[Archived] Leeds United preview

[Mike Graham]

The Rovers played well, looked in control of the game for the most of the time. Sitting back did look like it may get us in the end though.

Just a few little things caught my eye.

Firstly Scott Dann, anyone who is in any doubt about him just watch him carefully. He is constantly in Hanleys ear, talking him, and the others, through the game. There was an occasion in the first half when Hanley got dragged across from the left CB to the right. Dann was not fussed by this change and tried talking Hanley through it until the attack broke down. Hanley couldnt deal with it and got dragged back over to the left where Dann was already covering, leaving a massive hole that a better team than Leeds would punish.

Apart from that he is generally just a good leader at the back.

Secondly a possibly majorly unpopular opinion. Those that abuse Jason Lowe need to take a long look at themselves. I have always liked him as a player but I know he can become better. He is a vital part of our team. Someone mentioned he pulled out of a 50/50, well not strictly true from my angle. He seemed to concentrate on the man more than the ball, making sure that no matter what happened their player wouldnt have possession after the challenge, which he managed to do. He also played far above his weight in multiple challenges yesterday. He was strong in a lot of tackles and very surprisingly good in the air. What he does goes unnoticed.

I must confess that I am angered by a lot of our fans. They complain when Lowe passes the ball from one side of the field to the other. I thought it was plain to see that this is Lowes job. He is ALWAYS available to receive the ball, something almost all our other players could learn from. This is amazing for players like Cairney/Dunn because if there isnt an attacking pass on Lowe can have it, whilst they move into a better position and get it back from him. Also when we go down the left and nothing is on, Lowe gets it and moves it to the right. That is his job.

Over these last few games he has also made some good attacking runs forward. Something we didnt see from him earlier in the season. Its not often, but it keeps their CM honest.

Lowes job is extremely simple but many of our fans dont seem to get it. He keeps us ticking over. Especially playing next to someone like Cairney. He should NEVER have been paired with Williamson. Williamson should be a replacement for if Lowe and Evans are both injured.

Finally, people saying Rhodes is isolated are just kidding themselves. Yes he is a brilliant player, but we need to be honest when he plays poorly. Both me and my brother said after about 50mins Rhodes needed to come off. He was poor last week, not isolated, and the same again this week. We put many crosses into the box and he was no where to be seen, little to no movement. Dunn gave him some good service to which he either ran away from or wasted. I dont buy this notion that he needs someone around him. He should have been able to produce much better than he did yesterday, and that is on him, not the midfield. No one is beyond criticism.

Anyway, onto the next game, Id go with

Kean

Kane(although I want Henley back in when ever possible) Dann Hanley Spurr

Taylor Lowe Cairney King

Rochina (as long as he is fit enough, Doubt Dunn could do another start with another game next weekend)

Rhodes

We have a strong defensive record, I believe it may be beneficial to sacrifice a bit of this for more of an attacking threat (hence Cairney in the middle rather than another DM) after all wins are vital in this league. Its worth risking a loss to win a game rather than settling for draws.

I agree with these perceptive comments Jimlav, especially in relation to Jason Lowe and Jordan Rhodes who was taken off far too late imo.

Apart from the goal the highlight was Stuart's lad.....what a star.....you must be proud of him :-)

[onlyonejackwalker]

Of those names, maybe Cairney & Spurr could compete for that title. Rhodes hasn't been on top form and King's improved but is still too inconsistent. Like I said, Dann is underrated but he does have his Darren Peacock moments, and Lowe is maturing into a fine DM but I don't think he's as integral to the midfield as Hanley is to the backline (Williamson & Evans can also do a holding role in midfield).

Defensively we have done quite well of late, the Brighton game aside. Credit where it is due to those involved, including the 'dodgy' keeper, 'suspect' central defenders and 'crabbish' defensive midfielder.

Nobody is pulling our pants down, our newer players are settling in, the general standard at this level remains average at best and there is nothing to stop our massive squad plodding on as others suffer injuries and suspensions.

Always good to beat Leeds.

[Giant]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvyJKWF5Q74

6.10 onwards.

Not a delight? I think you'll like this. Eddie Gray v Burnley... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nkd3HWQu32Q

Anyone can pick out a couple of videos to try to prove a point, but the fact remains that they were a cynical bunch and still are.

