Rooney gets away with off the ball elbow after more awful refereeing ... Fergie and Phelan jump to his defence

The country seems devoid of refereeing quality and common sense, especially when it comes to the "bigger sides" in the country. Anybody who saw Wayne Rooney's frankly disgusting off the ball elbow on Wigan's James McCarthy could have no argument or defence for Rooney's actions. If the rules have hindered the dealing with the incident, then they need looking at, this can't happen on a modern day football pitch.

Unsurprisingly, Man Utd. have come out in completely unjustifiable defence of their player, who despite his undoubted footballing prowess, has the ability from time to time, to lose his temper and show his nasty side a little too obviously.

Ferguson said: 

"There's nothing in it."

He then claimed the media where causing such a ruckus as Rooney is apparently a common target: 

"As it is Wayne, the press will raise a campaign to get him hung or electrocuted, something like that."

Fergie's puppet Phelan also made unbelievably hypocritical comments to diffuse attention away from Rooney:

"We can't dispute the referee's decision," 

"He's kept the game flowing and we're happy with that. 

"There should not be a witch-hunt. The referee was consistent with all his decisions. We should lie low a little bit and let the powers that be take [control of] the game." 

Suggesting there should be no "witch hunt" and that they should "lie low" in regards a refereeing decision is just laughable considering what would have happened if Rooney were on the receiving end of the elbow, or what happens when any key decision goes against Ferguson's men.

Referee Clattenburg, who followed up an awful performance as referee at Elland Road on Tuesday night, wrongly awarding us a penalty, said he saw the incident and took appropriate action, therefore nothing could be done. What a load of tosh. If he saw that, and that was his action, he should not be refereeing.

Even if he deemed it "appropriate action", there should still be a case for retrospective action, when the intent was clear for all to see. It could easily have resulted in injury for McCarthy and had he gone down in pain, instead of taking the blow, then you would have thought the outcome would have been different, as he made it look a lot less of an incident than the TV pictures showed it to be by staying on his feet, where others would have gone down.

John Hartson said on Match of the Day:

"How on earth you can defend that? Having seen those pictures, I do not know. We like the fact that Rooney gets stuck in, he's a really good footballer. But it's not about him. We are not singling him out here." 

His comments referring to consistency chime with many in the football world and journalists alike. The Telegraph's Henry Winter made several comments on Twitter:

"Rooney's frustrating. Great talent, great worker. Fairly grounded actually. But occasional blind spot. Elbow so stupid."

"Rooney great escape... another bad day for anaemic FA, again failing to govern the Wild West of football. Another bad day for ref credibility"

"So long, farewell, goodbye to the FA Respect campaign. Where's the Respect when one pro elbows another and the FA does nothing?"

Beckford's Forde Elbow

This inconsistency is well known to Leeds fans, after Beckford was retrospectively banned for a similar off the ball elbow on David Forde of Millwall, who was provoking Jermaine and clouted him in the head just prior to the outburst. The referee dealt Jermaine a yellow for the incident, which should mean the end of it, but he claimed he did not see the elbow, thus Jermaine was banned.

If Clattenburg saw the elbow and dealt with it by not doing anything bar awarding a free kick, he should not be officiating. If he didn't see it, why didn't he say so in his post match report and thus allow appropriate action?

You also have to wonder what action would have been taken if Barton, Smith or Diouf for example had done the same ...

Swansea 3-0 Leeds ... Leeds suffer at the hands of Swans and Sinclair

The end of a key week for Leeds ended in disappointment, not just because of the Swansea result, but because of points we'd thrown away in the two games prior to it. Had Leeds capitalised and taken the three points they'd deserved against Norwich and Barnsley, there was no way that the second automatic spot would now be so far out of our reach, with a dozen or so games remaining. A week ago Leeds fans were following the results of Forest, Cardiff, Swansea, Norwich and even QPR to see where our rivals had slipped up. Now, Leicester are really the only team we should be concerned with as our fate, regards the second automatic spot, is well and truly out of our own hands. Leicester again slipped up, and Leeds again in this
regard at least were let off.

It would be a lie to say there is not a tinge of disappointment at this reality, but looking back on expectations pre-season, it has to be said that we've achieved more than anyone could have hoped and a chance of promotion in any form will be a good achievement. The fact is, after getting away so many times with throwing points away and a poor defensive record, it has cost us one too many times to realistically have remained in the automatic hunt - despite what Simon Grayson has said:

"There's 12 games to go and there's still an awful lot of points to play for," 

"If people want to write us off that's up them, but we've lost two in 21 and now we're challenging the players to maintain that."

It is good, at least, to see that in adversity Simon is trying to instill a desire in his squad and reiterate to everyone that this result does not constitute the end of Leeds' season. This is far from the case. We're on a fantastic run. It's just hard to remember that run with the amount of times we've shot ourselves in the foot.

We never once had a grasp on this game. Despite this, Davide Somma fluffed a one on one, and struck a free header against the bar. When you see him of all people missing guilt edged chances, you feel the game is lost. Simon Grayson said post match "what a good side Swansea are" but tried too much to pin a woeful performance on a refereeing howler (twice in two games for us from a Premier League referee), rather than focus on his and the team's shortfalls on the day:

"But we had two great opportunities at 1-0. Dave Somma had a header which hit the bar and we had a blatant penalty decision which I don't know why it wasn't given. That could have changed the game. 

"In the end we didn't deserve anything and the result shows you what a good side Swansea are, but at 1-0, if you get the penalty or the ball goes in, we all know we have players who are capable of winning games and we would have had a platform."

No one who saw the highlights was in any doubt that it should have been a penalty but it would have far from changed a game that we were completely outclassed in, mirroring the Cardiff defeat at Elland Road earlier this season. We're showing an aversion to Welsh sides at the moment! Not being the one in charge of motivating and encouraging our squad as Grayson is, Eddie Gray spoke more realistically on the Swansea game and echoed the same thoughts.

Injury ravaged Doncaster visit Elland Road next, and this surely now becomes our most vital game this season if we are to embark on another run and as we aim to consolidate our play-off position, at least.

Formation and Selection

As soon as the lineup became clear I had an awful feeling about the following 90 minutes. I'd said in the Match Preview that in a 4-4-2 we'd be over-run and too lightweight. Anybody who knows Kilkenny's style of play would be able to tell you that as part of a two man central midfield, the above eventuality would occur and I can't believe that Simon Grayson didn't feel like that would be the case as he decided to replace the integral Johnson with Somma and opted for the formation change. Sure enough, within probably five minutes everyone could see this happening. We couldn't have dreamed of coping with Swansea's pace and incisiveness without our preferred formation and without anyone in front of the back four with the purpose of harrying and breaking down plays. This allowed Dobbie, Sinclair and Dyer freedom to run at our back line with a lack of personnel there to come across and support.

