Four points from a tricky three opening Premier League games is a return that Daniel Farke ought to take credit for.
Two good results sandwiching a dismal day at Arsenal shows this Leeds United squad can mostly be competitive - but, in echo of the manager, have the Whites got enough to last a full season?
Managing director Robbie Evans has warned fans not to expect activity in January. It’s not part of the blueprint. He believes United do have enough firepower in attack to stay up, stating that the task will have been difficult regardless.
Farke had made it very clear that more offensive players were needed in the final two days of the window and the failure to grab any has left supporters worried. Just one goal has been scored in the three league games so far and that was from the penalty spot.
All three matches so far have had their difficulties when it comes to the final third. These three opponents are known for making it hard for teams to score against them, and so some slack can be afforded to the Leeds attack.
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But for the next two months, that slack cannot be offered. United now do not face a side that finished in the top eight last season until November, and this upcoming period is crucial for both Farke’s security and United’s hopes of survival.
Next is Fulham away which will not be an easy clash. And October’s first game at home to Tottenham Hotspur won’t exactly be a walk in the park.
But the other fixtures speak for themselves. Wolves away, Bournemouth at home, Burnley away and West Ham at home. If Leeds are adrift of 17th place by the trip to Brighton & Hove Albion on November 1, then an uphill task awaits them.
Because after Brighton follows Nottingham Forest away, Aston Villa at home, Manchester City away, and home clashes with Chelsea and Liverpool, which takes us into the first week of December. That’s a tough patch.
But it is these next two months, against teams Leeds will fancy their chances against, which will reveal how damaging the end to the summer window actually was. When Leeds come back from the international break, they will have had a beneficial two weeks.
The fortnight will have allowed the later-window singings and those lacking fitness crucial time with Farke on the training pitch. Afterwards, Leeds fans could see the return of captain Ethan Ampadu from injury and possibly, albeit not certainly, Ao Tanaka.
When all are back and firing, including Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor, Leeds will have few excuses to fall back on. Crunch time is here already.
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