[roversfan99]

Of those names, maybe Cairney & Spurr could compete for that title. Rhodes hasn't been on top form and King's improved but is still too inconsistent. Like I said, Dann is underrated but he does have his Darren Peacock moments, and Lowe is maturing into a fine DM but I don't think he's as integral to the midfield as Hanley is to the backline (Williamson & Evans can also do a holding role in midfield).

You said player of the season for us. I agree in regards to his importance, but I would say he was better last season, this season Dann has been more reliable, Hanley has cost us 3 points at Wigan, he should have conceded a penalty v Reading and for me has looked slightly less impressive than the impressive Dann. King has been our main attacking outlet this season.

[Stuart]

Apart from the goal the highlight was Stuart's lad.....what a star.....you must be proud of him :-)

Too right mate! He's a true blue!!

Although I think to be fair, Chris Taylor was pretty good too. A point very much missing from Jimlav's match appraisal, which seems aimed squarely at those who like Rhodes and criticise Lowe. Very Jonnolad-Andrews-esque... hmmm...

[Mike Graham]

Too right mate! He's a true blue!!

Although I think to be fair, Chris Taylor was pretty good too. A point very much missing from Jimlav's match appraisal, which seems aimed squarely at those who like Rhodes and criticise Lowe. Very Jonnolad-Andrews-esque... hmmm...

Yep, Taylor was my MOTM by far. A superb performance.

[thenodrog]

Anyone can pick out a couple of videos to try to prove a point, but the fact remains that they were a cynical bunch and still are.

How old are you giant?

[Sparky Marky]

Best?

Sparky Marky, why is Best a PL player then in your view

http://www.newcastleunited.us/2012/07/all-the-best-leon-209.html

[JAL]

The Rovers played well, looked in control of the game for the most of the time. Sitting back did look like it may get us in the end though.

Just a few little things caught my eye.

Firstly Scott Dann, anyone who is in any doubt about him just watch him carefully. He is constantly in Hanleys ear, talking him, and the others, through the game. There was an occasion in the first half when Hanley got dragged across from the left CB to the right. Dann was not fussed by this change and tried talking Hanley through it until the attack broke down. Hanley couldnt deal with it and got dragged back over to the left where Dann was already covering, leaving a massive hole that a better team than Leeds would punish.

Apart from that he is generally just a good leader at the back.

Secondly a possibly majorly unpopular opinion. Those that abuse Jason Lowe need to take a long look at themselves. I have always liked him as a player but I know he can become better. He is a vital part of our team. Someone mentioned he pulled out of a 50/50, well not strictly true from my angle. He seemed to concentrate on the man more than the ball, making sure that no matter what happened their player wouldnt have possession after the challenge, which he managed to do. He also played far above his weight in multiple challenges yesterday. He was strong in a lot of tackles and very surprisingly good in the air. What he does goes unnoticed.

I must confess that I am angered by a lot of our fans. They complain when Lowe passes the ball from one side of the field to the other. I thought it was plain to see that this is Lowes job. He is ALWAYS available to receive the ball, something almost all our other players could learn from. This is amazing for players like Cairney/Dunn because if there isnt an attacking pass on Lowe can have it, whilst they move into a better position and get it back from him. Also when we go down the left and nothing is on, Lowe gets it and moves it to the right. That is his job.

Over these last few games he has also made some good attacking runs forward. Something we didnt see from him earlier in the season. Its not often, but it keeps their CM honest.

Lowes job is extremely simple but many of our fans dont seem to get it. He keeps us ticking over. Especially playing next to someone like Cairney. He should NEVER have been paired with Williamson. Williamson should be a replacement for if Lowe and Evans are both i

Absolute garbage............JIm lav and completely mis informative to the progress of Blackburn Rovers football club this season.

[chaddyrovers]

http://www.newcastleunited.us/2012/07/all-the-best-leon-209.html

that's it???

not even good enough for a Championship club

[Amo]

http://www.newcastleunited.us/2012/07/all-the-best-leon-209.html

What has he done since that purple-patch at Newcastle to make you think he's a PL striker?

Absolute garbage............JIm lav and completely mis informative to the progress of Blackburn Rovers football club this season.

Only because it contradicts your Anti-Lowe agenda.

