Leeds United
Friday night saw Leeds United make a huge step in their fight for survival; the Whites suffered a setback last weekend. They lost to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in a surprising fashion.
The visitors put four goals past Leeds without reply, leaving many fans anxious about the Forest game. Sean Dyche’s side had also picked up a run of form before Friday night, so everyone expected a difficult tie. In just 30 minutes, Leeds had already scored twice at Elland Road after a fast start. Like other home games, the Whites started off flying with their pressure on the away side making it difficult for them to play.
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The second half saw Dominic Calvert-Lewin score the third goal for Leeds just minutes into the period. Daniel Farke’s side managed to hold on and protect the lead, but were unable to keep a clean sheet as Forest got a consolation goal late in the game.
January signing left out of Leeds United squad on Friday night
Many Leeds players stood out in the win over Nottingham Forest on Friday night; Ilia Gruev stepped up and provided two assists. The midfielder had been under some criticism this season. Karl Darlow was also brilliant on the night, making crucial saves to keep the game in the balance. Noah Okafor also broke his goal drought in an impressive showing – the winger was also under heavy criticism from the fanbase.
In all the excitement, fans might have missed one key thing – the absence of January signing Facundo Buonanotte. Graham Smyth confirmed before kickoff that the midfielder was fit and available, but that it was a decision made by Daniel Farke to keep him out of the team.
READ MORE: Nottingham Forest could sack Sean Dyche after Leeds United thrashing, says TalkSport journalist
Facundo Buonanotte’s absence raises questions
Friday night’s win raises more questions than answers; winning a crucial game against relegation rivals without a key signing is not a good look. It was clear that the 49ers pushed to get Facundo Buonanotte through the door, seeing as they did not bother to follow that deal up with more transfers. Since the Argentine arrived, he has made just two appearances for a total of 29 minutes.
Leeds needed quality in attack, with many thinking Buonanotte would be the solution. But if the team can win comfortably without him, then questions need to be asked about why he was signed in the first place. Eventually, the news will come out about this issue at Elland Road as the season goes on.