Fulham - v - Leeds United ***EFL 3rd Round***Matchday Thread***

[hopelesslyoptimistic]

Cheers for the info hopey lad.

Good to hear the young lads did well especially Cresswell..think he will be needed in the league sooner rather than later.

What were your opinions on Roberts?...would dearly love him to be a success but sadly I just don't think he has got what it takes even though he does show flashes now and again.

Hmmmn on Robert’s - whom I have defended an awful lot - last night was his chance to shine and playing up top he just wasn’t good enough with or without the ball. He occasionally swapped with Rodrigo and looked a bit better in midfield but still not good enough against a championship side (albeit a good one) - Rodrigo played noticeably better when he went off.

Not sure if he had an off night but coming around to the conclusion that he won’t improve quickly enough given the lack of depth in the squad and some of the youngsters should leap frog him. If we can get decent money I think we should cash in.

Joffy G looked incredibly good and you could see he was bursting to do well. Has pace and made intelligent runs. Unfortunately, by the time he came on we were hitting too many high long balls which meant he was getting clattered by their 6’3 CB. To be fair JG just got up and came back for more. You just knew from his body language that he was going to nail his penalty - he looks like he belongs at this level.

Mcinstry did okay in his cameo and took his pen very calmly.

Big plus was Cresswell - believe the hype - the kid has everything and I suspect will replace Cooper long term as CB and captain. He was bossing Dallas and Klich around which was good and funny to see.

Joffy G only got about 25 mins but showed enough in that to realise he is already very ready for this level. He got the biggest cheer of the night when he came on.

Summerville did okay without much service and he rides challenges rather than going down. Players were willing to pass him the ball which I think always says a lot.

Shackleton for me looked better in CM than at RB and did well - love his energy.

The fear is we don’t have a schemer/controller in midfield who can dictate and unlock games in the way Siaz and Pablo could. Rodrigo is very good but I think plays better playing off someone like that. Maybe they are waiting on Charlie Allen and Bate to develop more.

Lots of positives and expect to see a lot more of the youngsters.

[hopelesslyoptimistic]

Was funny being sat in front of the press box.
Chatted to Phil Hay at HT and did a discrete Leeds salute to Dorigo and Bryn Law on the way back to my seat - they both laughed and I think Bryn was doing commentary so may have made him stumble on his words ….

Fulham is a great club with a great ground - their new stand looks like it will be incredible when it is finally finished - Spurs stadium impressive. I just feel a little for the kids that go and support them as the atmosphere is very genteel and not very loud - I guess as a lot of Neutrals or away fans end up in the home stands and it is also in the heart of West London affluence.

[Tichi1]

As I suggested the other day, a morale boosting victory. which included a few under 23's being blooded, and no more injuries would be a great result, apart from Dallas injury I got my wish! TBH don't think Dallas has been anywhere near last seasons best yet this time out, and actully think a break will do him good - and give Shacks a couple of starts - hopefully in midfield as opposed to at right back - I think he has looked very solid and energetic in the midfield roles he has had last couple of games.

Have to say I too give in on Roberts now, just not good enough at this level, threatens to do something but his final ball, Shooting, and decision making is woeful - and he has had plenty of chances to shine but taken none of them.

I was also pleased to see Creswell and Sumerville start, and Gelhardt and McKinstry played a part in the win - including the penalties they took, so how certain people can continue to moan about their being put under undue pressure being blooded as they where is beyond me - Liverpool, Arsenal, City, et al - ALL DO THE EXACT SAME THING - blood the kids in cup competitions to see how they fair before chucking them into the top flight games - They got game time, came through [Creswell especisaly so] with flying colours, and put themselvers into the frame for league game time [As Struijk did last season] and with only Creswell, Shacks and Meslier left to take spot kicks - who else would have taken them?? so complaining that we never play the youth, then complaining when we do about sums a certain poster up - switches his argument to suit the complaint he wants to make.

This weekend if say Bamford, Dallas, Ayling and Llorrente aren't fit, maybe there will be opportunities for Shackleton, Sumerville, Creswell, and maybe Gelhardt - either way, It was a good morale boosting result and cannot really understand anyone complaining, after all - ANYONE can miss a penalty - or indeed a shot - it's not for lack of trying!

Roll on the weekend - see if we can't get something off West Ham this season in front of a packed ER.

[ozleeds]

As I suggested the other day, a morale boosting victory. which included a few under 23's being blooded, and no more injuries would be a great result, apart from Dallas injury I got my wish! TBH don't think Dallas has been anywhere near last seasons best yet this time out, and actully think a break will do him good - and give Shacks a couple of starts - hopefully in midfield as opposed to at right back - I think he has looked very solid and energetic in the midfield roles he has had last couple of games.

Have to say I too give in on Roberts now, just not good enough at this level, threatens to do something but his final ball, Shooting, and decision making is woeful - and he has had plenty of chances to shine but taken none of them.