What surprised me more is Simon's unwillingness to revert to a 4-5-1 when we spent 40 painful first half minutes chasing the ball. The players were there to allow us to do something different and watching the game you can't fathom how Simon didn't feel a change was necessary. This is not a bash at Grayson, who I believe to be one of the best managers below the top division. It was just odd to think that what I and most Leeds fans saw happening either Grayson didn't see or didn't feel he could change. Snoddy could have played in behind Becchio and Sam or Watt out wide - with Kilkenny and Howson deep for example. There are many variations of the above that could have occurred and I feel, would have stemmed the flow in regards Swansea's dominance of the game in the absence of a ball winner in Bradley Johnson. 

Another example of this was watching George McCartney failing to cope with Dyer for the majority of the game. By the time Simon deemed McCartney ineffective against the Swansea winger it was 3-0 and Parker came on in desperation. Again, how he didn't see this earlier and think it couldn't have been worse to give Parker a chance in his place, I do not know.

Rather than changing anything of note, we therefore spent the next 90 minutes chasing shadows and were in the end completely outplayed for only the second time this season.

The Game

Swansea started like a team possessed. As I said above, the first five minutes really set the tone for what would go on to happen through the rest of the game. We couldn't get a grasp on the ball and within minutes Swansea had hit the post. Dyer managed to pick out Dobbie after little resistance from McCartney and the Scot wriggled free to arrow a shot low against the upright before Leeds managed to scramble the ball away for a corner. 

What followed was a continuation of Swansea pressure and this reaped a succession of corner kicks. Each one had me tearing my hair out. On two occasions, a Swansea runner from the edge of the box was not picked up by anybody and a low ball was allowed to find the man for a free effort on goal. It is this kind of defending that has cost us all season and I was surprised it didn't lead to an opener. 

What struck me was Swansea's utter patience in the build up of an attack. The centre backs for example would stride forward and play a pass out wide. It was always a simple pass and they didn't need to offload the ball to someone like Kilkenny who comes deep to collect off of Bruce or O'Brien. I am certain both of our centre backs would be capable of this simplistic but effective method and really showed Kilkenny up, as our "best passer of the ball" came to collect of Bruce only to pass back to O'Brien or Schmeichel for the long punt up field. Just one of the reasons I felt Kilkenny might as well have given his place in the starting lineup to any of the traveling support as at least they'd have a little more effort about them.

On 13 minutes, their opener did come and for anyone watching it, it was undoubtedly a goal of some quality. Sinclair was played the ball in space, evading the attentions of Lichaj and Snodgrass who were caught napping higher up the pitch. He cut simply inside to play a one two with Luke Moore who held off the attentions of out centre back before back-heeling into the path of the untracked Sinclair, who bent the ball wonderfully into the corner of the net. Despite a despairing lunge by one of our players on the edge of the box, a succession of backing off allowed Swansea to waltz forward and dispatch despite a sea of blue shirts. Poor defending but well worked.

I would love to say: "and after this wake up call, Leeds pressured and put Swansea on the back foot." We didn't. It was Swansea again who pressured and Dyer made McCartney very look average at best as George showed a masterclass in backing off. His run took him past Gradel as well who had done most of McCartney's defending up until this point, and Dyer managed to get a shot away that Kasper bundled behind from the near post. From just about this point you could see it was going to be a long 90 minutes.

The next Swansea effort in an early barrage was a Dyer shot, unmarked from another Gower corner. As in earlier crossing opportunities we'd switched off completely and failed to deal with their livewire attacking players. Mercifully, the shot was blocked on the line. 

It took us about twenty minutes to have an attempt at goal of our own, a relatively tame one that was pretty comfortable for De Vries from Robert Snodgrass, who perhaps should have looked to find another Leeds man after good solo work down the right.

Alex Bruce and the Leeds management were left flabbergasted when the Leeds defender found himself in the book for what looked like a good tackle on Dyer. Despite the Swansea player half turning, Bruce got the face of his boot to the ball and clearly diverted the ball away. Mr Dowd. had words with Grayson and would do little to impress the Leeds boss a few minutes later...

On 41 minutes, Snodgrass was one on one with the Swans left back for the first time in the game. He is a danger from these positions. He weaved in from the right flank after twisting past two men. Snoddy worked space for a shot and drove goalwards. Swansea skipper Tate leant into the ball with his arm, on the referee's blind side and got away with what replays showed to be a stone wall penalty, striking the centre back just above the elbow. Swansea's official match report turns a blind eye by stating it hit Tate on the "chest area" but pictures showed otherwise. The linesman bottled the chance to help the referee out and instead called Dowd over to book Kilkenny for protesting. Premier League standard officiating at its very best. I am still left wondering if this country does have any capable officiators at all. As I said above, in the grand scheme of things, I don't believe this would have had any effect on the outcome of the game, unless Simon had edited our lineup and formation.

This adversity seemed to be the spark for a Leeds spell of pressure as Swansea were forced to spend the final few minutes of the first half on the back foot. A good ball in from Kilkenny from a Leeds free kick found Somma in space and the lethal striker contrived to miss a good opportunity and headed the ball flush against the bar, when perhaps he should have done better. Had the ball fallen to Becchio's forhead the outcome may have been different. 

I didn't have the feeling we'd turned the game but I got the impression that this spell had Simon believing, despite 40 minutes of, for want of a better phrase, having our arses handed to us. Reverting to the 4-5-1 would have been a better ploy to cope with Swansea's midfield dominance but that did not occur. We could have sneaked in level at half time and 1-0 most certainly flattered us.

Minutes into the second half McCartney was booked for a tackle on Dyer. He just couldn't cope with his direct style of play and when Gradel wasn't there to do his tackling for him, the result was defensive cowardice or inability as he backed off indefinitely and often into the heart of the box or fowled the tricky winger.

Dyer had a free header that fell into the arms of Schmeichel, and on the 53rd minute Swansea were awarded a penalty, rightly in my opinion despite some arguing post game by Grayson. McCartney again backed off and backed off (to the extent that he may as well have been sitting on the front row of the Leeds support) leaving Gradel to track the flying Dyer, when the winger cut inside Gradel was forced to do something and put a foot in, fouling Dyer on the cusp of the penalty box. First contact was probably outside but the contact that felled the winger was probably inside. McCartney's cowardly defending was just embarrassing and it was unfortunate that Gradel was the one that gave away the penalty, as he at least had the balls to make an effort to stop Dyer.

Sinclair easily stroked the ball home to Schmeichel's bottom right. 2-0 and easy, so it looked.

Leeds though almost struck within a few minutes. Somma timed his run beautifully to arc through on goal from a central position. The ball bounced awkwardly however and wouldn't sit right for a clean strike. Instead of cutting the ball to his right or left after a good first touch, he opted to try and lob De Vries who just stood still and stuck an arm up to tip the ball comfortably over the bar. Again, when Somma misses a chance like this, you know it isn't going to be Leeds' day.

On 61 minutes, Grayson finally deemed a change necessary. It was Sanchez Watt on for Becchio, who looked to me as if he was playing in behind Somma. Initially he looked lively and brought Swansea's first booking with a foul from Angel Rangel. Ironic cheers aplenty, as Swansea had escaped on a couple of occasions prior to this while Leeds had received a few cards for similar offences.