[Sparky Marky]

Just my opinion chaddington...I'm happy for you to disagree...I did endure similar replies when I posted in support of SD

[JAL]

What has he done since that purple-patch at Newcastle to make you think he's a PL striker?

Only because it contradicts your Anti-Lowe agenda.

23 points from 17 games and he comes out with that crap........... a full twelve points behind Burnley at the same point.

On yer bike the pair of you!

[Mike E]

I fail to see the 'garbage' and how it is 'mis-informative', though.....

[Amo]

23 points from 17 games and he comes out with that crap........... a full twelve points behind Burnley at the same point.

What crap? Why don't you actually point out what's wrong with his post instead of making sweeping generalizations.

[Sparky Marky]

What has he done since that purple-patch at Newcastle to make you think he's a PL striker?

Only because it contradicts your Anti-Lowe agenda.

Given a real run of games I believe he gives us a different dimension physically, aggressively and brings others into the game. ..something JR doesn't really offer.

[West Yorks Rover]

http://www.newcastleunited.us/2012/07/all-the-best-leon-209.html

Definitely nose put out of joint by us signing Rhodes, he thought he would be ' the main man '.

Hence his attitude now perhaps ?

If he showed the same commitment as those commenting on that blog suggest, he would be in the team now, especially as Rhodes

goals have dried up a bit.

[Amo]

Visit the Coventry forums, most of them think Best was a lazy tw@t.

[Gally]

Visit the Coventry forums, most of them think Best was a lazy tw@t.

Sounds about right. Coventry fan I know thinks that he was one of the best players that they've had in years, but only showed it 1 match in 6.

[jimlav]

Too right mate! He's a true blue!!

Although I think to be fair, Chris Taylor was pretty good too. A point very much missing from Jimlav's match appraisal, which seems aimed squarely at those who like Rhodes and criticise Lowe. Very Jonnolad-Andrews-esque... hmmm...

Chris Taylor was excellent, I didn't see the need to reinforce opinions that had been made already (mainly on twitter, where I do most of my talking about rovers. Used to like brfcs but thought it went down hill, but decided to look again.). I think bowyer was brave(and it turned out to be excellent) to move him in behind Rhodes when dunny was limping when he could have out rochina or Marshall on. As I say, inspired move which worked out very well.

My intentions were to highlight something's I see in the game that maybe other don't. Just like I read other peoples opinions to see if they picked up on anything I didn't.

It's not aimed at anyone at all. I like Rhodes, most of the time I am of the opinion we don't do enough to play to his strengths, I just believe these last 2 weeks he has had support and been poor.

And I'm sorry but I have no idea what the final point you make means.

23 points from 17 games and he comes out with that crap........... a full twelve points behind Burnley at the same point.

On yer bike the pair of you!

Well that's a tad rude, but I will indulge.

What crap? Happy to explain if you fancy giving examples rather than sticking your head in the sand and calling me wrong.

Honestly do not have a clue what angers you so much. Gave a few opinions of what I see.

[rovers11]

Visit the Coventry forums, most of them think Best was a lazy tw@t.

Best is a talented football but his attitude stinks which means he rarely gives 100%. The sad thing is, he doesn't seem to care about football as long as he picking up his massive wage.

[RevidgeBlue]

The Rovers played well, looked in control of the game for the most of the time. Sitting back did look like it may get us in the end though.

Just a few little things caught my eye.

Firstly Scott Dann, anyone who is in any doubt about him just watch him carefully. He is constantly in Hanleys ear, talking him, and the others, through the game. There was an occasion in the first half when Hanley got dragged across from the left CB to the right. Dann was not fussed by this change and tried talking Hanley through it until the attack broke down. Hanley couldnt deal with it and got dragged back over to the left where Dann was already covering, leaving a massive hole that a better team than Leeds would punish.

Apart from that he is generally just a good leader at the back.

Secondly a possibly majorly unpopular opinion. Those that abuse Jason Lowe need to take a long look at themselves. I have always liked him as a player but I know he can become better. He is a vital part of our team. Someone mentioned he pulled out of a 50/50, well not strictly true from my angle. He seemed to concentrate on the man more than the ball, making sure that no matter what happened their player wouldnt have possession after the challenge, which he managed to do. He also played far above his weight in multiple challenges yesterday. He was strong in a lot of tackles and very surprisingly good in the air. What he does goes unnoticed.

