Leeds United v Chelsea Match Thread

[Orange Box]

If I’m Marathe tonight I’m heaving a huge sigh of relief. His manager has shown (finally) that he can play to his summer signings’ strength. He is on target for a point a game and his players are clearly playing for the boss.

I was watching DF after the game and wondered if he was waving goodbye before he went on his usual walkabout., but seeing as I’ve never paid too much attention before I don’t know if that’s his usual routine.

[Pullhard]

Jumping onto Betfair to lay Gary ONeilll

[Jaydog]

Chelsea were really poor. Or was Maresca the problem.
Anyway Farke seems to like playing against his teams.

[Carrick Dave]

Elland, what’s happening with Farke?

[Cjay]

They’re clearly running through walls for Farke, I think it’d upset the applecart.

I think they haven't chucked the towel in to their and his credit.

But footballers are fickle

A manager leaving doesn't change they want to go to the World Cup or play Premier league football

None of then want to end up in the Championship

If we appointed a well known name I think that would make them want to impress him (saw that wih Bielsa).

If we appointed a O'Neil may be more of an issue.

Regardless it seems unlikely he's going soon or atleast imminently

But he needs to stick with this now, if he changes back to his way you may see more heads drop.

[Clitheroe White]

Sadly yes. Should have changed things up 3 months ago....

He should, but we are here now. If farke can show a consistent uplift then he stays. If this is a blip then no.

He deserves credit for tonight as do the players

[WhiteRose]

29% possession, XG 2.82 and 3 points - Farke needs that writing on his office wall in Bold.

[BlackHillsPaul]

I'm in a charitable mood. Maybe it's the approach of the Christmas season. But I'm happy that Daniel Farke found some tactical flexibility. That he has tried something that get's the most out of our players. And I'll give him some credit for that. It's CRYSTAL CLEAR he has not lost the team! They are still fighting for him with everything they've got. And if we can pick up 5 or more points by the halfway point in the season I think he survives. Unless the change is already a done deal.

[SG90]

29% possession, XG 2.82 and 3 points - Farke needs that writing on his office wall in Bold.

How much of it was down to Nmecha giving the ball away?

[Carrick Dave]

Frankly, while I like Farke I want the manager who gives us the best chance of staying up to be at the helm.

I’ve had my doubts, but the way the squad has played last three games, they are clearly bought in to him and his methods.

Still there even after not winning points when they deserved them.

[CUSSIE01]

Not often I say it but Come On the Scum tomorrow.

[DDB220]

What a cracking game. That Bijol header for the first goal was out of this world. Tanaka was shooting like Geoff Thomas before he scored a screamer.

Should have been at least 3 at half time, fortunately PS will not have to think about that free header now.

We look so much better defensively with wingbacks and three strong centre backs.

If as Elland suggests the club have planned to sack DF tonight, it suggests that O’Neil was a done deal. Must be urgent discussions in the boardroom right now. If it is true What a crock of s**t as this will all come out eventually whatever they decide to do.

Just a question - what is with Perri kicking the ball. His technique is awful for a keeper. I hope it was just an off night and he was struggling due to a greasy pitch.

[BlackHillsPaul]

I'm actually excited about the Liverpool game on Saturday. I think there are points for the taking in that one. Sadly, I won't be able to watch that one live. So I'll maintain radio silence and watch it on Sunday.

[John in Louisiana]

Just got out of an afternoon full of meetings.

Can't wait to see the replay.

[GreennWhite]

Well done Farke and the whole team
Some experts on here said we would get no points from this set of games
Must be hard for those that want Farke gone to stomach a result like this, but it wont stop the gurning from them. Just wait till we have a bad game and they will be back at it.

[Cjay]

Farke here

It felt a loing time coming. The players deserved a night like this. One poor home performance in the last 15 months. To be effective in the moments against this team - to win this game, it was deserved.

We didn't give one chance away in the first half. We scored three and it could have been more. It feels like in terms of chances and xG, we were the better side. This is why we wanted to be back in the big time.




The 3-5-2 formation

I didn't want to give too much before the game. Would have felt difficult for players if didn't play it at half-time.

Yes it can be the main formation going forward. I dont like to change too much. Itwas clear for me we had to be more fliexible netc season,

Always depends on how the opponent plays and which are in form. Maybe to surprise opponents. Many things.

I go mental and crazy when we don't have the ball. Won't be that we always over run the opponent. This mix will be crucial going forward.

We have to be ready on this level.




On Elland Road and unity

I didn't have the feeling that we didn't have one unity. Elland Road was at its best once again.

Apart from the guy behind my bench. I said listen I'd love to attack but we are playing against Chelsea mate so we have to sometimes defend.

I knew what club I signed for.

[DDB220]

I don't like Bijol playing, he's been poor at best this season and now he sits as the key man of a back three.

Erm

[Barlow Boy]

Just got home from the game, we’ve had worse nights

[Orange Box]

Just got home from the game, we’ve had worse nights

Name one.

[Cjay]

Well done Farke and the whole team
Some experts on here said we would get no points from this set of games
Must be hard for those that want Farke gone to stomach a result like this, but it wont stop the gurning from them. Just wait till we have a bad game and they will be back at it.

Some "experts" also said months ago this squad was built for a direct aggressive back 3. . . . . .

Funny old game innit