There is only one thing on Daniel Farke’s mind as Leeds United prepare to face West Ham, as he struggles with the dilemma of how to improve his side’s efficiency in front of goal.
Leeds United have the worst big chance conversion rate in the top flight after eight games, a ratio that was made worse against Burnley, as Leeds missed four more golden opportunities.
Doubts over the fitness of Willy Gnonto and Noah Okafor mean that Farke is unlikely to welcome back the reinforcements he so desperately needs. As a result, Jack Harrison is expected to retain his place against West Ham.
Much of the pressure to find the net is on the shoulders of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who was brought in to play as Leeds’ central striker this season.
While Calvert-Lewin’s all-round game has impressed this season, his efficiency in front of goal leaves a lot to be desired. Daniel Farke’s latest comments need to serve as a reminder to the striker, ahead of the must-win relegation battle.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin applauds fans after Burnley v Leeds United - Premier League
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Daniel Farke’s words should be a wake-up call to Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports ahead of Leeds’ crucial game against West Ham, Daniel Farke took the chance to demand an improvement from Leeds in the final third.
Farke said: “We have to be a bit more clinical in both boxes. Obviously, we have missed too many chances in away games when you have so many clear-cut chances.
“You need to score at least two or three goals. We didn’t manage to do this, and for that, we also have to be self-critical. The good thing is, during this season, we have not won one lucky point.”
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Calvert-Lewin’s performance this season almost perfectly exemplifies Farke’s concerns for Leeds. According to FotMob, Calvert-Lewin has missed five big chances so far this season, the third-most in the Premier League and more than one-third of the 14 big chances that Leeds have missed this season.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the 2025/26 Premier League:
Goals: 1
Shots: 13
Shots on Target: 7
Overall xG: 1.67
xG on Target: 2.03
Big Chances missed: 5
Calvert-Lewin’s expected goals statistics also highlight his issues in front of goal. Overall, the xG from his shots on target is 2.03, but this has resulted in just one goal, which is becoming a concern for Farke and Leeds.
As a result, Farke is presented with something of a Gordian knot. Calvert-Lewin’s hold-up play is superb, and he has impressed with his presence in the air and with his link-up play. However, Leeds need goals, and they need them from their number nine.
Daniel Farke gestures during Leeds United FC v Burnley FC - Sky Bet Championship
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Difference with Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United side laid bare
With eight games of the season gone, Leeds are only two points behind where they were under Marcelo Bielsa when they were last promoted from the Championship in 2020.
However, Leeds’ goals scored tally is half of what it was at the same stage following their previous promotion, as Bielsa’s side plundered 14 goals.
Although it is easy to conclude from that comparison that Leeds have created fewer chances, according to the BBC, the 13 shots a game that Farke’s side averages is the highest by any promoted side since Bielsa’s first season in the top flight.
However, by contrast, their conversion rate of just 6.7% is the lowest in a league season on record, stretching back to the 2013/14 season.
If Calvert-Lewin and his teammates cannot find their scoring boots, Farke will have to make changes to find a formula that works.