I must confess that I am angered by a lot of our fans. They complain when Lowe passes the ball from one side of the field to the other. I thought it was plain to see that this is Lowes job. He is ALWAYS available to receive the ball, something almost all our other players could learn from. This is amazing for players like Cairney/Dunn because if there isnt an attacking pass on Lowe can have it, whilst they move into a better position and get it back from him. Also when we go down the left and nothing is on, Lowe gets it and moves it to the right. That is his job.

Over these last few games he has also made some good attacking runs forward. Something we didnt see from him earlier in the season. Its not often, but it keeps their CM honest.

Lowes job is extremely simple but many of our fans dont seem to get it. He keeps us ticking over. Especially playing next to someone like Cairney. He should NEVER have been paired with Williamson. Williamson should be a replacement for if Lowe and Evans are both injured.

Finally, people saying Rhodes is isolated are just kidding themselves. Yes he is a brilliant player, but we need to be honest when he plays poorly. Both me and my brother said after about 50mins Rhodes needed to come off. He was poor last week, not isolated, and the same again this week. We put many crosses into the box and he was no where to be seen, little to no movement. Dunn gave him some good service to which he either ran away from or wasted. I dont buy this notion that he needs someone around him. He should have been able to produce much better than he did yesterday, and that is on him, not the midfield. No one is beyond criticism.

Anyway, onto the next game, Id go with

Kean

Kane(although I want Henley back in when ever possible) Dann Hanley Spurr

Taylor Lowe Cairney King

Rochina (as long as he is fit enough, Doubt Dunn could do another start with another game next weekend)

Rhodes

We have a strong defensive record, I believe it may be beneficial to sacrifice a bit of this for more of an attacking threat (hence Cairney in the middle rather than another DM) after all wins are vital in this league. Its worth risking a loss to win a game rather than settling for draws.

Complain when Lowe passes the ball from one side of the pitch to the other?

ROFL he is barely ever capable of passing the ball more than 5 yards. IMO You've given an extremely rose tinted daily view of Lowe's contribution, he mops up bits and bats every now and then but his overall contribution to and impact on the game is farly minimal. Was Williamson dropped or injured yesterday? I agree you can't play bim and Lowe together but think he is far more effect I ve of the two in that role.

I do agree with you about Dann, I think he gets a lot of criticism based on his Premier ship performances. At this level I think he and Hanley are a very good pairing.

[West Yorks Rover]

Visit the Coventry forums, most of them think Best was a lazy tw@t.

Well it sounds as though he's just a ' big time charlie ' then, can't be ar*sed with the championship, bit like that guy we bought

from Fulham, who we paid-off recently.

[JAL]

Chris Taylor was excellent, I didn't see the need to reinforce opinions that had been made already (mainly on twitter, where I do most of my talking about rovers. Used to like brfcs but thought it went down hill, but decided to look again.). I think bowyer was brave(and it turned out to be excellent) to move him in behind Rhodes when dunny was limping when he could have out rochina or Marshall on. As I say, inspired move which worked out very well.

My intentions were to highlight something's I see in the game that maybe other don't. Just like I read other peoples opinions to see if they picked up on anything I didn't.

It's not aimed at anyone at all. I like Rhodes, most of the time I am of the opinion we don't do enough to play to his strengths, I just believe these last 2 weeks he has had support and been poor.

And I'm sorry but I have no idea what the final point you make means.

Well that's a tad rude, but I will indulge.

What crap? Happy to explain if you fancy giving examples rather than sticking your head in the sand and calling me wrong.

Honestly do not have a clue what angers you so much. Gave a few opinions of what I see.

You tell me about me sticking my head in the sand then I take it your on the wind up or you have a personal agenda to suit whoever other than..... Rovers and their supporters.

[RussP]

I think that King looked more dangerous moved over to the right although it wasn't one of his better games. The reason, for me, is simple....Kane is much more decisive & a lot quicker than Spurr so the attacks start sooner & we can put the opposition on the back foot. I like Tommy Spurr, I really do, but he's a little indecisive in possession of the ball & recently it's allowed the opposition to crowd King out. We all know that Kane loves to bomb forward & our best moments in the first half came from Kane & King's link up.

Would like to see King kept out right on Tuesday, let's hope GB sees the same.