To the neutral this wasn an entirely enthralling encounter between Leeds and West Ham at Elland Road, however to those deeply involved, from either side, it was a roller coaster ride of high powered football and high pressure fit bit busting anxiety!
Elland Road is an old school stadium with the smallest pitch in the Barclays Premier League, an 'asset; that the home team exploit to the max in front of their loyal and occasionally vociferous fans. Hammers started brightly but Leeds soon began to impose their brand of 'murder ball', they ran Hammers ragged and were good value for their 1st half goal. Things did brighten up a bit towards the end of the 1st half, with Antonio making an absolute menace of himself and Fornals forcing Leeds' excellent 6'6"keeper Meslier to make a fine save, something he did throughout the entire game.
Second half, no doubt 'influenced by David Moyes and his support staff's half time 'chat' Hammers looked a completely different team and as the game wore on began to pressurise the home team into errors, mind you they were still lethal on the break!
Eventually something had to beat the home keeper, and it was a massive deflection that non plused him, fortunate for Bowen who's shot was going well wide. Initially the equaliser spurred Leeds forward as they sought to try and put the game to bed, unfortunately for them they simply ran out of puff!
Their tired players who made up a makeshift team due to a mass of injuries ran themselves ragged but eventually were undone by none other than Michail Antonio, beautiful finish, job done. Mikey's fifth goal this season was a joy to behold but as he said in his post match presser he was "Relieved" to get the three points and that the game was over "hard work" he continued.
This was a mega tough game from a physical and mental point of view, David Moyes' players put a lot of effort in, a hell of a lot of effort, Thursday's Europa League fixture against Rapid Vienna looms large, it will be interesting to see how Moyes approaches a game that is on paper against lesser opposition, but all the good work done against Zagreb will count for nought if there is a slip up against Rapid, he will have to balance his team selection carefully.
Great victory today, last minute winner AND other teams at the top dropping points, one joyous result being Manchester United's 2nd home loss in FOUR days, today's loss courtesy of a missed last minute penalty and of course Brentford's draw with the scousers.....Karma - Ed
Comments
worked all day just seen result
By all accounts we were not good today but what is it they say about good teams winning even when the play bad......bit worried about Soucek though think he needs a rest let Kral have a game or two so Soucek can recharge his batteries.....but fighting spirit a goal down its good to see. COYI
We really laboured the first
We really laboured the first half trying to keep up with their young guns, but played the second using the wealth of added years of experience to quell their youthful exuberance. Some outstanding performances in every department though there were a couple that you could see were looking leggy. Bowen and Fornals are looking great together, Benny just needs another goal before the eventual flood, Rice came to the fore as a leader and commander of the midfield and his ball for Antonio's goal was sublime, as was Antonio's deadly finish. I for one wasn't worried when we went 1-0 down as I would've in the past. This squad is amazing. Still not sure what the crack is with Yarmo. Square peg, round hole. Vlasic is being moulded and can't wait to see how Kral dominates in midweek.
All in all another good day at the office COYI
Couldn't agree more about
Couldn't agree more about Soucek. Coufal is not far behind, in fact, I'm concerned about all of the globetrotting players in the squad, (which is about half).
Leeds' man to man style of play didn't help, but it didn't work, cos if you go that high speed in the first, you'd best be up 3-0.
I'm concerned that the schedule will be a factor, but this is a special group of lads who are managed and coached by some of the best in the game.
Moyes will figure it out.
Hell of a win! Buzzin'
Can't help but laugh at Manchester United fans, I guess they will blame the sun being in Fernandes' eyes! (Because, when they lose, it's never because the opposition earned it, it's always an option excuse with them. Worst supporters in the world!
COME ON YOU IRONS!!!!