Leeds were beaten by Newcastle yesterday in a game that saw the gulf in class. Newcastle, a team brimming with talent, and an ability to sign double figure million pound players, against Gary Monks young Leeds side.
With Dwight Gayle, a player costing as much as the entire Leeds side netting twice, the first a Rob Green howler, the 2nd a quality goal.
Leeds had half chances and a good penalty appeal turned down, it could be argued that they worked the Newcastle keeper harder than the visitors worked Green, but you always felt that the Geordies were in charge. Backed by a huge warchest, following the sale of several players, including a ridiculous £30m for Sissokho, their ability to spend, and spend well was evident. Backed by my own big bear of parachute payments, Newcastle are able to invest in players, knowing that if the gamble fails (it won't, they'll win the league), then the payments would support that gamble.
The game for me showed how far Monk has brought Leeds on, and how far there is to go-Newcastle struggled last year, have sold players, and were still a few levels above us. Although play offs is the dream this season, I think another year in this division would actually benefit the club, without big investment (and you'll be hearing more on that over the next few days!).
With Dwight Gayle, a player costing as much as the entire Leeds side netting twice, the first a Rob Green howler, the 2nd a quality goal.
Leeds had half chances and a good penalty appeal turned down, it could be argued that they worked the Newcastle keeper harder than the visitors worked Green, but you always felt that the Geordies were in charge. Backed by a huge warchest, following the sale of several players, including a ridiculous £30m for Sissokho, their ability to spend, and spend well was evident. Backed by my own big bear of parachute payments, Newcastle are able to invest in players, knowing that if the gamble fails (it won't, they'll win the league), then the payments would support that gamble.
The game for me showed how far Monk has brought Leeds on, and how far there is to go-Newcastle struggled last year, have sold players, and were still a few levels above us. Although play offs is the dream this season, I think another year in this division would actually benefit the club, without big investment (and you'll be hearing more on that over the next few days!).
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