Thoughts on Leeds

I woke up just in time to catch the Leeds game this past Saturday. At the end of the game, I was pretty morbid. Giving away a last second penalty to offer Leeds a lifeline in a replay hit me almost as hard as the previous night's bourbon. I spent a day of reflection however to give my honest thoughts.

First of all, Gareth Bale is an exceptional talent. His attacking prowess as a left back is unbelievable. I would keep Benoit Assou-Ekotto as the first choice back, but I would give serious contemplation towards moving Bale into the left midfield slot. He runs at defenders fearlessly and the balls he whips in are top class. His defending is still slack at times which is why he doesn't play ahead of BAE.

Another thing that shocked me was how Roman Pavlyuchenko somehow produced a moment of brilliance in the first minute he was on the pitch. How sweet that must have felt for him! Pav has been an afterthought all season long with rumors constantly swirling about him moving on to another club during this January transfer window, yet he still has that striker's instinct. It was a lovely step-over and classy finish. It really makes me wonder if we should be shopping him around so vigorously with Keano's dip in form.

Leeds' striker Jermaine Beckford is the real deal. I didn't buy into the hype surrounding him after the Man U game, but he proved me wrong. He was putting himself into great positions and harassed our center backs all game long. Why in the world did Dawson have to lunge at Beckford in box in the last minute? Stay on your feet son. It almost reminded me of the Australia-Italy World Cup game in 2006 when the Australian defender left his feet to make a challenge and ended their World Cup dream. It was a clumsy challenge by our young captain, but you have to tip your hat to Beckford. He played a great game and his penalty showed the confidence he has. I think it is safe to say that we will see this youngster in the Premiership sooner rather than later.

On Tuesday, Spurs play Fulham at White Hart Lane in what I consider a must-win. Fulham is missing Zamora and Dempsey, so their attack is severly crippled. Now is the time to jump on them and get back to our winning ways. My prediction: 3-1 Spurs. Come on you Spurs.....