I made the trip to St Andrew`s on Saturday to see how Leeds did under new boss Brian McDermott in his first away game in charge.
Unfortunately, it was similar to what I had witnessed away from home all season.
Kenny 5
You have to put the goal down to him. Whether he was trying to catch it or just keep it out, you don`t knock it straight back in front of you. He tried to play the ball from the back but sometimes it was the wrong choice, putting teammates under pressure. He is always too keen to get rid early.
Byram 6
He tried to give Leeds an option out wide and he was moved into midfield for the final half hour.
I cannot understand why he is not forward for corners when he has made a habit of scoring and getting into goalscoring opportunities this season. He is far better in an attacking position that the likes of Green and Tonge who will win little in the air at set pieces.
Lees 6
I thought both Lees and Pearce did well enough with the aerial threat of Zigic all afternoon.
Pearce 6
Same as Lees, probably one of his better games for Leeds but I would sooner have Peltier alongside Lees in the middle.
Warnock 6
He had a good solid game in defence. He was worked hard by Redmond and Morrison with their pace. A few good tackles and he gave Leeds an option when attacking. All his corners were disappointing. They have a huge keeper who is not afraid to come for crosses and that is what he did with ease.
Green 5
Protected the back four and he made some good interceptions. Distribution was poor and often he failed to find a teammate.
Austin 6
He is more like the Austin we signed. He got stuck but sometimes he does go in like a bull at a gate when it is not necessary. A few times, he committed himself and he was beaten by skill.
Tonge 5
Occasional good moment but spent far too much time giving the ball away. He came closest to scoring in the first half for Leeds when his shot was tipped over.
McCormack 7 Star Man
He sat behind the front two and when he didn`t have the ball he looked lost. When he got the ball to feet, he looked like the one Leeds player who could open the door. Unlucky when his free kick skimmed the top of the crossbar.
Varney 5
He did little. He was no match in the air for Curtis Davies and he spent most of his time throwing himself to the ground. Lack of movement in the final third gave Leeds little option in attack.
Diouf 6
Feeding off scraps as the ball passed him by. In the second half he was more involved and he gave Leeds options down the right with Byram.
Subs
Peltier 5
He replaced Tonge just past the hour and went in at right back with Byram pushing into midfield. A few rushed clearances found touch. The one thing McDermott needs to instil in this squad is the time to look up and pick a pass.
Drury 6
He replaced Austin late on and he and Warnock interchanged on the left. I have yet to see him have a bad performance for Leeds and cannot understand why he has not had a regular place in the side.
Morison
He came on with fifteen minutes remaining – Apparently!
Summary
As someone who does the vast majority of away games and the odd home game, I hadn`t seen the first two games under McDermott.
Some of the lads on the Thames Valley Coach were talking about the new look Leeds, one that passes the ball. One of them even likened us to Brazil. After another 90 minutes of boredom, only enlightened by the travelling support, they still reminded me of Barnet!
A lot of work for McDermott to do over the summer and I am glad he has now seen the real Leeds and what he has inherited from Neil Warnock.
I hope that now everything is done and dusted this season, I hope he gives a few of the fringe players a game.
Two difficult games remaining against Brighton and Watford. I will be making the trip to Watford on the final day on what has been another very disappointing season.
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