Leeds United picked up a 2-0 win over Cardiff City in Wales on Saturday afternoon, securing a fourth clean sheet in six Championship games and a third win to return to the top six.
On the face of it, a solid result for Leeds. Scratch beneath the surface however and it was hardly the kind of win Leeds should have had with them dominating but unable to score a second until the 87th minute.
It comes after Joel Bagan had been sent off for taking out Wilfried Gnonto with the Italian through on goal. Largie Ramazani scored 30 minutes into the game a finish that saw Tony Dorigo praise Ramazani.
Pascal Struijk missed a penalty, Ramazani missed a sitter and fans became increasingly frustrated that Leeds could not break down Cardiff on a more regular basis despite having a numerical advantage.
Gruev criticism increasing and his passing saw Leeds fans boo
This season, the Bulgaria star is being asked to play in a more-advanced role compared to his first season at Leeds. The £4m signing came into the side last season as Daniel Farke’s anchoring, holding midfielder.
But with Ethan Ampadu back in midfield, Gruev is being used alongside Ampadu with Leeds having sold both Glen Kamara and Archie Gray. Jon Newsome is concerned about Gruev’s impact in the final third.
Gruev’s lack of attacking capability and his defensive mindset are on show. His choosing to play safe is frustrating fans and Graham Smyth says his passing drew boos from supporters in his latest YEP piece.
“[Fans] were frustrated, audibly, by a focus on ball-retention that led Junior Firpo and Ilia Gruev to turn back and play safe in successive moments. The first was met with groans and the second with boos.”
Neil Redfearn said Ao Tanaka would replace Gruev eventually
Gruev’s inability to make a serious impact in the final third is notable. Last season, the former Werder Bremen star scored just one goal for Leeds and it came direct from a free-kick, against Norwich City.
Neil Redfearn predicted Tanaka would overtake Gruev, simply because Tanaka boasts a more-attacking mindset. Indeed, Tanaka has eight goals in 28 caps for Japan and had a hand in 12 goals last season.
With Coventry City next up for Leeds at Elland Road next weekend, it might be that Farke hands a debut to Tanaka with Gruev struggling to make an impact going forward again, even receiving boos from fans.
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