from Luciano's game, as Davide is capable of adding more than Beckford did in regards linkup play and "donkey work". Also if 4-4-2 is to succeed, I'd like to see Johnson sitting, with Howson the one with the forward license. If not that, then it has to be one or the other with one sitting deeper - otherwise the 4-4-2 leaves us with too much space between midfield and the back four, leading to players having freedom to run at us which caused much of our early season issues.
Grayson
"Over the course of the game we made enough chances to be disappointed not to have won it, but it was a fantastic game between two teams trying to win it right to the end and to play the game in the right manner"
“He’s a great lad. He’s never once complained, he understood when I left him out last weekend, he understood today.
“He’s got a fantastic attitude, he works ever so hard and is a massive team player and I wouldn’t say he’s best coming off the bench because he scores for us when he starts as well.
“He appreciates what we’ve done for him in terms of bringing him to this football club, of what he can be and what we’ve made him.
“But he’s a great lad to work with and I’m sure he’ll only get better.
“I don’t know his goals ratio to minutes he’s spent on the pitch, but it can’t be far away from a goal a game now.
“That’s a fantastic effort for him. He went to Lincoln last season and got a lot of goals there too and that’s why he signed a long-term contract for us earlier this season.”
Lambert
"You're not going to come here and not have to withstand a storm, but all credit to my team, we did that and gave as good as we got,"
"We're in the mix with Leeds and a few others, and it's going to go to the end of the season."
The Support
Disappointing I think. I was stuck in the West Stand near to the South. The South being halved of its Leeds capacity became muted, despite the best efforts of the lads in there. The Kop sounded OK but again, something seems to be lacking. I think the level of expectancy, and nerves had an impact on the atmosphere - after they scored the second though I think we gave the players the kick up the backside to fight back.
To be fair to Norwich I was impressed. Not the largest repertoire of songs but sung loudly and proudly - more than can be said of most we see at Elland Road. Got a bit sick of them singing "we all hate Leeds scum", as we couldn't really give a toss quite frankly if they hate Leeds scum or not and I don't really know their reason for hating us in particular.
Good effort on the crowd 31,601. Cat B was a good ploy for this game, especially with Barnsley on Tuesday night to hurt the bank balance.
Man of the Match
I think I'll plump for Howson today. Three great opportunities, hit the bar, and was very unlucky not to score. He played well from both his position behind Becchio, as well as sitting deeper after Somma came on. Composure on the ball, quick feet, intelligent one-two's and commitment in the tackle and in the air. Jonny is coming along well.
11 Comments:
Great article, I agree with what you wrote, and more importantly how you wrote it.
You wrote with honesty, realism and how you yourself saw the game.
Had you wrote some of those comments (shorter versions) on Leeds 606 board, you would'ave definitely been wummed at,lol, (reverse saying).
I applaud your honesty and ability to see realism as it is, and not how you want to see it.
It is a game we should'ave won, like so many before.
I think SG should think before he says some things.
“He’s got a fantastic attitude, he works ever so hard and is a massive team player and I wouldn’t say he’s best coming off the bench because he scores for us when he starts as well".
Personally, I think Somma should start every match from here on in.
A Big 10 stars from me.
Norwich fan here, very good report, thanks.
It was a good game, but we did also hit the post twice; Holt as you mentioned and the Wilbraham header in the first half. You obviously think otherwise but me and my dad thought a draw was a fair result considering we were the away side.
Cheers for the above comments, I agree I want to see a 4-4-2 with Somma in, even if its only against the "should win" sides and we revert to 4-5-1 against the likes of Forest and QPR
And yes I have read it was Ward - I've added that in mate cheers. Think it was just after our effort. Yeh considering you were the away side you did admirably - you showed as much endeavour as we did really, I still feel we should have buried the game though, as our chances were slightly more in number and guilt edged. A good result for you, and an alright one for us.
A fair and very well-written report. (Some of the stuff being posted on 606 - by both sets of fans - reeks of bitterness and is just plain cringe-worthy so it's nice to see an honest and largely unbiased account of the game)
The "we all hate Leeds scum" chant is so pathetic. I hate it and sincerely hope that the morons singing it were kids who don't know any better. Just as cringe-worthy is the "who are you" chant that seems to be sung after every goal these days. Does my head in! I assume you lot don't usually sing it and only did when you equalised to mock our idiots? (If that's not the case, I feel sorry for you as much as I do me)
Anyway, onto the game. I thought you completely played us off the park in the first half. The first time under Lambert that we have been outclassed like that, so credit where it's due. Despite having a couple of chances in the first half, it really was mostly one-way traffic. Really not sure how we went into half-time level but was obviously delighted. I think everyone down my street knew we'd taken the lead because I really wasn't expecting it so couldn't contain myself as I screamed "YES! GET IN!" From our perspective, it's a shame we conceded the equaliser because we would have been in a very strong position BUT it would have been incredibly harsh on you had you not taken at least a point from the game. All in all, it sounded a very entertaining game and one both of us can take plenty of positives from.
Good luck for the rest of the season (not at our expense of course!) and I really hope we both go up - our games never seem to be boring.
Haha we did the "Who are you" in response to yours I think! We do it often though when teams come here and aim to annoy ...
And I agree yeh, I thought you'd be pleased going in at half time 1-1!!! It was a very entertaining game to be fair, and yes an alright result - providing we beat Barnsley at home on Tuesday.
I was annoyed to see Leicester sneak a win last night... and Im also worried about Swansea away next Saturday.
Personally I think we'll both be playoffs with Forest and QPR going up.
If that's the case I reckon Cardiff will get the 3rd promotion place, as we fail in playoffs, and I think they're stronger than us and swansea in a one off big game.
Same to you. Cheers for the comment!
Detailed, intelligent and insightful report. Much appreciated from the sunny side of the planet. Mind you, 27 degrees is a bit on the warm side, especially when it's in centigrade.
Great report of an exciting match. It's a bit of a cliche for managers to describe their own teams goals as well worked, skilful efforts, and those conceded as unnecessary defensive lapses, but it did feel like that against Norwich. No one marking Lansbury for the first and the usual confusion around the box for the second. Maybe it's time for the old Kop cry of 'attack, attack, attack' to change to 'defend, defend etc'
Cheers for rubbing in the weather wherever you are, we had snow yesterday...!
And I reckon just give up entirely on trying to defend and play like Keegan's Newcastle (even more so) the score one more goal than you philosophy seems the only one likely to work really!
I can see by the site Analytics that a Norwich fans forum has this posted somewhere. Norwich fans - your thoughts on the game?
City fan in peace,
Have to say that is the most accurate report of any match I've ever read! We were extremely fortuante to be 1-1 at half time but I came away slightly annoyed that we conceded so soon after getting ahead. I really felt we would be able to score again once we got 2-1 up by hitting yopu on the counter attack. City didn't play particularly well, mainly due to Leeds playing very well themselves but a point was a great result for us and hardly a disaster for Leeds.
I hope we both meet again, at Wembley in May!
Thanks for that comment! Made my day, especially since you're a City fan and this is essentially for Leeds fans. And i'd echo that it was a good point for you. You'll beat Donny they're woefully short on personnel, and it leaves us needing to beat Barnsley - who beat us 5-2 earlier this season, albeit with Adam Hammill and with us not having the same back line (including Schmeichel who was injured). With Swansea on sat, away, we need to be looking at 4 points. I don't like the look of Leicester creeping up on us.
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