Spurs. Marching on together. Whoop.
Thursday, February 4, 2010 at 11:13AM Now that's more like it. Decent cup tie, plenty of chances created. Never really in doubt was it? There was no ominous 'here we go agains' even when Leeds pegged us back. You just felt that the tempo and effort from our lads was always going to cause the home side problems. It took two games, but Premier quality won through in the end.
Bentley continued his sparkling good form. Not keen on the hobo face scruff and although he does look ill there's no doubt that his form is currently sick (see what I did there? honestly, someone should pay me to blog). As long as he continues to keep his feet on the ground and not develop another vanity daze that always seems to eat away at any hope of prolonged consistency. Start to worry the moment he starts to highlight his hair. I'm liking the fact that he's continuing to take the chance he's been presented with. Good work fella. We all know he'll lose his place when Azza is back. But it's good to have competition. Not that it's competition in the strictest sense. Lennon is untouchable.
Defoe re-discovering his goal scoring touch was also a joy. Loved how he added spin on his first (he meant it) and his touch to score the second from an unplayable (from a defensive point of view) Bentley cross was equally impressive. His third was no doubt harsh on plucky Leeds and their fans but to be fair, it was tinged with 'back in your box' qualities that were much required, if anything to end the constant pro-giant killing requirements that ITV are utterly utterly obsessed with. Thought Crouch did a decent enough job in aiding JD. Missed a sitter (of sorts). It's not exactly the most exhilarating partnership with regards to subtle layers of inventiveness, but it's productive.
Apart from an exceptional 10 minute spell from Leeds at the end of the first half (having gone 1-0 up), it was comfortable. Special mention to that reaction though. They had a right old ding dong go at us and even though the goal was debatable - it was probably deserved for the sheer effort leading up to it. Only positive from conceding was that it left no room for further complacency come the second half.
On the subject of the goal, it's debatable depending on how you wish to interpret the phase of play that led to the equaliser. Leeds players all offside, but alas not when the ball reaches Becchio. He's now onside, even though there was arguable interference seconds earlier. Confused? I flipping hope so. I'm still trying to figure out how Defoe's goal at Anfield never stood.
Which we dominated in both chances and possession where the difference in quality was more than evident by the final whistle. Leeds didn't do enough. Our lot did everything right. Chuffed that the players gave the occasion the focus and determination it needed. It's the FA Cup, it should matter. Year might not end in 1. There's still a 1 in there. Bolton away next, more of the same please.
Positives: Bale (see what confidence can do for you?) and Bentley (2 assists and a couple of moments where I'm certain I witnessed him going past a player) were impressive, Defoe clinical. ITV duly gutted. Did love how when we took the lead, the second thing out of the commentators mouth was about whether Leeds could fight back. Dry them mate.
Goodbye Leeds. We might never meet again (hopefully).
Bread and butter next with Villa at the Lane, which is just as important for altogether different reasons. More so in the eyes of many. It's another cup game. In the league. Lose this and the feeling of deflation will no doubt sting. Win it, and there's an opportunity to use it as a springboard.
Onwards.
COYS.
Reader Comments (142)
Beckford. Beckford who?. Swat! take that you pesky wasp! Job done.
It was offside. Not that it matters because we are bound to score a similar type of goal at some point this season and not moan about it.
Who was the commentator? I forget.
..so ends ITV's 'love in' with Leeds (Marching All Together) Utd, noW BACK TO BUSINESS AS USUAL.. Sky's obsession/love affair with the 'Big Three' that's so we are not bracketed in this category.
COYS
Shouldn't that be ITV?
Bale and Bentley looked good but Defoe is going to need to be more clinical against Villa.
If Eidur is available I think we shall see him for 20 minutes on Saturday - a chance to see how he might work out and who he might partner.
Crouch was outstanding last night - barely missed a header all game.
Good stuff from Harry and Les and the lads. Now go and beat Villa !
COYS indeed. MASSIVE game Saturday, as big if not bigger than Anfield. Win and we're still in with the faintest of chances of 4th - if Citeh implode. Lose and it's an FA Cup win and Europa League 2011 at best.
Draw it is then.
I was surprised that we won and gave a generally good performance. In addition to Bentley and Bale I thought Krankjar was outstanding and even Jenas made some good contributions....perhaps Div 1 is his true level.
I thought Hudd was using stealth technology to stay hidden but it failed occasionally and he re-appeared occasionally. Some of our defending in the first half was woeful and a team like Villa would have made more of the opportunities presented, but hey, winning any game with Jenas and Hudd as CM's has got to be a step in the right direction.
Down to earth on Saturday methinks.
What a tit, gettign a bit carried away with winning a game against third tier opposition aren't we ?
How many chances does golden boots Defoe need against a make shift thrid tier defence ?
As for hoping not to see Leeds again ever well I think that is definitely going to haunt you one day. Totally understandable though considering your team and 'star' striker can only shine against significantly lower opposition (Wigan anyone ?) and Leeds would be a proper force when they return to the Prem.