I was also pleased to see Creswell and Sumerville start, and Gelhardt and McKinstry played a part in the win - including the penalties they took, so how certain people can continue to moan about their being put under undue pressure being blooded as they where is beyond me - Liverpool, Arsenal, City, et al - ALL DO THE EXACT SAME THING - blood the kids in cup competitions to see how they fair before chucking them into the top flight games - They got game time, came through [Creswell especisaly so] with flying colours, and put themselvers into the frame for league game time [As Struijk did last season] and with only Creswell, Shacks and Meslier left to take spot kicks - who else would have taken them?? so complaining that we never play the youth, then complaining when we do about sums a certain poster up - switches his argument to suit the complaint he wants to make.

This weekend if say Bamford, Dallas, Ayling and Llorrente aren't fit, maybe there will be opportunities for Shackleton, Sumerville, Creswell, and maybe Gelhardt - either way, It was a good morale boosting result and cannot really understand anyone complaining, after all - ANYONE can miss a penalty - or indeed a shot - it's not for lack of trying!

Roll on the weekend - see if we can't get something off West Ham this season in front of a packed ER.

You just can't hold it together, can you! Having a dig at someone even though your message was going good and honest moments.
Let me quote you on something that individual has been saying all along since you brought it up. How many f injuries do we have? How many players could have played? How big a squad do we have? Finally who else could he have played? You very well know that if we had a full team those kids would not have seen the light of day just as when it happens with Meslier And Pat.
Get yourself together Lad stop attacking people because you are a better person looking at the most part of that post.
Cheers some flog from ozland.

[hopelesslyoptimistic]

I don’t agree from last seasons experience that those kids wouldn’t have played but we will never know Oz - what we do know is that in the last few weeks a few have made debuts. Shackleton has also demonstrated he is good enough.

Shackleton and Summerville must now be pushing for regular game time. Cresswell and JG have show they can do it but can they do it regularly - the interesting thing will be if they can jump ahead of Roberts or others in the pecking order - I would play Shackleton or Gelhardt ahead of Roberts but then again I am Bielsa.

I think Tichi made a valid comment to the doomster and gloomster - we first had the I GUARANTEE none will see first team action and then when they do - they shouldn’t take penalties - why not - great test of character and they all passed with flying colours. Tichi was just pointing out these points and the classic tactic of damn my first point I can’t defend what other crack can I have at Leeds.

It’s not being harsh or mean it’s just so draining when we are called **** WITS or idiots or something else for daring to disagree.

Great result last night and WTF has to find something to have a go about. Fulham at home are a test and we passed it with a team scattered with youth.

So many highs from last night too.

[ozleeds]

I don’t agree from last seasons experience that those kids wouldn’t have played but we will never know Oz - what we do know is that in the last few weeks a few have made debuts. Shackleton has also demonstrated he is good enough.

Shackleton and Summerville must now be pushing for regular game time. Cresswell and JG have show they can do it but can they do it regularly - the interesting thing will be if they can jump ahead of Roberts or others in the pecking order - I would play Shackleton or Gelhardt ahead of Roberts but then again I am Bielsa.

I think Tichi made a valid comment to the doomster and gloomster - we first had the I GUARANTEE none will see first team action and then when they do - they shouldn’t take penalties - why not - great test of character and they all passed with flying colours. Tichi was just pointing out these points and the classic tactic of damn my first point I can’t defend what other crack can I have at Leeds.

It’s not being harsh or mean it’s just so draining when we are called **** WITS or idiots or something else for daring to disagree.

Great result last night and WTF has to find something to have a go about. Fulham at home are a test and we passed it with a team scattered with youth.

So many highs from last night too.

The thing Hope it doesn't matter what thoughts are on an individual as by responding, in the same manner, you are not better than them. Taking time to have a crack at someone who hasn't even mentioned you personally over and over it doesn't come across as a decent person.
As for the highs last night well the kids were and we scrambled through but overall our senior players were poor. Meslier having to make so many saves while their keeper I can't recall having to have to make even one due to our poor finishing. Dallas is struggling really needs a couple of weeks' rest MB needs to play players in their positions eg let Klitch play where he plays instead of experimenting with Rod and Roberts just to prove a point. Cooper bar from injuries should not be playing as he is more liability than anything else. If Koch comes back let him fight for the CB spot not play him midfield. Pat was a midfielder let him play there as the Phillips type and let Phillips loose Like you say I'm not Bielsa just my opinions.
If our team was fully fit this is the team I would choose.
Meslier
Ayling,Lurente,Koch, Dallas
Phillips, Klitch, Pat,
Raph, Bamf, James
Didn't include young ones as I know won't be used.