Schmeichel was forced into a wonderful save to prevent the game from completely escaping us, with a full stretch tip round the post from a Gower free kick. Again, this followed from a foul on Dyer who we just couldn't cope with all game. Any pace or trickery and Leeds struggle defensively. I was surprised Pratley didn't start or get a look in as his running would have been a further threat, although with Sinclair and Dyer they hardly needed more impetus.

A quickly taken free kick almost saw Somma latch onto a through ball, but De Vries beat him to it and immediately set Swansea off on the counterattack. Dyer was allowed to run the right flank for the umpteenth time in the game and played a ball into Moore who was back to goal on the edge of the box. Howson had tracked his runner but Kilkenny could be seen casually trotting back in the centre circle whilst Dyer had the ball. This meant that no one had picked up Dobbie 25 yards out who played a nice reverse pass back to Moore who'd burst into the box and beaten the offside trap. He slid comfortably past Schmeichel who go the faintest of touches to the ball. If Kilkenny had tracked the run of Dobbie, the goal wouldn't have occured. Simple as. Awful.

Too late in the day, the inept McCartney was replaced by Ben Parker and Paynter came on for Snodgrass. How Kilkenny had remained on the pitch I have no idea. I can't remember anything of note he did in the game and is failing to show any worth in this side since he came back from an Asia Cup tournament where he played about thirty minutes in total.

There were no further guilt edged chances for the final fifteen minutes that Leeds fans provided a backdrop to. Swansea's exhibition passing and Leeds lack of interest was played out with the soundtrack of "we all love Leeds" as the fans showed their usual spirit despite nothing to cheer about on the pitch. Andy O'Brien today acknowledged this undying support "We've got a responsibility. People paid a lot of money to come down to Swansea and we should have done better." and that is something at least. Hopefully the rest of the players have his attitude and want to repay us for a costly trip to Wales in both a monetary sense and in an on the pitch sense as they look to be the current best bet to nick the second automatic spot. What I'd like to know is do George McCartney and Neil Kilkenny feel the same way as O'Brien? Scapegoating is dangerous but it was plain to see what was faulty in that performance.

The Players

Schmeichel did what he could and kept the score respectable with some good stops. He wasn't at fault for any of their goals. Defensively as a whole, the team suffered for the lack of athleticism in midfield and importantly the presence of Johnson to shield the back four. Bruce and O'Brien similarly did what they could, with Bruce making several key blocks and tackles. Lichaj was nondescript really but wasn't particularly culpable during the game.

As has happened several times in recent weeks, the left side of Leeds United's back four was targeted and George McCartney has to step up his game defensively as he's been directly at fault for at least three of Leeds' concessions in the past three games. His alarming tendency is to hide behind Gradel's willingness to track and hassle wingers, often tucking too far inside and sitting too close to Bruce. Dyer beat him at all but one opportunity and McCartney's invitation for the winger to blaze into the box at every opportunity was duly taken, and resulted directly in a penalty. I've never seen someone back off so much in one game, and I feel Andy Hughes may have been watching thinking "is that my replacement...?"

As I said in my post match thoughts, it was a "masterclass in defensive cowardice" and I think that phrase sums it up perfectly. If McCartney is going to continue to hide his Premier League quality, that at one point in his career gave him a value of £4.5M to Sunderland, then Ben Parker has to return - if no other reason than his desire as a Leeds boy. 

I would struggle to say anything about the midfield unit other than it was not helped by the choice of a 4-4-2. It was overrun and spent the entire game chasing the ball. Gradel was the only man who came out with any credit as he never gave in the running and put in his all, no doubt feeling culpable for giving the penalty away - which I blame squarely on McCartney anyway.

Kilkenny Rant

As promised in my post match thoughts, I'll single out Neil Kilkenny. I've tried to be measured about him in the past three match reports as I've seen shortfalls in each and to be honest, this entire season he's just been annoying to watch, so here comes a rant. Leeds have had most success in a 4-5-1 which happened to mostly include Neil Kilkenny as part of that midfield. I don't believe Kilkenny had much at all to do with the success that we have had with that formation as he adds nothing of note to the side, and hasn't done since Beckford has left. He thrived on cutting through balls to Jermaine who was someone who appreciated the incisive passing from midfield to run onto, since he's left, Kilkenny has been ineffective at best and on more than this occasion, he might as well have not been on the pitch.

The reason the 4-5-1 has succeeded is because of the extra deep lying player, it could be anyone, allowing Howson to break free behind the striker and score and create goals himself. Kilkenny is nothing like instrumental in this formation and a midfielder who can only pass, in such an important area in front of the defence, is of little use and when he plays we are exposed by runners from midfield.

He is astronomically lazy/unfit, and is unwilling to track anybody, leaving all the work in this case to Howson. He cost us a goal, in Swansea's third, and caused us to be on the back foot several times by missing interceptions, tackles and failing to track back. It is awful to watch someone trotting around when there is a man in open space and posing a threat. Even with a five man midfield, the defensive work of Kilkenny is just none existent and I'm sick to death of it.

Another part of his game that annoys is his soaking up of Leeds counter-attacks. He'll recieve the ball with space to run into and runners ahead. Instead of picking a quick pass to break against the opposition who are short staffed at the back, he stands near stationary looking around for a ball, that has tended to end up as a simple on leaving you wondering why he took so long to pick it. His unwillingness to carry the ball, although possibly under orders from Grayson, further frustrates as it acts as a sponge for any counter-attacking play. If he won't run with it and keep an attacking momentum I wish he'd at least pick a pass quickly and play it with purpose to keep a move dangerous. Eight times out of ten, the opposition get players back and the chance is wasted.

He is apparently in the side for this "passing ability" but again, it just isn't there. Granted he got an assist against Barnsley but it wasn't a piece of genius or inspired Xavi-style passing, it was a deep cross, that McCartney, Johnson and in fact I could probably have pulled off. It didn't take vision or an unbelievable amount of skill and doesn't make him special and exempt from running or doing defensive work. 

Coming to fetch the ball from a centre back usually results in the ball being played back to the other centre back, Schmeichel or perhaps Howson - he linked up the play well last time out for about thirty minutes and then drifted into obscurity, but again it isn't passing that I couldn't see someone like Nunez doing, who although an attacking midfielder, would be more use than Kilkenny in the deep lying role due to him having a bit of willingness to move and being physically up to it with a bit of stamina and pace.

I'll get stick for this criticism, I know it, but I can't believe the praise he's got all season as for me, he's been poor at best. TheScratchingShed called him a "luxury". That implies that he is of use, he brings some benefit, but isn't necessary. I don't think he can even be classed as that. Currently the rest of the midfield just have to carry him through a game and cover for his shortfalls and he is bringing little to nothing. How Jonny Howson has got more stick for going "in and out of games" or being "anonymous" I really don't know, as Howson at least puts himself about, even if he isn't having the best of days.

Playing Kilkenny as part of a midfield two was suicide, I thought it would be and it was. It is obvious how inadequate the midfield would have been with only one player effectively able to run with any conviction and stamina. It is as basic as that for me, he isn't physically up to it. Too small, too slow, too weak, too easily tired. His benefits to the team are far outweighed by his shortfalls.

