Leeds United legend Stuart Dallas believes Daniel Farke must improve his side in one key area, which could be worth 10 to 15 points in their fight for Premier League survival.
After securing a morale-boosting win over Everton on the opening day of the season, Daniel Farke has watched his Leeds side stumble to one point from three Premier League games without finding the net.
An unfortunate Gabriel Gudmundsson own goal cost Leeds the three points against Fulham, but their lack of cutting edge in the final third is more of a concern. Dominic Calvert-Lewin looked lively during his 70 minutes on the field but missed the game’s best chance as the Whites drew another blank.
Although Leeds’ season is only four games old, they face a must-win clash against fellow strugglers Wolves next weekend, who are bottom of the table with no points from their first four games.
According to new club ambassador Stuart Dallas, improving their efficiency from set-pieces will be essential to Leeds’ hopes of remaining in the top flight next season.
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Stuart Dallas backs Leeds United to stay in the Premier League
Speaking to the Square Ball podcast, Dallas explained why he believes that set-pieces will be essential to Leeds’ survival hopes.
Dallas has seen the potential benefits of good delivery from dead balls, as they were crucial to Northern Ireland’s Euro 2016 qualification campaign. The former Leeds man believes they could be worth a significant number of points if Leeds can use them well.
He said: “Set pieces are massive. I think we’ve seen Arsenal last year, Aston Villa, the amount of goals, and that can be the difference in 10-15 points per season.
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“I think this season is going to be difficult; we’re gonna have to grind out results, but I don’t see any reason why we can’t do that. I think, especially at home, we’re going to be hard to beat.”
Asked whether he was confident that Leeds could survive, Dallas responded: “I truly believe that we’re staying up. I think the team look good. As I said, the structure of the team is good. It’s about creating momentum and confidence.
“We can go next week to Wolves and win. You wouldn’t believe how much confidence that will give the team going forward, but I think we stay up. I think we stay up comfortably.”
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Stats show Leeds need to improve from dead balls
Set-pieces have been a problem area for Leeds in recent years, although Farke did improve their efficiency from corners in their promotion-winning season.
However, delivery remains the major issue, as highlighted by one moment in the Fulham game when Anton Stach drilled a free kick from a dangerous position into the one-man wall, as another chance went to waste.
Leeds’ stats from Opta highlight the full extent of the problem. Leeds players have drawn the sixth most fouls in the competition this season, with 50 and won the 12th most corners with 17.
However, Leeds’ overall xG from set-pieces is just 0.77 from the 11 shots they have created, resulting in no goals. Having prioritised physical stature in their recruitment, Leeds’ delivery from set-pieces needs to be much better to turn Dallas’ advice into reality.