So "Goodbye Leeds,we may never play you again"
Is that what you and your spice boys 'really really' want?
You would rather be playing Wigan, Bolton, Hull, Burnley et all?
Don't think so somehow... We will be back and competing on level terms sooner than you might think sunshine..
I'd say Defoe would be more deserving of the "clinical" accolade you award him if he'd finished the other half a dozen chances that graced his little boots.
Second half Defoe performance was much better than the first, and obviously Sir Les' jibe got him going. But I think the third goal flattered his overall contribution which I think would be best described as "wasteful at times, but still capable".
Fair retort?
Jim Beglin was a constant source of annoyance for me last night. He was rooting for Leeds so much it was embarrassing. Bentley gets whacked in the face and 'he made a lot of it', he gets harshly cautioned and it was 'late and dangerous', one of their thugs gets done be Bentley and he crashes through him and it's 'nothing sinister and a bit harsh to get a yellow', and Becchio's goal was rightly given and not even debatable. Jog on Jim you two bob twat!
I just loved the policing last night, they kept us back for 40 minutes after the game, only to let us out, then escort us 100 yards down the street and at 150 yards was were the leeds scum were waiting to throw bottles and shit at us. Fucking retards. Both leeds fans and the police! Rather than keeping us in there for 40 minutes and wait for them to get bored, they should have been looking for these groups and moving them on! Never mind, i'm still alive.
Well played to Huddlestone, Dawson, Bale and Bentley in particular last night, they were our best players by a country mile. Although Defoe didn't do too badly after the restart. ;-p
Why did we not sell jenus to inter btw? I can't stand to watch that guy play, its far too frustrating!
Chaps (of the Leeds ilk). It was simply a touch of ribbing, aimed at some Leeds fans I know. Don't take it to heart. You're a proper football club with proper history. Even if the vast majority of your fans are mentalists.
So, removing the jest, can't wait for you to get promoted back into the Prem, so we can dick all over you again.
;) <-- safety wink
Oh and Gomes as always looked sexy.......love of my life
Decent performance but we should have been out of sight on the half hour. This lack of a clinical side up front is perhaps what's earning us all these draws.
Jenas was anonymous. I liked Hudd. He was dependable, solid, passed well, didn't give the ball away, a player you could trust. I'd trust him at home with the missus. Unlike John Terry.
Some dodgy defending at times, Bale occasionally hesitant but got better as time went on. Good performance from Bentley, but we're talking League One opposition. Glad Palacios and Modric got a rest for Saturday. Villa should be a top match.
Thought we were absolutely top class last night, from 1 to 11. Jenas and Huddlestone make a decent fist of it in midfield, and spent a lot of energy closing players down, as did the rest of the team - even Defoe tracked back to help out on one occasion. And we showed real attacking intent. Niko had a terrific game.
Supaleeds has a point though. Can't we be a little more magnanimous in victory?
Dirty team. Filthy team.
So "Goodbye Leeds,we may never play you again"
Is that what you and your spice boys 'really really' want?
You would rather be playing Wigan, Bolton, Hull, Burnley et all?
Don't think so somehow... We will be back and competing on level terms sooner than you might think sunshine..
Feb 4, 2010 at 11:40 AM | supaleeds
LOL
Spice boys? Is that we are to you now you live in the lower leagues? Wasn't long ago you were jam packed with spice boys. Glory days with tropical fish and Seth Johnson. I can't wait for your return.
Oh, I see Spooky beat me to it ;-)
Bentley was the most impressive player for me last night. Hard work ethic (attack & defence) and some great touches on the ball. I hope he'll continue to impress before Lennon comes back. Bye bye Leeds!
COYS!!!
"You would rather be playing Wigan, Bolton, Hull, Burnley et all?"
No. But better them than having to face your Neanderthal supporters twice a year.
johnnycheshunt you are a proper retard pal and hopefully not a true refelct of the intellect of your fans.
I don't like dirty leeds and I don't like 99% of their fanbase..............................
HOWEVER,
Their fans' noise and raucous passion and Elland Road as a stadium deserves Premier League football. Leeds and their fans put clubs like Wigan and Blackburn to shame with their passionate supporting of their team last night.
I've not been so entertained by a cup tie since we beat the Scum 5-1 a few years ago.
The team performed well last night, special mention to Bale and Bentley, those 2 have really stepped up to the plate whilst BAE & Lennon have been injured.
Extremely pleased for Bentley, keep up the good work cut out the skip kicking and carry on playing your football!
As for JD's first.......................... HE DEFINITELY MEANT IT! If it had been Eduardo ITV would have been creaming their frilly knickers.
BRING ON THE VILLA!
Leeds fans still on a buzz a see because they got a taste of the big time again. Well done for beating United. Good effort against us. Now get back to climbing up the leagues again. Rather you lot than Newcastle.
Not very subtle, our play....
Missed Modders and Wilson.
Bale and Bently, it's like having signed two new players in the transfer window!
Villa will be harder, much!!!