Rant over.

The strikers did their best with very little service and Somma should have perhaps scored at least one, either way the game was lost in my opinion so it's probably irrelevant to bother.

To Sum Up

The game was lost when the teamsheet was clear. Tactically wrong, light in the midfield and worryingly, it showed how exposed we are without Johnson in the side. I know it was against a quality side, but we managed to beat them earlier in the season, and we could have achieved better had we done things differently.

It is a different feeling to that of the dominating defeat by Cardiff. I believe man for man, we're no worse than Swansea. Gradel and Snoddy could match up to Dyer and Sinclair in their effectiveness, Becchio is far better than Moore and Beattie, Schmeichel is a match for De Vries, O'Brien and Bruce for their centre backs etc. Cardiff have better players in several positions, so this hurts more and I believe has to do more with our set up and desire during the 90 than our lack of quality and being beaten "by the better side" although, on the day Swansea were surely that.

Lastly, we did indeed seem to lack desire and willingness. Swansea closed expertly, and we allowed them time and space due to an anemic midfield and their creativity. 

Where now from here?

We need to pick ourselves up and start again against Donny, as a win there is now vital to remain in a good run that has seen us lose two in twenty one outings, and stake our claim for the play-offs. Hopefully a loan midfielder at least will arrive this week to bolster our charge as we are worryingly short if one of them is suspended or injured or the midfield needs freshening up during a game, as we saw in Johnson's absence on Saturday.

Grayson

"We couldn't play the 4-3-3 wanted and I felt Davide deserved his opportunity,"

"Systems can be looked at too deeply at times because it doesn't stop you from getting close to people, making challenges, and passing well. Max Gradel can hold his head up high, but I'm not sure many more could."

"We're capable of going on a run. Just because we've lost we can't be ruled out - if people want to so be it - but we have a great opportunity.

"The players are capable of going on a run and we can get the results to secure a top-six place at the least."

"From the way we started there were no complaints,"

"We started poor, we didn't put them under pressure and when we had the ball we gave it away too easy."

The Support

Swansea were loud and proud, obviously due to their prowess on the field. Leeds fans were supportive until the last despite an awful on field performance. The last fifteen minutes of the game was played out with "we all love Leeds" from the typically steadfast supporters. We deserved better.

Man of the Match

Pretty embarrassing finding one for Leeds. Gradel if only for his unwilting effort. For Swansea it has to be Dyer for me, despite Sinclair's two goals, most of their attacks started with or came through him.

Swansea 3-0 Leeds quick thoughts ... Woeful.

Formation

Firstly I'll comment on the formation. Exactly what I feared, happened. Kilkenny and Howson were chosen as a midfield two against the pace and incisive passing of Swansea's five-man midfield. As anybody could have predicted we were overran with such ease it was just painful to watch. This was definitely not the time to roll out the four man midfield. Watt could have played in the hole, Bruce can be crowbar-ed in at defensive midfield and even Sam could have been used, with Snoddy playing in behind Becchio. Those who doubt Johnson's integral nature to the eleven were proven wrong.

Weak midfield and Kilkenny

I'll be sure to give a portion of my match review as a rant at Kilkenny because I don't know how any Leeds fan has rated him this season. He's not the reason the 4-5-1 succeeds and isn't behind any of our success himself, he adds little to nothing in all reality. The 4-5-1 succeeds just because there is an extra man in midfield, it could be anybody. This allows us to keep two players deeper and play Howson higher up the pitch behind Becchio. The 4-4-2 was never going to work today with Kilkenny's presence, his lack of athleticism and willingness to track costs us and gifted them a through ball for their third, Howson tracked his man, Kilkenny stood still and Dobbie ran alone to free Moore. Frankly, he might as well not have been on the pitch today the amount of times he failed to tackle, didn't bother tracking, and failed to show his reported passing ability.

McCartney 

Secondly, I'll single out George McCartney. Pre-match I'd called for him to provide a top drawer performance to be able to cope with Dyer. What we actually saw was a masterclass in defending cowardice as he backed off and backed off, leaving Gradel to do the tackling, and resulting in the gift of a penalty to the Swans. He had no answer for Dyer and knew his pace and trickery would cause him all kinds of issues. He's flattered to deceive and he's now been exposed. There will be calls for a Ben Parker recall, and with him at least we can guarantee an all effort performance for the shirt.

Display lacking desire

Lastly in this brief rant, the lack of sharpness, desire and running was worrying, bar Gradel, who put in more than his fair share as usual. The team failed to get tight to Swansea men as they consistently found space and passed round our undermanned midfield. They did this so well to us and left us without many ideas throughout the games entirety. Usually we don't suffer in the effort and commitment department and I believe it is more that we just couldn't cope with Swansea's incisive play and set up. Without a physical presence alongside Howson, or playing a 4-5-1 we were never going to contain them. It mystifies me as to why we didn't match them up as their dominance in possession began to show.

The penalty incident (despite it being stone wall) I doubt would have made a difference to us, Swansea were far too dominant. They managed 70% possession for example in the first half. We were just outplayed by the better side on the day for a combination of their brilliance - Sinclair and Dyer and our above shortfalls. Again though we were on the receiving end of Premier League quality officials and they were again woeful.

Where from here..?

Hopefully this is the spark of another good run as the first Cardiff game was, and hopefully the players will buck up, with the visit of injury hit Doncaster being the perfect chance to remedy this result. Before then, Simon needs to get the search for loanees stepped up as we have nothing to change the centre of midfield and nothing in the way of backup - he doesn't even feel as if he can play Sam/Watt with Snoddy in the hole and Kilkenny/Howson deeper. We are thin and with Leicester and their quality looming large, it is beginning to look ever so slightly ominous.

Swansea City - Leeds ... Preview

Tomorrow's game has the ability to make the past two games seep from the memory, as well as the ability to show us what the sum of our efforts this season will come to. A win for Swansea would be a stake through the heart of a Leeds push for second, leaving us eight points adrift of them with at best a -6 goal difference. It would also mean, more worryingly, we could be holding onto a playoff spot by goal difference alone... As the run-in commences, we're starting to see the demands increase with us drawing games a little more than would be liked, and others picking up wins and form. 

Luckily for us, our last two draws have not been disastrous. Leicester failed to capitalise, losing to Cardiff in midweek and Forest had a similar disappointment to ourselves in midweek, drawing at home with bottom side Preston. This has meant despite Leeds failing to win two games we should possibly have done, we're still in the pack - just in touch with second and clear of seventh. All this could change though with tomorrow's pivotal outing at the Liberty - a game which we can't lose if we are to keep any real hope of automatic promotion. Simon Grayson's YP interview revealed the boss has exactly the same thoughts on his mind -

“We know what’s at stake. It’s a big, big game – I think one of the deciding games of the season. We beat them early on and it was a great win. If we do that away from home, it’ll give us confidence to finish off the season.” 