[hopelesslyoptimistic]

The thing Hope it doesn't matter what thoughts are on an individual as by responding, in the same manner, you are not better than them. Taking time to have a crack at someone who hasn't even mentioned you personally over and over it doesn't come across as a decent person.
As for the highs last night well the kids were and we scrambled through but overall our senior players were poor. Meslier having to make so many saves while their keeper I can't recall having to have to make even one due to our poor finishing. Dallas is struggling really needs a couple of weeks' rest MB needs to play players in their positions eg let Klitch play where he plays instead of experimenting with Rod and Roberts just to prove a point. Cooper bar from injuries should not be playing as he is more liability than anything else. If Koch comes back let him fight for the CB spot not play him midfield. Pat was a midfielder let him play there as the Phillips type and let Phillips loose Like you say I'm not Bielsa just my opinions.
If our team was fully fit this is the team I would choose.
Meslier
Ayling,Lurente,Koch, Dallas
Phillips, Klitch, Pat,
Raph, Bamf, James
Didn't include young ones as I know won't be used.

I hear ya Oz but I also know why people bite and respond and can fully understand that - it is the pivoting from an argument that has been lost (often with insults being thrown) to a new dig at something else that can be falling.

I try and call out bad behaviour and bullying which many of you probably think FFS about but often it is pointless as it just descends to insults thrown your way.

Hey ho - regardless we now know we have youngsters who are capable and one or two who could be great for us. Happy days irrespective of league form.

Bielsa flexed the system at the end of last season to be a tad more defensive so sure he is working on how to sort out the issues this time around.

As the song goes - follow, follow, follow we’re the best f’ing team in the world.

[ozleeds]

7 Injuries plus Harrison covid and pat suspended

[WTF11]

I don’t agree from last seasons experience that those kids wouldn’t have played but we will never know Oz - what we do know is that in the last few weeks a few have made debuts. Shackleton has also demonstrated he is good enough.

Shackleton and Summerville must now be pushing for regular game time. Cresswell and JG have show they can do it but can they do it regularly - the interesting thing will be if they can jump ahead of Roberts or others in the pecking order - I would play Shackleton or Gelhardt ahead of Roberts but then again I am Bielsa.

I think Tichi made a valid comment to the doomster and gloomster - we first had the I GUARANTEE none will see first team action and then when they do - they shouldn’t take penalties - why not - great test of character and they all passed with flying colours. Tichi was just pointing out these points and the classic tactic of damn my first point I can’t defend what other crack can I have at Leeds.

It’s not being harsh or mean it’s just so draining when we are called **** WITS or idiots or something else for daring to disagree.

Great result last night and WTF has to find something to have a go about. Fulham at home are a test and we passed it with a team scattered with youth.

So many highs from last night too.

I said no more from me, but felt I had (yes, had) to correct what is obviously a misconception on your part (and possibly others)

I "found something to have a go about" BEFORE Gelhardt took his penalty, but after Dallas and Forshaw missed theirs, as that footage was being shown on Sky sports news, which I could watch. You will note I made comment about not caring what the result was in the first post I submitted on this matter, and the result wasn't known at that time.

I stand by every word I posted, including the pleasure from knowing that the youngsters had performed well (in certain positions better than the players who are the usual occupiers), but particularly the sequencing of the penalties. The senior players were used at a stage in the penalty shootout where a miss would not necessarily lead to a loss, as proved to be the case. The "junior" players were placed in a position where their single kick of the ball WOULD lead to loss or success. Not sure what it is so difficult to grasp the differing significance of that, not about taking penalties, its when they get taken.

"Blooding" players in cup competitions isn't anything new, and as I say, the performance reported/seen by the likes of Cresswell and Shackleton prove that they are due 1st team time (if Firpo can go straight into the 1st team with NO English league time at all then Cresswell deserves similar treatment), but doing so in a sudden death penalty taking situation is neither fair nor sensible. We were fortunate that the lads held their nerve and (in Gelhardts position for sure) nearly broke the back of the net, well done, but no-one who has criticised me for my position on the matter has had the courtesy to respond to my question regarding what might have happened (and could have been entirely avoided had the youngsters been used in the initial penalty taking sequence), had they missed (as Tich so helpfully points out, anyone can miss a penalty).

(Oh, and please don't tell me anyone took my comment about guaranteeing there would be no youngsters used seriously (albeit that no-one took me up on the offer of standing a £5 on it))

Last but not least, when have I called you or anyone else a f00kwit or an idiot even (that latter being quite mild even if true!) since I made it clear name-calling was in the past?

[Tichi1]

You just can't hold it together, can you! Having a dig at someone even though your message was going good and honest moments.
Let me quote you on something that individual has been saying all along since you brought it up. How many f injuries do we have? How many players could have played? How big a squad do we have? Finally who else could he have played? You very well know that if we had a full team those kids would not have seen the light of day just as when it happens with Meslier And Pat.
Get yourself together Lad stop attacking people because you are a better person looking at the most part of that post.
Cheers some flog from ozland.

The irony lol!!

Simply pointing out that we got a decent result away in London and included 2 of our under 23's in the initial line up, and brought anotherb 2 on - all of whom did a decent job, and couldn't understand the griping about it.

Didn't mention anyone by name - and certainly not you
So why the dig at me??

No, sorry just don't answer, leave it alone .