Leeds 4 Newcastle 1: It Was Coming.

The fact that this performance and result was no surprise to many fans is one of the biggest concerns that emerged from the battering at Leeds.

My view expressed more than once on the blog, and I was not alone, is that we were set up for a hammering... and we got one at Elland Road last night.

This is exactly what I wrote after the Bournemouth game...

Do We Have A Midfield?

It may seem a strange question but ,like that old detective Columbo... something is troubling me.

Jaissle's 4-2-3-1 system and the players we have used leaves us, IMO, short of a properly functioning midfield especially when the oppo have the ball and are attacking.

Nico, Miley, Steur, Elanga, Murphy, Wissa, Willock, Barnes - take any five who have started -and the obvious question is - where is the midfield and, even more so, where is the defensive steel to protect the back four?

IMO the clear answer is - not a lot, if any.

The first half was a repeat of the dire performance against Bournemouth until Barnes's goal swung some hope back in our favour.

Until then, and again last night but right throughout the first half, we were out fought, out thought, and totally overpowered both in possession and the physical challenges by a Leeds team who dominated us with total ease.

The fact that the first goal came from a lucky pin ball ricochet, the second after an awful pass from Steur, and the third from the bulldozing DCL shouldn't hide the fact that we were lucky to go in only three down.

The spirit shown by the Lads in the second half is to their credit and at least we kept the score down - but that was the only plus on a night that brought us fans, and no doubt Jaissle, crashing back down to Earth.

In that same Bournemouth review I wrote that there was much work to do.

That workload has now got even heavier, not lighter.

If You Keep Doing The Same Thing...

With another big physical side in high flying Hull next up at SJP on Saturday Jaissle needs solutions fast or another defeat could quickly follow.

The true saying 'if you keep doing the same thing, don't expect different results' is IMO one that our young manager needs to seriously consider.

All of our performances this season have had the same weaknesses; too many wide open spaces in midfield - too little control of the ball or game tempo - too many shots conceded - now an average of two goals per game conceded - too few chances created - too few shots on target - capped off by an almost total lack of any physical presence.

If Jaissle plays the same team, in the same formation on Saturday, there is no chance that all of those issues will magically disappear.

That doesn't mean were are certain to lose, last night was the first time this season, but it does mean the possibility to be on the end of another hammering is high.

What's The Solution?

Some fans may believe it's too early to panic.

I'm not in that camp.

Panic might be a bit harsh of a word, but when that many clear weaknesses and problems are staring you in the face you need to make big changes - and fast.

IMO playing the same the 4231 with the same players is a relegation side in the making.

Quite simply, I don't believe a PL functioning team can be formed from continuing with that set up no matter how much time Jaissle spends on the training pitch.

The real danger is that another two or three heavy defeats could send confidence plummeting, extinguish fans expectations and enthusiasm, and put Jaissle under extreme pressure for his job.

Am I overreacting? I wasn't in my early assessment of the potential for a hammering and I don't think I am now.

A solution?

Jaissle has two options... try to get the current set up working, or make big changes either to 4231 or to the players who occupy the positions.

A big problem in changing players is that Osula, Burn and Jo - all of whom who can give us a physical presence are injured, If they weren't I'd bring all three straight in.

And, I'd even consider ditching our wingers and playing Tino and Hall in the three to give us more natural defensive ability in midfield as both players can still get forward to support an attack.

One last point.

Steur IMO should replace Miley alongside Nico.

The young lad, his bad pass apart, was the standout player for us last night and offers far more forward passing ability and especially game involvement than Miley has so far this season.

After just six competitive games young Jaissle needs to find big solutions to big problems. Fast.

Let's hope he is up to the task.

Last Post: Leeds Preview

Matthis Jaissle: What Fans Need To Consider