The talk in the build up    to this game has been surrounding who's going   to come in, after Simon Grayson told us post match that he's looking to the loan market, possibly in time for the game on Saturday:

"It might be that something happens before the weekend, it might be that something happens next week. I'm looking at all our options."

As for anything actually happening, Grayson's latest comments aren't really encouraging and its a similar tone to what we heard in the January window:

“We’ve made a few enquiries and, as we stand, nothing’s come off,” 

“It’s simply because clubs want to keep their best players."

“I could sign an average player and make us no better but I’ve got players in the squad who are ready and desperate to step into the team, whatever system I play. Any signing needs to be a really good player and I’m prepared to wait for one to become available.”  

4-5-1 or 4-4-2 and who comes in for Johnson? 

Onto the game then, and firstly the conundrum as to how we'll set up. We have seen Sanchez Watt used in behind Becchio at points this season, Scunny at home being the latest example and on Tuesday night he played as part of a midfield three with Gradel and Somma up top after Johnson's sending off. This would allow Simon to stick to a 4-5-1 with Kilkenny and Howson deeper. I would prefer this if we didn't manage to sneak a loanee in as the 4-4-2 with Howson and Kilkenny would be too lightweight and we'd be outrun in midfield with the likes of box to box Darren Pratley there to accelerate away from Kilkenny - who's better suited to playing as part of a three and lying deeper. 

What Johnson's suspension has highlighted is how light we are in this department. We've no one to come off the bench and step in if a centre midfielder is tired or under performing - we're forced into 4-4-2 if that's the case and its often Kilkenny that comes off for Somma in that instance. We could really do with someone of sufficient quality to replace Howson, Johnson or Kilkenny directly when they become tired later in games or we need a change of impetus - which is why a loan signing is imperative. I don't believe Simon currently rates either Nunez or Clayton enough to fill in for any extended period of time. 

Leeds Lapses 

Arguably more importantly than how the side set up is their concentration. Leeds can't hope go to somewhere like Swansea and give them anything in the way of lapses and hope to follow the score one more than you policy, as has been enforced this season due to our, at times, suicidal defending. Swansea are known for being defensively imperious and have in fact only conceded six at home this season. Then again, being the league's top scorers we may be able to test that stat somewhat. Grayson knows it means, however, that there won't be points on offer if three goals or more are yet again required to get something from the game and will be looking for the players to iron out their "sloppy mistakes":

“It’s frustrating because, when I look on the performances against Norwich and Barnsley, we probably deserved six points out of six. The players are frustrated with themselves and they’re frustrated with the sloppy goals they gave away but that shouldn’t detract from the way they performed.” 

Accountability 

What I'll be looking for tomorrow, aside from the result, is an accountability from defenders and the team as a whole and a willingness to work together to help iron out these errors. A shouter is what we seem to need and hopefully they'll get in each others ears if they lose their man or find themselves out of position. I don't think I can stand seeing McCartney skulk back to half way again with an expressionless face and slumped shoulders after any goal conceded. A little more passion and professional pride is definitely in order for some as the amount of goals conceded as a unit this season surely has to hurt. It's not just the back line, as Snoddy left Hill for their second on Tuesday - no one can switch off and the players have the capability and now have to help each other in a bid to achieve what their ability should tell us they're capable of - and that's becoming more solid defensively.

Swansea

Swansea's form has seen them unbeaten in the last seven since losing to Cardiff, undeservedly, at the hands of a piece of Bellamy class. This is the same run as Leeds are currently on except they have managed to win each of their last three. Of the last 18 points on offer Swansea have managed to gain 13, making them the second placed team in the form table, behind flying Leicester City. The last time I watched them play was the Cardiff game and they deserved at least a point. For long spells they managed to dominate possession and carve out a few gilt edged chances. Leeds are going to the Liberty at a tough time as far as Swansea's form goes, it is not going to be easy. 

Brendan Rodgers comes from a similar school of footballing philosophy as Simon Grayson does - preferring to go for the three points and exploit teams chasing games: "I've always been one that, even if you're winning the game and people might expect you to put on a defender, I'll put on a striker because the spaces open up". This has resulted in them drawing only five games this season, combined with their more solid defence they've found the gung-ho method does them proud. This could be encouraging for us to possibly steal something from the game in the later stages, if Rodgers doesn't deem a draw satisfactory. We have the players to unlock any defence in the league and if Swansea choose to play that game, we can make them pay. Rodgers will be just as aware of our prolific scoring record as our defensive frailties. 

Danger Men
 

Top scorer Scott Sinclair will be a huge threat for us tomorrow. His pace and trickery will be worrying throughout and his 14 goals speak for themselves. Space can't be afforded to him during the game and our defence has to be well shielded to any runs he may make with the ball directly at them. Ever willing midfielder Pratley will also be one to watch. Grayson apparently had his sights set on Darren in the January window with him being out of contract in the summer, and will surely know the qualities he'll bring to Swansea's side. Being a box to box player, he'll have to be tracked on any forays forward he makes as he has the capability to punish a side on the break with his athleticism. Nathan Dyer also has the ability to make the game a nightmare for Leeds' under-the-microscope left back, George McCartney. Also being a speed merchant, McCartney will be required to be on top of his defensive game.

Earlier this season... 

Leeds did manage an impressive win, coming from behind against them at Elland Road in the reverse fixture in September. It was an encouraging display but it was a game either side could have won, with both striking the woodwork and chances aplenty. Stephen Dobbie got their goal early on against the run of play whilst Johnson and Becchio put Leeds ahead midway through the second half.

 

Prediction: Swansea 3-1 Leeds

I couldn't be more pessimistic about this game given the last two I've witnessed - 4 extra points thrown away from what should have been deserved wins. Any optimism I had about our defence ironing out lapses has been drained from me until further notice and I can see Scott Sinclair causing all sorts of issues with his pace and undoubted quality. We need to be on top of our game to avoid only our third loss in what would be a 22 game run that's seen us take more points than any since October. Swansea's current form also dents my confidence, despite our impressive attacking display against fellow challengers Norwich. We do have the ability to cause them all manner of problems but it's not our productiveness up the field though that we're all worried about... Further back down the pitch we're error prone and currently worrying, possibly even more so for this crucial game, with the now integral Johnson missing.

I have no doubts Simon will play in an attacking way, there's very little chance of us going there to try and sit on a 0-1 or park the bus for a draw. If we can get a result here, which can happen if we're "on our day" defensively don't get me wrong, then it'll be a nice boost for the start of the run-in. If they prove they're capable here, with Swansea's current form, they should be capable anywhere and against anyone in this division.

Team News

Swansea

Defender Garry Monk (knee) and winger Andrea Orlandi (thight) miss out through injury.

Striker Stephen Dobbie could make a start after coming from the bench against Coventry in midweek to net their winner. He was the man who scored against us in a one-on-one with Higgs at Elland Road earlier this season.

Leeds

Johnson misses out due to a one game ban after a soft second yellow on Tuesday night courtesy of the Premier League's Mark Clattenburg.

Connolly still out with a hamstring issue.

