arbitro

I get a feeling that the tide might just be turning albeit slowly.

Two words for the bitter Leeds fans who are critical of us - Howard Wilkinson. And I can't look at Gnonto without thinking of Arnold from Different Strokes.

I would be happy for him to start ahead of Gueye but Ohashi would be my first choice if he is fit.

I think you're being harsh He was defending from the front and dropped off to stop Leeds passing through midfield. I'm pretty sure that would have been his brief too. We had 30% possession yesterday which doesn't give any striker a lot to feed off.

It was really pleasing to see Travis and Carter celebrating with the team at the final whistle yesterday (disclaimer: I didn't actually see them but my granddaughter assures me they were). Whilst team spirit won't actually win matches it can be a great asset as demonstrated yesterday.

A message to Rodon (who was booed by Rovers fans after his comments about the way we play). In two games against Rovers you have had around 70% possession in both games but dropped five points. The only goal you scored was a penalty. So it doesn't matter one jot how you play or what the stats are. The only thing that matters is the result and little old Rovers have done entitled Leeds twice in a few weeks. Now cry about that.

I didn't envisage an adrenalin rush like I had when we beat them in April but today came quite close to it. We discussion on the way over what tactics we would use and we came up with a plan similar to what Eustace used. He doesn't complicate things by coming up with game plans which his players can't adapt to, he knows our limitations in that respect and keeps it without the boundaries of our capabilities. We really annoyed Leeds today with our game management, so much so I thought Farke was going to combust on the touchline. Defensively we were excellent and limited them to very little. Batth and Hyam quite rightly get huge plaudits today as do Brittain and Beck but in central midfield we were immense. I'm guilty of starting to take Tronstad for granted now such is the level and consistency of his performances. Beside him Baker was equally as effective as Leeds were second best in this department. Today epitomised what Blackburn Rovers are about for me. Graft, spirit, attitude, aggression and a degree of skill. Listening to the Leeds fans moaning about us as we waited outside the ground was music to my ears. We went toe to toe with them and won on points. Plenty of rest now before Saturday would be my plan and then come out with so much controlled aggression they won't know what has hit tem.

So no money might not actually be received 'up front'. Thinking about it this was something Gestede mentioned in the recent Fans Forum although he didn't really explain it fully like you my friend.

My understanding is that it is paid in instalments over the length of the contract although wilsednrover says the whole fee shows up in the accounts. In all honesty I'm not sure how that works. It's almost like they can report the entire fee as income in the accounts but don't actually receive it all. Perhaps somebody who understands this could explain it.

Thanks - does the same apply when we buy a player ie the whole fee shows in the accounts?

The first instalment might have done. There will be another payment due in January which might go towards the running costs given the Punekars reluctance to send money over.

The point many are making is that if more of these 'fans' went to watch football local and live then, using Rovers as an example the facilities might improve and perhaps ticket prices more reasonable.

How can that be good for the general health of football?

I haven't seen it back but my impression in real time was that he blasted it rather than concentrating on placement. It kind of summed up his afternoon. Frankly I expect better from him.

I really think that the real issue with Gueye's heading of the ball is his timing. He just doesn't get the best connection on the ball and a few times today he was on the way down when he made contact with the ball. As much As I want him to succeed I just can't see the raw materials needed to be a decent Championship striker.

Today was the antithesis of Boxing Day. There was an acute lack of energy, low tempo and very little intensity, three things that were the cornerstones of our six match winning run. It looked a game too far for too many of our players but a big factor was the missed chances, many of which looked easy from where I sit. Had we scored first I think we would have won but it wasn't to be. Although I rate Cantwell he really irritated me today with him taking too many touches and looking lazy. He needs to step up and start to create things for us which is why we signed him. Beck has flatlined too after such a great start for us but I don't really have concerns about him. Dolan was back to his 5/10 form today and Gueye just doesn't look like a Championship footballer. We need more from players that somebody whose perceived strength seems to be that he causes havoc. His movement in the penalty area is awful. It's hugely important how we react to this defeat and Eustace really needs to earn his money and come up with something for New Years Day. Personally I wouldn't be averse to going to a back five and just focus on tight defending and playing on the break.

The most important game is the next one and it represents a good chance of three points. Give the p!ayers tomorrow and Tuesday off and they should be fine for Leeds. Every Championship club is in the same position so let's just get on with it and pick up more points.

I responded to you being obtuse. Clearly his fitness levels satisfy the sports scientists otherwise he wouldn't play but to repeat myself he struggles to play a full match in a really high tempo. If you were observant you would have noticed players from both teams looking really tired in the last ten minutes which was due to the intensity and effort they put in. Nothing at all wrong with that in my view.

What do you recommend? An extra beasting for him after training or coming in on his days off?

Sunderland played a really high line in the first half and several times we played the ball in behind. We used the long diagonal pass to good effect too I thought. In the second half I thought the Sunderland defence dropped off more so we couldn't get in behind. Similarly we dominated the midfield in the first half and they did in the second. Both managers were tactically astute yesterday which certainly added to the quality of the game.

I honestly don't know how you came to that conclusion. My point was that he isn't robust enough to play a full match after the intensity we started off playing. He was noticeably the first player to tire and didn't get involved in play like we needed him to.

I thought the pace and intensity of the game really took its toll on Cantwell and he was found wanting in the second half. He should be more suited to the game on Sunday when the game won't be as frenetic. In fairness we had a few tired looking players late on but to their credit they squeezed every ounce of energy out for the cause.

Yes he is absolutely our best left back and arguably our best left side midfielder. After their first goal he was definitely limping and spoke to Eustace. I honestly thought he was going off and we were actually debating who would play left back. And Roberts is a player I have always rated (and the little shit seems to save his best performances for when he plays against us 😄)

What a really good game of football we've seen today. Perhaps not the result we wanted but there were plenty of positives for me against a good Sunderland team. We started the game excellently and the pace we played with was something that took me by surprise. We could have, with a bit more composure scored another couple but when we didn't there was a nagging feeling that they could come back. I was pleased for Ohashi who, apart from his goal looked good. It was a role reversal at the beginning of the second half as they pretty much dominated and did what we couldn't do namely score two goals. The difference was Roberts who tore Beck apart in this period although Beck looked like he was struggling with an injury. And we showed some character to come back when I think nearly everyone had conceded defeat. I thought Brittain had one of his best games in a Rovers shirt today particularly in the first half. It also proved that Cantwell should be more central. Although he tired late on his creativity and ability to hurt teams was evident. Baker proved to be an adequate replacement for Travis and Baath is quickly becoming our best centre half. And we are indebted to Pears for his save at the death. His composure was terrific. And for me Leonard should be ahead of Gueye.

https://x.com/Rovers/status/1871843340464935127?t=zopMfwJPhrC22i3vk4bhRQ&s=19