Leeds United have again not scored from open play for the fourth game running, suffering late defeat at Fulham through a bizarre Gabriel Gudmundsson own goal.
If you were told prior to the season kicking off that Leeds would have four points from four games, it wouldn’t be seen as an alarming start by any means.
However, Leeds have a big issue that Daniel Farke must resolve already in the final third.
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Fulham 1-0 Leeds United: No open play goals for four games as own goal spoils resolute display
A trip to Fulham represented another challenging fixture with the Cottagers being a relatively comfortable mid-table side under Marco Silva.
However, Leeds sat in well and soaked up any pressure that came their way, and it’s fair to suggest United had the better of the chances too – having twice the amount of shots (10) that the home side mustered up.
Despite looking strong out of possession again, it was a fourth game this season where Leeds failed to score from open play, this time unable to keep a clean sheet.
Leeds United were denied a draw by a gutting own goal against Fulham. (Action Images via Reuters/Cat Goryn)
Deep in added time, a corner for the hosts unfortunately found the head of a flat-footed Gabriel Gudmundsson. The Swede diverted the cross into the top corner and gifted Fulham three points late on. A gutting blow off the back of heroics in the second half from Karl Darlow to keep Marco Silva’s side at bay.
Craig Pawson’s full-time meant that Leeds have scored just one goal in the league in the opening four games for the first time in their history – per Jonny Cooper.
Dainel Farke must improve Leeds United’s attack ASAP
Four games into our Premier League return is very early to be weighing up Farke’s position at the club. That being said, the ruthlessness of this league means United don’t have time to dwell on the decision they intend to make – to stick or twist.
Defensively, it’s night and day between Farke’s previous attempts to survive in the Premier League, but the lack of bite in the final third is an alarming development.
Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are seen as Leeds’ standout solutions there. Both look sharp enough to suggest they’ll have a good impact this season, but thus far, we’re yet to see proof of concept in that regard.
Daniel Farke faces tough conversations if Leeds United’s attack doesn’t kick into gear soon. (REUTERS/Isabel Infantes)
Yesterday’s lineup had an eyebrow-raising decision that didn’t go in Farke’s favour, and it was the omission of Willy Gnonto. There’s some rationale behind Brenden Aaronson’s inclusion, given his energy and all-round solid showing out on the right. The issue lies in sacrificing Leeds’ most creative attacking presence, which was noticeable as a result.
Daniel Farke’s job hinges on sorting Leeds United’s attack
This is no slight on Aaronson and what he brings to the table under Farke. It’s more the misuse of a player many perceive as the most talented and most creative player in Leeds’ attack.
Looking to Wolves, it’s simply a non-negotiable that Leeds break this open play duck. To do that, Farke might have to be more courageous with his team selection. That means playing what the popular consensus believe is his best front three: Okafor, Calvert-Lewin, and Gnonto.
Failure to get goals out of this side on Saturday, especially against the current worst side in the division so far and a clear relegation rival, and Farke may have to worry for his job a whole lot more.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!