Somma could be in line to start in Johnson's place, if Simon deems our centre midfield two strong enough, whoever they may be tomorrow depending on any (unlikely) loans.

4-5-1 with Watt in the hole and Howson in Johnson's role is my personal bet.

Grayson

Simon wants Leeds to show what they're all about in front of a packed Liberty Stadium and the TV cameras: 

"It's a big game, but they are all big ones,"

"We know what Swansea are all about. They are good footballers, have a good home record, and it's a great occasion for us to try and get a result and show people what we're about.

"Hopefully people aren't doubting us. We're in the shake-up. We've lost one game in 20 and to do that shows we have good players and that we're playing with confidence. Hopefully we can maintain that for the next 13 games.

"All we can do is concentrate on what we are going to do, and hopefully that will be three points on Saturday to take into Doncaster." 

Grayson also believes he and the squad can draw on last seasons experience and Swansea are the team under pressure, as we were at the back end of last season: 

"We know what it's like to be shot at — as we were last season — and with Swansea going up to second place after winning in midweek, they are the team now that's in that position," 

"We've got 13 games to go to make sure we get in the top six. Swansea are our promotion rivals and it's a game we're looking forward to and will be ready for.

"As a club and a group we can draw on the lessons we learned from last season.

"We saw the teams come from behind us last season when maybe there was less pressure on them, and that's a similar situation to us now.

"I'm not sure how many people expected us to be here at this stage of the season and because of that the pressure maybe isn't as a great on us as it is on some of the other sides around."

Grayson targets additions, Grella loaned to Swindon

Simon Grayson has been quoted post Barnsley as wanting to recruit perhaps as early as before the Swansea game. For any incoming player to be involved in a play-off campaign, I believe they have to be brought in on the 26th - which is this Saturday at the earliest. What we're likely to see is a centre midfielder the plug the hole Johnson has left with his one game ban, picked up on Tuesday night. We're still being linked with Michael Johnson from City, and he'd be a masterful signing and just what we need at this point of the season, being of undoubted quality. He may not be an all out physical centre midfielder that we've lacked all season long to break up opponents but he would be more than capable of adding to the first eleven, especially since without one of our current three mainstay midfielders we're a little light.

Simon has said:

"I've spoken to a couple of managers and we'll see what happens,"

"It might be that something happens before the weekend, it might be that something happens next week. I'm looking at all our options.

"If I don't do anything before the Swansea game, I have players who are more than capable of coming into the side."

If no-one comes in he could still retain the 4-5-1 by including Watt instead of Johnson and dropping Howson deeper, although it may be more likely the 4-4-2 will be enforced - with Somma hardly a bad alternative to a cobbled together five in midfield which would struggle without someone like Johnson to chase and break up the play.

It is also a quick turnaround from Simon who last week said that he was in no rush to improve the squad any, as he defended the clubs stance in the transfer window and tried to show faith in his current crop. It has been no secret, however that we're after improvements if they're out there that will offer a significant jump in quality - and have been seen scouting Johnson in a couple of City's behind closed doors matches in recent weeks.

Grella

Mike's gone to Swindon Town on a loan deal. It should be good for him after he opted against a longer spell at Carlisle to see if he could go elsewhere on loan in January. He needs the games and needs to prove his worth as he's a fair way down the pecking order here with Paynter and McCormack both ahead of him after Somma and Becchio.

Leeds 3-3 Barnsley ... Suicide again: Leeds lapses deciding fate

The Norwich game on Saturday was frustrating for Leeds fans and this was more of the same. This season's midweek misery is an unbelievable story. We're yet to win a game that hasn't been on a Saturday in the Championship and have taken four points from 27 available in midweek clashes in recent months. Clearly, this isn't good enough and as well as being inexplicable its a worrying stat for any possible play-off campaign that may or may not be to come, depending on how much we want to throw it away during the run in.

I thought pre-match that every Leeds fan would have earmarked the Barnsley clash as the one out of the three this week we must take three points from. With a tough trip to Swansea at the weekend, we're really in need of three points there now if we're to remain in touch with the automatic place that they currently occupy. A draw will do but could see Leicester come within a point of us should they get a win. Luckily for us, they didn't on Tuesday night - an already disappointing evening could have been worse I suppose.

The point of note for this report is that people have picked up on body language during this game in particular and I have to admit I've seen the same worrying signs. McCartney for one seems completely uninterested when we concede, and defensively he just doesn't look bothered and is often caught out of position. It surprises me that no one, bar Schmeichel, goes mad when we concede. Shoulders slump, and the look of feeling sorry for themselves is evident. That however, isn't good enough. No one seems to blame anyone, no one has a shout and no one seems to care who is accountable. Surely this is wrong? Players need to feel as if they have a job to do, and if they don't fulfill their role they need to be brought up on it.

The Game

Quickly onto the game then. Despite some kind chap selling me a ticket for 20 quid and saving me at least £6's worth of misery, the game still left a large vacuum as any encouragement about our current defensive issues has quickly left my system. I often say that we have the players, they have the ability and that is surely true - Cardiff wanted O'Brien for example but for all the ability that we do have, it's worth is eradicated by the sheer inability to concentrate for a full 90 minutes. The only time I've seen that this season is at the Emirates, and we were mighty. We just haven't produced anything like that solid defensive performance all season in the league, even during games where we managed a clean sheet against a poor attacking side. Lapses are our issue and there isn't much Simon can do about it. It's down to the players. They need to be professional and realise what they're doing and the mistakes they're making. Unfortunately, the learning process just doesn't seem to occur at all.

Simon decided to retain the 4-5-1 formation that brought us a point against Norwich despite me hoping for a Somma start this time... Kilkenny started the game well, he was able to find Howson in space with incisive passing up the pitch but as the game wore on, as on Saturday, he became ineffectual, due to his lack of any physicality and ability to move - he was overrun by the likes of Mellis and Trippier for Barnsley and bypassed - albeit with them having an extra man during the latter stages of the game. The 4-4-2 will be enforced on Saturday at Swansea and this is not the best time to showcase it. With Johnson banned and Kilkenny and Howson in the middle, we look awfully lightweight. Encouragingly Simon has said we're in the market to bring in a loanee before the weekend.

Anyway. The game could not have started any worse. A soft free kick was given away on the minute mark, on the right flank prime to swing into the box. Winger Trippier bent the ball in past the first man, McCartney, on the edge of the box, whose half hearted toe poke towards the ball did nothing to stop it entering the danger area. As it bobbled towards the back post, Haynes managed to tuck it back inside to be put home with ease on the turn by Shackell who poked into the roof of the net, with no Leeds man close enough or quick enough to react. It was as if they'd stopped in the changing room as they trudged back to the restart with Leeds fans left, swearing followed by a half hearted "we are Leeds" as if our lack of encouragement was at fault.

One thing we have done well defensively since the current back line has been established is play the offside trap and luckily we played it just right as the pacy Haynes ran free but was flagged. 

