Leeds United looked completely devoid of creativity at home to Brentford on Saturday night. Warming the bench yet again was Willy Gnonto, arguably Leeds’ most creative attacker.
Leeds are on target to surpass the one-point-per-game target set by Daniel Farke in the final run of games this season. 33 points from 31 games so far.
However, in games like Saturday night’s against Brentford, you’re left wondering why Farke hasn’t gone for the win against a clearly negative and largely poor side.
Brenden Aaronson and Dan James drop stinkers as Leeds United lack creative spark
Farke continued with a similar lineup that held Crystal Palace to a 0-0 draw last time out. That meant we lined up with what appeared to be a two-up-top setup as Lukas Nmecha partnered Dominic Calvert-Lewin. However, Nmecha was largely out on the left with Brenden Aaronson on the right.
Nmecha looked ill-suited to the role, while the £25million American’s struggles to muster up anything of note continued.
You could see from a mile off that Leeds needed more in the second half. But, it took until the 69th minute for those changes, with Noah Okafor and Ao Tanaka introduced. Then, in minute 83, Farke turned to Dan James.
The Wales winger provided a wide outlet for Leeds, but he delivered nothing of note despite his strong territory.
vs Brentford Brenden Aaronson Dan James
Mins played 68 15
Touches 30 15
Possession lost 10 10
Shots (on target) 1 (0) 0 (0)
Pass success 64% (7/11) 60% (3/5)
Cross success 0% (0/0) 0% (0/7)
Why isn’t Willy Gnonto playing for Leeds United at the moment?
It’s getting to the point where I think we all ought to give up our hopes of seeing Willy Gnonto playing any meaningful part under Farke.
That game was so obviously in need of an attacker who can take hold of possession and actually connect our attack together.
We needed the Italian when we were chasing a goal in the reverse fixture against the Bees. He whipped in a perfect cross for Calvert-Lewin to equalise.
Last night? Leeds attempted 32 crosses with only five finding a white shirt. Abysmal.
It leaves me totally baffled that we haven’t created anything meaningful from open play in the last four league games, and yet Gnonto is being completely ignored.
Seeing the also £25million James come on for the final stages and not make anything of his seven crosses was really frustrating. Up against a low block, you want the most technically-gifted, and creative player in your attack.
James has his uses. But, against a deep Premier League defence, we’ve known for years that this isn’t where he thrives.
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