Leeds United were deservedly beaten away at Nottingham Forest this afternoon as more criticism is launched Daniel Farke’s way.
Leeds came into this weekend knowing defeat at the City Ground would leave them on the brink of dropping into the relegation zone.
Not only would Leeds be teetering over trouble, but they would be giving a leg-up to one of the sides that are eyeing a resurgence under their third manager of the season.
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Nottingham Forest 3-1 Leeds United: Whites comfortably second best after brief flash of brilliance
United started the game well in what was always going to be a scrappy and poor-quality affair. Two contested aerial duels allowed Noah Okafor to pick up possession.
The winger fed Brenden Aaronson, who slipped a pass into Lukas Nmecha. The German’s nimble feet and ruthless finish was exactly what this side has been missing. A rare brutal, direct attack and likewise finish.
It’s just a shame it lasted no longer than 120 seconds before the hosts were level in familiar circumstances. Lucas Perri palmed a cross centrally into the path of the arriving Ibrahim Sangare, who was bafflingly unmarked and he rolled in. It’s not nearly the first goal recently where Leeds’ midfield have completely vacated their markers to concede.
Leeds United are worryingly close to the relegation zone after defeat to Nottingham Forest. (REUTERS/Chris Radburn)
It was more of the same in the second half as Leeds’ buildup remained tepid, unable to cut through Dyche’s side. Then, as the Forest boss made a triple sub on the hour mark, Omari Hutchinson was one of those that made a huge impact.
He crossed to Morgan Gibbs-White to give Forest a deserved lead. Then, Hutchinson took advantage of Jack Harrison being bizarrely deployed at left-back, forcing a foul and penalty which was dispatched by Elliot Anderson for 3-1 and game over.
Daniel Farke surely staring down the barrel at Leeds United after damning result
Ultimately, Leeds’ latest abysmal showing on the road comes down to the man in the dugout. Leeds’ setup was barely changed from the one that was soundly beaten by Brighton last weekend.
Daniel Farke’s time at Leeds United could come to an end very soon. (REUTERS/Chris Radburn)
Changes were to bring out Ao Tanaka and Dominic Calvert-Lewin (enforced due to a knock). As a result, Leeds’ approach play suffered as they lacked their chief progressor of the ball in midfield, Tanaka.
When it clearly wasn’t working after half-time, nothing changed until Forest took the lead. And, it’s the same old story for Farke being reactive, rather than proactive to win a game that was there for the taking. Forest deserved the win, but that was due to how bad we were, as opposed to how good they were.
The November international break looms and a frankly horrible set of games awaits. It looks a case of when, rather than if Leeds slip into the bottom three. That development leaves Farke surely facing the sack soon.