Leeds United’s priority this season will be Premier League survival, but for the second game in a row, Leeds failed to meet standards. Defeat to Sheffield Wednesday on penalties, in The Carabao Cup.
Arsenal at The Emirates was always going to be difficult, but Leeds were rolled over. A 5-0 loss that saw Leeds outplayed more than they ever have been during Daniel Farke’s reign as Elland Road manager.
Three days later, and Leeds were presented with the best possible opportunity to get back to winning ways. A Carabao Cup clash against a Sheffield Wednesday side in disarray, both on and off the pitch.
Sheffield Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen didn’t even name his first-choice side. Yet, Sheffield Wednesday pulled off the shock of the round and beat Leeds on penalties, after a 1-1 draw on the night.
Gordon Strachan and Jon Newsome both of Leeds celebrate after winning the European Cup 1st rd replay
1992: Gordon Strachan (left) and Jon Newsome (right) both of Leeds celebrate after winning the European Cup first round replay match against Stuttgart in Barcelona, Spain. Leeds won the match 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Allsport UK /Allsport
Jon Newsome picks two Leeds players for praise after defeat
Farke handed five full debuts while bringing Dominic Calvert-Lewin off the bench. But Calvert-Lewin struggled, missing numerous chances and then blazing a penalty over the bar in the shootout.
Jayden Bogle equalised after coming on, the assist going to Willy Gnonto. Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds after the match, former Leeds title winner Jon Newsome says they were the only ones to deserve praise.
Jayden Bogle shoots into the bottom corner for Leeds United vs Sheffield Wednesday.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
“They deserve all the criticism they get, they deserve it. Willy Gnonto came on and did really, really well. Jayden Bogle came on and did really, really well. I don’t think everyone else gets any credit,” he said.
Jack Harrison deserves praise in new role under Daniel Farke
Despite the signing of James Justin, Jack Harrison showed his versatility as Leeds gave new signing Gabriel Gudmundsson a break. Playing on the left of the defence, Harrison showed prowess in attack.
Jack Harrison in action for Leeds v Sheffield Wednesday.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
According to FotMob, Harrison was rated Leeds’ best player – the second-best player on the pitch with a rating of 7.9 behind Wednesday’s new goalkeeper Ethan Horvath after his penalty shootout heroics.
Jaka Bijol matched Harrison’s 7.9 while Sebastiaan Bornauw and Sam Byram also received ratings of 7.5 or more. Whether anyone has done enough to convince Farke to start them on Saturday, seems unlikely.