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Saturday 9 September 2017

Leeds Utd v Burton Albion. 9th September 2017

Despite the frustrating international break there was nothing that could disguise the overwhelming positiveness flowing down Elland Road as a near sell out crowd eagerly made they way to the game. The stellar signings Leeds have made mixed with a real positive style of play introduced by the unknown Thomas Christiansen has had Leeds fans drooling so far but could they continue today against Nigel Clough's Burton? If they were to win they were going to do it with an interesting team selection from TC. In for his debut came Lasogga at number 9 pushing Roofe out wide and Alioski onto the bench. Alioski had played two games with Macedonia so presumably he was rested rather than dropped but that didn't stop a significant number of Leeds United manager's in the Pavilion rubbishing the decision. After all we've only made the best start to the season for eons so the new lad clearly doesn't know what he's doing?

The ground was packed and absolutely bouncing as the game got under way. From the first minute Leeds were in overdrive as they attacked the Brewers with a real confidence that hasn't been seen at Leeds for a lot of years. Leeds tore into Burton with Saiz, Hernandez, Roofe bamboozling the visitor's defence. The new man Lasogga must have thought he had landed in Football heaven as he fed off intelligent build up play and a service that was delightful to watch. The crowd revelled in the champagne show from Leeds as they battered the Burton rearguard. Bywater in their goal was vainly trying to stem the tide but after twenty minutes Leeds scored the inevitable first goal.......and what a goal. O'Kane drove into the Burton half and slid a perfect pass into Lasogga who timed his run to perfection off the shoulder of the defender and rattled home his debut goal with majestic ease. Elland Road erupted to welcome a new scoring hero to LS11. 1.0 Leeds. Becchio who was watching in the stands must have been impressed?

The Leeds onslaught continued with wave after wave of attacks putting immense pressure on the Burton goal. Cooper, Jansson and Roofe all tried to increase the lead but somehow the score remained 1.0. The crowd were loving it though even the ones getting wet from the torrential downpour. Leeds were totally dominant playing a style of one touch football inspired by Christiansen but learnt in Barcelona. This was delicious. The second goal came when Saiz won a free kick out wide. Hernandez sent a teasing ball into the box.......Roofe's shot was blocked but Phillips expertly curled the rebound into the net with his left foot. Carnage in the stands as the Leeds fans celebrated their 2.0 lead. Any thoughts of Chris Wood were consigned to history as we were witnessing a better number 9 destroying a championship defence supported by an illusive band of midfielders.

To say Leeds were on fire was like saying Hurricane Irma was a bit of a storm. They were unplayable. I couldn't remember a mis placed pass nor could I keep up with all the superb moves but then again neither could Burton. On 43 minutes a move that would have graced the Nou Camp finished with Lasogga thumping a shot against the post and away. This was Football Porn at it's best. In the stands fans were actually smiling and laughing in between purrs of admiration at the football on show. A minute before half time another sublime Leeds move led to another corner. Lasogga was dragged down to prevent him heading the ball and the ref pointed to the spot. Hernandez clipped the ball home for the 3rd goal. Mint. Lasogga nearly added a 4th in injury time before the Leeds team headed off the pitch to a thunderous ovation. Absolutely magic.

Well the urinal philosophers were absolutely buzzing. "That's the best half of football I've seen at ER for years" beamed one fan whilst another gushed "Playing like this we won't lose another game" Yes rarely have I seen the urinal philosophers in such good form. In fact I've never seen them in such good form! It was scary really not one negative comment.........Carlsberg don't do Urinal Philosophers but if they did..................... 3.0 at half time. How many would they get in the second half? We were about to find out.

Dallas replaced Anita at left back but Leeds were soon back in destroying mode. Dallas had a stinging volley blocked and minutes later Lasogga latched onto a sublime pass to bring out a superb save from Bywater. Jansson then should have done better with a header from 10 yards out but the White tsunami continued to submerge the struggling Burton side. By now Wiedwald was watching Soccer Saturday on his iPad as his team mates dominated possession and the game. On 54 minutes Leeds got their 4th. Lasogga gave a lovely ball to Roofe who danced inside from the wing like a cat playing with a mouse before firing an unstoppable shot into the far corner of the net. 4.0 Leeds and still over half an hour left.

Klich replaced O'Kane as Leeds continued to dominate. Just before the hour Leeds gorged themselves on yet another goal. Roofe was the provider with a lovely floated cross that had "head me" written all over it...........Lasogga did just that with all the grace of a Sea Eagle swooping for an unsuspecting fish. 5.0 and still time left to add to the Burton massacre. Grot replaced Lasogga who left the field to a deafening ovation. He will remember his Leeds debut for a long time. Leeds continued to grind Burton into the dust and Wiedwald continued to be unemployed in the Leeds goal as Leeds saw the game out for a stunning 5.0 win. At times this reminded me of "that" Southampton game in the early 70's. I could almost hear Barry Davies saying "This is almost cruel" If you don't know what I'm on about ask your Dad!

Where do I start with the superlatives? Lasogga was a quicker, sharper version of Chris Wood and will be an instant hero if he continues this form. Saiz, Roofe and Hernandez were unplayable. Anybody who thinks you can't play them in the same team better think again. Cooper was awesome in defence. What a difference from last year. O'Kane and Phillips were dominant. Phillips typified his performance by chasing back in the 89th minute when we were 5.0 up to win the ball back. He is going to be a real star for Leeds despite his detractors. Ayling was Ayling and Jansson carried more of a swagger than usual. On this form Leeds are unplayable. Simple as.

Birmingham up next on Tuesday. Thomas Christiansen has got the sleeping giant wide awake and striding up the league. Is anyone going to stop them? I don't think so!

Can't wait.

MOT.

17 comments:

Unknown said...

Goose bumps reading that. What a team the powers that be have put together. MOT

Tony Mulraney said...

Top post as always Andrew, happy times long may they continue. To be honest could never understand the anti Phillips movement, young lad with great ability learning the game. This new no 9 has the look of a goal machine at this level.

Andrew Butterwick said...

Thanks David and Tony. The good times are back with a bang.
MOT

Unknown said...

Andrew - love reading your post match reviews - this year really does feel like the one

Unknown said...

Great piece as always - this year really does feel like the year

Andy P said...

Football porn love it. MOT

Unknown said...

Always look for your blog after a game. As I live in Oz it brings the Leeds family closer. Cheers Andrew great piece again.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the good news Andrew!Sunday morning NZ time!

Andrew Butterwick said...

Thanks for the comments from down under. Still pinching myself after yesterday's game. It really was the perfect performance that was an absolute pleasure to watch. If ER isn't sold out for every game going forward then there is something wrong.
MOT

Leeds watcher since 65 said...

Great review I listened to Adam Pope and Noel When they were orgasmic in their praise. When Monk and then Wood left I was worried not any more. MOT

Andrew Butterwick said...

Leeds watcher,
At last we really are the real deal.
MOT

Anonymous said...

Hi Andrew great report as usual..group of us over from Ennis in Ireland ..what a great day to be at Elland Rd.

Andrew Butterwick said...

Irish,
Always great support for the mighty whites from Ireland. Thanks for the comments.
MOT

Unknown said...

Fantastic report andew the sad thing is there's only 40 games left this season to whatch the prom ��������

Andrew Butterwick said...

George,
Thanks for the comments. Don't forget the cup games as well!

Terry Henderson said...

Reading your blog Andrew is better than watching a dodgy stream here in Joburg m8

Andrew Butterwick said...

Terry,
Thanks for the comments. Glad you enjoy my ramblings.
MOT

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