Despite Barnsley's early breakthrough, the game was far from in their control as we bounced back pleasingly with a spell of play pushing for the equaliser whilst keeping a fair amount of possession. After the battle of the first ten minutes, during which time we struggled to fashion and opening of note, we started to find our feet and compete with Barnsley - who were clearly up for it, and in the mood. Gradel was the first to impress in, especially with the help of McCartney who seemed to join him more that had occurred on Saturday. He had a headed chance that was saved comfortably, followed by a cracking free kick: About twenty-five yards out Gradel curled the ball expertly to goal, forcing Steele to scramble all the way across his goalmouth. The ball cannoned down off the bar onto what looked to me like the back of Steele's head and the ball bounced clear for a corner. Where the luck can go for us, it tends not to.

We continued to press and had another golden chance on about fifteen minutes. Gradel put the ball into the box and it was touched on by Snodgrass. The ball went high into the air with Luciano Becchio watching it all the way. He span, back to goal originally, to slice wide on the volley, with Steele onrushing, from the corner of the six yard box. I'd no idea how he'd missed. Normally those are "Becchio chances" even if they sometimes roll off his shin instead of off his boot. Barnsley were riding their luck here, and their keen support had gone quiet compared with the first five minutes celebrating their gift of a goal.

Becchio got another chance in the 23rd minute, though, and this time he couldn't miss. A short corner (usually I despair at the faffing that almost always leads to a waste) was played to Kilkenny, and back to Gradel, who was tackled. The ball then fell back to Kilkenny who swung the ball in deep to the back post. (It wasn't McCartney as many sites have claimed). Keeper Steele shouldn't have come and his missed punched allowed Becchio to rise above their left back to nod into the open goal. He, and we, were relieved.

The next chance was created with too much ease for Barnsley. The impressive Trippier laid a ball back to a midfielder who played a first time return for him to burn past McCartney who's Premier League experience went missing. The England U21 was sent free and put in a delightful ball all the way along the floor, across the six yard box. Somehow O'Connor failed to get a touch. Leeds fans were cursing the ease at which we were broken down and Barnsley should have been 1-2 up.

Kilkenny, who was pulling the strings and doing what we expect early on, linked up the midfield beautifully. He played a slicing pass into Howson, who was midway inside their half with plenty of space - it took the whole of their midfield out. Howson carried the ball well and managed to get a shot away, but it was comfortably saved. This is what we want to see of Kilkenny and it is what he is in the side for.

A minute later, we had a penalty -   off of Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg. From where I was sat, unobstructed to the incident and in line in the West Stand I thought he'd got it spot on. Hill was struggling with Gradel's burst into the box and dived in from behind, looking as if he caught Max's legs before getting any of the ball. I expected Clattenburg to give it, and he did. After the game however, Grayson said that it wasn't a penalty, and the referee started as he meant to go on in a game he ended up making a mess of, with several wrong decisions for both sides. Max confidently stroked home into the keeper's top left corner sending Steele the wrong way. 2-1 and on balance, we'd deserved it, especially including Johnson's shot from all of five yards somehow being deflected away with a combination of Steele and post just minutes later.

The Barnsley fans were deflated but surely felt they were far from out of it. Mark Robins would have been pleased though to get in at 2-1, after our pre half-time pressure.

This is the time where Grayson should reiterate that we need to be professional, hassle them whilst not getting out of position, watch the runners, mark men and pick the moment wisely to kill the game off whilst not getting caught out with too many upfield. We haven't done any of the above all season really, so I didn't expect us to carry it out this time either. I said to the chap who gave me my cheap ticket "is this going to be another game we need to score three to win?".

Within minutes of the restart, it was indeed a game we needed to score three to win. On the break, Tripper was again involved when he played Matt Hill in who drove low across Schmeichel to score. Lichaj had rushed out from right back to try and block Trippier's pass. He missed the block and left a gaping void for Hill to pierce, untracked as Snodgrass switched off momentarily. Hill had all the time in the world to hammer home, as no one could close him in time. Yet another lapse we're punished for.

It was almost as if Clattenburg had watched the replay of the penalty decision he had got wrong when he gave Johnson his second yellow for an innocuous shirt pull slide from behind on Mellis. What an unbelievable decision, especially in a derby, where leeway is usually given - it wasn't as if it was malicious, and Barnsley had got away with similar earlier in the game, and went onto get away with similar later in the game. The reason he went is because he rushed bringing out the yellow, forgetting that it was Johnson he'd earlier booked for accumulated fouls in the first half. As he saw Johnson walking away towards the tunnel (before Johnson himself stopped) he remembered it was his second yellow and got his red out. 

Had he realised it was Johnson he'd already booked I'm certain he wouldn't have sent him off, at least not for his first offence since his first booking. It made me wonder that if a supposed top flight ref was so shaky in his decision making and common sense, does this country have a pool of decent referees somewhere? Or are we devoid of any refereeing nous? Barnsley could feel equally aggrieved due to the penalty situation, but the sending off veered the game in their favour and won them their point anyway. Robins said: “It was a welcome respite when Johnson was sent off". And it clearly was, as Kilkenny and Howson along with the rest of our midfield struggled to cope in the enforced 4-4-1 most notably with Butterfield, Mellis and Trippier's trickery and pace.

Almost straight after this setback Leeds had a chance from a deep Kilkenny corner. Steele again struggled with Kilkenny's choice of delivery, this time opting to do nothing at all. Bruce rose at the back post but was leaning back and headed over with half the goal gaping and the corresponding half the South Stand willing it in.

With 25 minutes remaining, Simon remained true to his "all or nothing" style of play by bringing on Somma and Watt for Becchio and Snodgrass, who had looked tired and isolated with Lichaj still struggling to link up as well as Connolly tends to - although he improved this aspect of his game from the Norwich match.

Leeds went to a 4-3-2 formation with Somma dropping deeper and Gradel going up top. Shortly after these changes, the ball was bundled through to Gradel via Watt and he managed to cut inside two defenders to bend the ball into the bottom corner with a beautifully executed dipping effort. Despite adversity, Leeds had managed to claw ahead. Surely now we'd follow through and achieve a result despite the situation with fifteen minutes remaining?

Somma was impressive. He was crowbar-ed into a deeper role and linked up play well. Holding the ball up successfully and he managed to fashion a chance all of his own doing, with the shot deflecting behind for a corner after twisting the Barnsley defence one way then another on the edge of the box. Despite his effectiveness at playing deeper he never looks as much as a threat running from these positions - his goal threat gets massively depleted.

Leeds then proceeded to ruin another game and another chance of three points. Much more of this and we could be in for a hard and possibly disappointing end to the season with Leicester pressing us in the table. A cleared corner was never truly dealt with and Sanchez Watt fouled a Barnsley man on the edge of the box. He was going nowhere, and shooting into a packed box. The threat was minimal and the tackle suicidal. No need. Barnsley's main man, Trippier was there to step up and slot the ball home, when the free kick should have been a disappointing one hitting half way up the middle of the wall. Two Leeds men turned their backs and the ball left Schmeichel standing and annoyed as the side-footed effort tamely hit the back of the net. Schmeichel went spare. He belted the ball away, kicked the post and was shouting at himself for a good minute or so. This should have been aimed at the wall but they'd already trudged towards half way off with no-one being held accountable.

