x

Keep It Simple, Play Your Best Players, Change Little ! Is The Message To Southampton

A week ago Saints travelled to Leeds with their supporters lamenting how bad we had been in the previous three games, now after a comprehensive win at Elland Road the tide has turned, the message is simple, More of the same !

The three straight defeats in April occurred for different reasons, but all had one underlying issue that contributed to the losses and the key word was "Tinkering"

Whether it was in the starting line up or in making substitutions, there were too many changes, the back line was constantly changed and the forward line as well, when we had three wingers on the pitch at Cardiff, the writing was clearly on the wall.

But at Leeds something changed. we put out arguably our best side, we played in a formation that the players knew how to play and when made, the substitutions were timely and for the right reasons, rather than just changing for change sake.

So the lesson was learned up at Elland Road and from the start of the game we looked a different side, controlled and knowing what we needed to do.

A little bit as we did when we bounced back at West Brom back in February after out first defeat in 23 games at Bristol City.

So hopefully Russell Martin has learned that lesson, there can be no excuse of having to play too many games in a short period of time, we have two games, hopefully three, to turn this season into one to remember.

We do not need to use 22 players in those games, we need to get that consistency back, a back four that is solid, a midfield that compliments both defence and attack and up front the players who have done the job over the season, Adam Armstrong, Che Adams & Ryan Frazer.

The same core dozen or so players that got us through the 22 game unbeaten run.

If things aren't going well stick with those that are tried and tested, when you are chasing goals, don't take off your best forward, the second highest in the division and put on a player that has not scored all season and hope that he finally pays off.

So the message ahead of the trip to West Bromwich Albion is as simple as the message itself.

"Keep It Simple, Play Your Best Players, Change Little !"


What to read next:

Leeds start 2024/5 on a Saturday lunchtime
The fixture list for the new season was announced this morning, and Sky TV have got their talons into it already. Our opening game is at 12.30 at home to Portsmouth, as inconvenient as that is for the away fans travelling up from the south coast.
Mixed reaction from fans as Aaronson comes back for next season
In a surprise move, Brenden Aaronson has decided to return to Leeds for the 2024/5 season after talks with Daniel Farke. It’s fair to say that some fans are happier about this news than others.
Should they stay or should they go?
Leeds United have issued the retained list for the 2024/5 season, and while much of it confirms what we already know, on the face of it there are a couple of surprises.
Can Red Bull help Leeds to fly back to the top?
Today Leeds announced that Red Bull have bought a minority stake in the club, and will take over as the main shirt sponsor, but thankfully there will be no change in the name of the club or the colour of the shirt.
Marathe admits that PSR is likely to force player sales
The 49ers have plenty of cash available to invest in Leeds United, but defeat in the 49th game of the League season means that some key players will be leaving to keep the club with the Profitability and Sustainability (PSR) regulations.
Play-off jinx continues as Leeds lose to Southampton again
****ing Southampton. Again. ****ing Adam Armstrong. Again. ****ing Play-offs. Again. Grrrrrr.
Leeds United 0 - 1 Southampton - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Wembley Awaydaze
As you probably know already, our play-off final against with Southampton kicks off at 3pm on Sunday. And if you didn’t manage to get your hands on a ticket, it’s live on Sky Sports.
Leeds crush Norwich to cruise through to play-off final
With our recent form being what it was, I was expecting a nervy encounter, with Leeds struggling to get through the Norwich City defence, but how wrong I was! Suddenly we recovered the swagger we have shown for much of the season, and not a moment too soon.
Farke happy with the result after bore draw at Norwich
Many neutrals have complained on social media that yesterday’s game at Norwich City was a bit on the dull side, but the Leeds team wasn't set up to please them. For us it was the result that mattered, and it should leave us in a better position to get through to the final.