Good Morning. It's Monday 15th September, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Last gasp heartbreak at Craven Cottage
In the cruelest of fashions, Leeds United were denied a hard-earned point at Craven Cottage as Gabriel Gudmundsson’s last-gasp own goal gifted Fulham a dramatic victory at the weekend.
Daniel Farke’s side, set up in a disciplined 4-1-4-1 formation, looked to be heading for a well-deserved draw after a resolute performance that belied a string of changes to the starting XI. Karl Darlow deputised ably for the injured Lucas Perri, whilst Longstaff and Aaronson provided plenty of engine in the Leeds midfield.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor (both making their full debuts) adding fresh impetus in the final third, yet without any creativity, the distribution just wasn't there. Saying that, Leeds were more than a match for their hosts.
They created the better chances for large spells, with Sean Longstaff rattling the crossbar in the first half after being teed up by Calvert-Lewin, while the lively Brenden Aaronson forced a smart save from Bernd Leno after the break. At the other end, Darlow produced a brilliant flying save to deny a Harry Wilson free-kick.
However, just as a stalemate seemed certain, a late Fulham corner produced an agonising twist. The delivery cannoned off the head of Gudmundsson and flew past the helpless Darlow, leaving the Leeds players and travelling supporters stunned by a defeat, snatched from the jaws of what looked to be a well deserved draw.
Has Calvert Lewin done enough to earn start at Wolves
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s arrival at Elland Road, a headline attacking addition on substantial wages but without a transfer fee, was scrutinised from the outset, compounded by his pre-season spent on the sidelines. Thrown into the spotlight sooner than anticipated due to injuries to Nmecha and Joel Piroe, the question of whether his recent performance have done enough to silence doubters, divides opinion among the Elland Road faithful.
His latest outing certainly showcased the battling qualities expected of a lone frontman. He tirelessly engaged opposition defenders Joachim Andersen and Calvin Bassey, drawing fouls. His most significant contribution was undoubtedly the towering knockdown that set up Longstaff’s powerful, crossbar-clipping shot. He even registered the game's first attempt on target, albeit a tame header.
Yet, a deeper dive into the statistics paints a more complex picture. While he won three aerial duels and had a shot on target, his overall involvement was limited to just 15 touches throughout the match, coupled with a pass completion rate of 62.5%. This placed him 11th in the Leeds ranks for overall performance, suggesting a lack of consistent influence.
While it's true the service to him was non existant, his low touch count indicates he struggled to get on the ball frequently. Ultimately, Calvert-Lewin offered undeniable glimpses of his talents, particularly his aerial threat and physical presence, hinting he has plenty more to offer once fully fit.
Stats paint a worrying picture
Leeds United face a pivotal weekend clash against Wolves under a cloud of growing concern, as recent statistics paint a worrying picture for their Premier League survival hopes. With just one point salvaged from their last three games, the early season optimism, sparked by a rather fortuitous late penalty against Everton, has all but evaporated. That lone penalty remains Leeds' only goal of the campaign, making them one of just two top-flight teams yet to register a goal from open play – a damning indictment of their attacking struggles.
While the Elland Road faithful might find solace in a disciplined defence and a tenacious midfield, offering a foundation for battling supremacy, it is the glaring deficiencies in the final third that truly highlight the challenges ahead. The numbers are particularly stark: Leeds currently sit at the very bottom of the Premier League for shots on target, managing a paltry seven across their matches (fbref.com). Furthermore, they are the only top-flight side this season yet to register a single through ball in the final third (Opta), underscoring a complete absence of creative penetration and decisive attacking play.
Why didn't Leeds get a set piece coach this summer
Leeds' physical presence isn't translating into effectiveness. Despite a squad with a noticeable height advantage, they find themselves in the bottom three for aerial duels won, averaging a paltry 12.5 successful headers per game (Whoscored.com).
This statistic is particularly troubling given the potential for set-pieces to offer an alternative route to goal, especially for a team struggling with open play. The revelation that Leeds plan to employ the services of a set-piece coach, while desperately needed, begs the critical question: why was this not addressed during the summer transfer window?