2 Month Update
Results - August
We have just hit the 1st October, and I thought i'd give you guys an update on how our first 2 months have paned out.
Leeds 1 - 2 Blackburn - Mo Besic
Blackburn came out the blocks very fast, they played with a 4 - 4 - 1 - 1 and soaked the pressure very well playing very defensive. They took the lead on 44 minutes, right before the break. We then equalised through Mo Basic on the hour mark with a fantastic goal from 25 yards. After chasing a winner, we were beaten by a set piece on 86 minutes, Charlie Mulgrew rose highest to head in from 6 yards.
I was disappointed with this result, but had to look at the positives, 61% possession, majority of the ball being used in the final third. David Raya was excellent.
Charlton 1 - 2 Leeds - Kalvin Phillips, Jack Clarke
A nice win. I fielded 6 changes to the starting 11, most notably introducing Jack Clarke into the side. We found ourselves 1-0 up after 3 minutes through Phillips, we then added to our lead through Clarke on 55 minutes, before Charlton scored a consolation deep into injury time, again from a set piece.
Leeds 3 - 1 Tranmere - Clarke, Roofe, White
Carabao Cup first round win, as expected but proved important in gaining momentum.
Leeds 3 - 1 Luton - Ayling, Garcia, Clarke
Much better performance as a whole, lots of chances created, attacking football, 3 great goals. Jack Clarke is on fire.
Fulham 3 - 1 Leeds - Harrison
Difficult game today, we enabled Fulham to control the game following their 30 yard free kick from Seri on 11 minutes. They looked the more likely to score, and an error from Michael Hector gifted them a goal before half time. We came out fighting second half, and Harrison scored a great solo goal, beating 3 men before lofting the keeper. this wasn't enough as Fulham caught us on the counter whilst we were pushing for an equaliser. A real lesson learnt for me.
Bristol City 2 - 2 - Leeds - Kemar Roofe x2
I was happy with this, Bristol City, as always under Lee Johnson, very good with the ball, and use the pace of wingers Weimann and Paterson very well. We trailed within 20 minutes but equalised 2 minutes later, Stephen Kingsley assist, Kemar Roofe header. We then took the lead with 10 minutes to go, another Kingsley cross, and Roofe header. Just as i thought we had a great win in the bag, Marlon Pack scored a fantastic free kick on 90 minutes.
West Ham 1 - 1 Leeds (Leeds won on penalties) - Clarke
A strange game. There was nothing in it until 87 minutes when Jack Clarke brilliance put us 1 - 0
up. He looked fantastic all game, and weaved his way through the West Ham backline before smashing it home. We quickly changed mentality, but conceded in the 95th minute when Obiang drilled home from inside the box as a corner was slashed clear from Hector. The game went to a shoot out where Casilla was the hero, a well deserved win.
Player of the month
A very easy decision for me. He came in for the Charlton game after impressing for the u23's. Since then he has taken the first team by storm, scoring 4 goals from 5 starts in August. This was rewarded with a new 3 year deal at Elland Road, a real talent.
September results
Leeds 3 - 1 Sheffield Wednesday - Jack Clarke, Che Adams, Stephen Kingsley
great result for us, fantastic build up for the goals, Steve Bruce was very critical of us before the game, so it was great to give them a nice warm welcoming. Clarke continuing his fantastic form, Che Adams finally scoring, Kingsley proving to be a shrewd signing.
Leeds 2 - 0 Wigan - Adams, Hernandez
Very professional victory, the squad look to be gelling and there is a real good feeling emulating in the squad, Adams was excellent, Pablo Hernandez the wizard was fantastic as always. Ben White making a real name for himself, fans favourite, I've already made enquiries into making his loan permanent at the end of the season.
West Brom 0 - 2 Leeds - Adams x2
Superb, a very strong side, currently placed 3rd in the league. A midweek trip to the Hawthorns is never an easy trip, but we played with no fear, a very fluid attacking performance with Jack Clarke, Che Adams, Pablo Hernandez, Garcia and Basic all rotating making us very difficult to mark. Che Adams starting to show the form i know he is capable of, keeping Roofe rooted to the bench.
Derby County 1 - 1 - Leeds - Kemar Roofe
Another hard away game, Derby are young and like us, an attacking side, especially at home. We got off to a flyer scoring inside the first 15 minutes thanks to Roofe's cool finish when slipped through by Mo Besic. I'm content with the result, especially limiting Derby to only 3 shots at goal compared to our 9 on target. Unlucky not to come away with all 3 points.
Portsmouth 0 - 2 Leeds - Marvin Johnson, Klitch
Resolute and solid. Through to the next one which will be an exciting tie against Arsenal at Elland Road, atmosphere will be electric.
Leeds 3 - 3 Preston - Jack Clarke x3
First hat-rick of his senior career for our outstanding youngster, Clarke was about the only positive in the game in a very disappointing home showing. Defensively we looked slow and Hector's form took another knock back as he brought Harrop down twice in the area, awarding Preston two spot kicks, both put away. I am delighted to see club captain Liam Cooper back in first team training, he is just about ready to get back in the first 11.
Player of the Month - September
This could have very easily been awarded to Clarke for the second month running, but i think it is very important to recognise how good Kingsley has been for me. He has the highest average rating in the team, as well as the joint most assists. He is a real asset to our squad and is keeping Alioski and Douglas at bay for now.
League Table
We currently sit in 6th place in the Sky Bet Championship, having played 10 games. We have won 5, drawn 3, and lost 2.
Performance Review
As i previously mentioned, this is very much a transitional year for us, i am delighted with our current league position, i want to build a side that is capable of being able to continue playing to our own identity in the Premier League instead of having to change to a more defensive mindset. Promotion is not an essential for me this season, but of course, I'd be delighted with any opportunity to grasp it. Summer signing Hector is struggling, he has made no less than 4 key errors leading to opposition goals, something that needs addressing immediately. We have a long road ahead of us, but things are really falling into shape with how I want us to play.
Let me know your thoughts so far. I will be back to give you the October and November results shortly.