As the game headed towards it's end, Butterfield was their next most impressive player. His persistence and trickiness caused all sorts of issues for Lichaj and he managed to work space for dangerous crosses too many times. Lichaj should have been offered help more readily from a Leeds player to double up on him, as Barnsley did with Gradel and Snodgrass.

Five minutes were added on and Barnsley could have nicked it with Haynes being denied by a combination of Howson and O'Brien's committed but desperate defending. 

In the end it was a fair result but nothing like what we need to see defensively as multiple factors combined to give Barnsley their opportunities, which they duly took. They'll likely feel the same with Steele's flap and Clattenburg's penalty flop, however I'd fancied us to score three before the game one way or another and with our chances just before half time we were definitely unlucky - hitting the woodwork twice. What's worrying is its another game we'd had to score three goals to get anything from. Luckily we're scoring for fun, enabling us to bail out some terrible team defending.

The Players

Starting with Schmeichel and the defence then. I'd said a few weeks ago I was impressed at the harmony between Schmeichel, Bruce and O'Brien. This was nowhere to be seen on Tuesday evening, as Bruce's lower back will testify to after Schmeichel crashed into him to punch clear. Communication again seems an issue with a scrappy first goal where the delivery just wasn't dealt with, nor was the lay back. Schmeichel seems to communicate enough after we concede but he should channel his anger more towards the defence when we're under pressure. They obviously need telling and they need to feel accountable for their failures. 

Technically, O'Brien and Bruce were good. Tackles well executed and heading well executed, as well as positionally. Worryingly, Lichaj came out kamikaze style and left a gaping space for their second and McCartney was caught out time and again by their play. He was at fault on Saturday and was again at fault several times on Tuesday evening. He has a worrying tendency to creep well inside alongside Bruce leaving acres of space for them to run into where he should actually be stood. He also seems worryingly willing to let Gradel do a large amount of his defensive duty and tackling. 

In my opinion, McCartney has seemed lax in recent weeks - seemingly uninterested entirely in defending and goals that come about due to his personal mistakes have no obvious effect in his body language. I fail to see any disappointment or anger when we score through his fault or the fault of others. I had this feeling when he came originally on his month's loan. When this was extended he seemed to put a shift in, but since it was extended in January the same impression of not really being fussed defensively has shone through. Going forward I've no complaints, its the eagerness to defend and defend well that worries me. He isn't currently showing his Premier League experience in the slightest at the back. Many more mistakes and Parker is worth a go.

In midfield, Kilkenny again started well but became a passenger. Good passing early on was masked later in the game by his inability to track and stop a run as well as break up a move in the tackle. He was desperately inadequate as part of a midfield two and if we don't get anybody in on loan I really fear for our midfield at Swansea in Bradley's absence. 

Johnson was key prior to his sending off. He competed well as he has done for a long time now and was effective at stopping many Barnsley moves. His physical presence is a breath of fresh air in our midfield, it is also critical to our success. 

Howson was impressive again. He thrives further forward and orchestrated the early parts of our forays forward, after often being picked out in acres of space in front of Barnsley's back line.

Snoddy had an okay game but did look a little tired. A lack of support from Lichaj on Saturday had taken its toll as well as his constant willingness to track and run. He broke clear once when he anticipated a bouncing ball but nothing came of it.

Gradel was the key winger, blinding in his effort and ability to create as well as finish. He was backed up well by McCartney and was able to create havoc for Barnsley's defence on more than a few occasions with pace and quick feet. He acted well as an outlet for our longer ball play as well. Barnsley's right back got caught out by him and a lobbed ball a couple of times.

Watt didn't really do anything of note after he replaced Snodgrass, bar give a free kick away unnecessarily that they went on to score from. 

Becchio was good and deserved his goal. Strangely for him though he got nothing in the air, due to McShane's presence - commanding as it was - at the back. He played better to his strengths later in the game when he chose to come short and flick on headers rather than aim for a static flick on or knockdown, where he was constantly beaten. This was another game though, where he got nothing from the referee. Arms round his waist, pulling on his waist, shirt and neck, pushing in the back... none of it got noticed for the second game of note in a row. I spent all Saturday afternoon watching Grant Holt win multiple free-kicks from the same sort of things, and it is harsh on Luciano. He used to go down too easily and the referees tended to see through it and it seems he can't win as when he tries to remain on his feet and gets battered from pillar to post, he still gets absolutely nothing from the officials.

Davide Somma did what he could, and still managed to look a threat despite acting at times as a wide midfielder or added central midfielder due to us having only three in midfield after Johnson's departure. He showed good touches and willingness but could do little as when he did have an opportunity it was a run from something akin to 40 yards and he was expected to do far to much on his own.

To Sum Up

We need to cut these lapses out and players need to communicate better to each other, whether that's organisationally or to rollock each other when a mistake is made. To put our appalling defensive record into perspective, Swansea have conceded only six at home this season in the league where we've let 29 in. It's quite frankly embarrassing, and worrying for Saturday's encounter at the Liberty - where three points is pretty necessary, and not losing is a must.

For our enforced 4-4-2 to succeed on Saturday we need a midfielder in. Swansea and Pratley will expose Kilkenny terribly.

Grayson

"It was a great opportunity to get three points against a team who are dogged and hard working, and it was a game we should we have won.

"We started poorly, conceded an early goal, then got back in it. We scored a another great goal through Max, then we made another mistake with their equaliser near the end.

"The wall is there for a reason at a free-kick and one or two turned their backs on it. If he puts it over the top I have no problem with that because it is good quality, but he puts it straight through the wall and into the middle of the net, and it's 3-3 and two points dropped."

"We don't want to be scoring three or four goals to win games," 

"Barnsley, even playing against 10 men, never cut us open or played through us. They were goals we could eradicate. It's people staying with runners and not turning their backs in the wall. They could have been stopped.

"But it's one of those things. We'll start preparations for the weekend. We've got 13 games to go to make sure we get in the top six. Swansea are our promotion rivals and it's a game we're looking forward to and will be ready for."

The Support

It was pretty poor, as has been the case of late although the on-pitch action didn't do much to encourage the fans, who probably felt as if they were banging their heads against a brick wall. Barnsley went mad for their first but were quiet right until their second, due to our relative dominance of the chances on the field. They persisted with "we all hate Leeds scum" chant when in general we couldn't give one about them which most teams tend to do thinking as if its some form of insightful goading. In reality, its pretty boring when every team in the land comes to Elland Road and sings it just for the sake, less baffling for Barnsley obviously, more odd from the likes of Norwich.

Man of the Match

It's got to be Gradel. He scored a deserved brace and combated well defensively, doing a lot for McCartney down the left flank. His second was a peach and he's fast becoming hot property and probably the form player in the league. Trippier would have got it had this not been a segment for a Leeds player. He was brilliant and had a hand in the first two goals, as well as scoring the third. They'll miss him next season if they can't get him on a more permanent basis.