Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored for a fourth consecutive Premier League match as Leeds United earned a point against Brentford on Sunday, but Jermaine Beckford wasn’t happy.
Calvert-Lewin became only the third Englishman to manage such a feat for Leeds, after Rod Wallace and Michael Bridges had done the same previously. A gorgeous header, and his fifth goal for Leeds so far.
Is Daniel Farke right to call out the referee after Leeds’ draw against Brentford? 😤
Watch the highlights and judge for yourself
Calvert-Lewin continues to earn suggestions of a late World Cup call-up as he remains fit and brushes aside his injury-prone reputation. Brentford had won 16 points from 21 at home before Sunday.
So, an excellent point for Leeds. It ends their dismal run of six away defeats in seven, and crucially, retains the momentum built after beating Chelsea and drawing with Liverpool. But Beckford wasn’t content.
Jermaine Beckford criticises Daniel Farke after Brentford draw
This is a new era under Farke. A defensive side, playing on the counter but remaining resolute in a 3-5-2 system. Farke is known as an attacking manager, but even the German realises Leeds’ limitations.
Leeds icon Beckford doesn’t see it that way. Speaking to LUTV, he criticised Farke and his approach to play or a point at Brentford. He described it as “frustrating” and wants more attacking football.
“A little bit disappointed. At half-time, I felt Leeds had a couple more gears. That was frustrating. It was only when the changes came in after the goal, Aaronson and Gnonto, that it really started to click.
“That’s where the frustration kicks in for me. We were trying not to lose, and that’s the frustration. To an extent, that’s where blame has been placed at Farke’s door. We want attacking football,” Beckford said.
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Beckford gets it wrong with criticism for Farke after full-time
Leeds fans have become accustomed to controlling matches, boasting the best part of 70% of the ball and penning their opponents in. That’s not going to be the case this season, and Farke has had to adapt.
At half-time against Man City, Farke had watched his side go 2-0 down, facing a sixth defeat in seven. He had to do something, not just for Leeds’ chances of avoiding the drop, but for his own future at Leeds.
Farke might not like the type of football he is asking Leeds to produce. Beckford clearly doesn’t. But it plays to Leeds’ strengths, and it nullifies better sides and better individual players, especially away.
A draw against Brentford is a stunning result for Leeds, and it proves once again that the 3-5-2 system is at least the way to start games, while returning to 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 if Farke and Leeds require a goal.
Gary Neville praised Farke for discovering two plans that Leeds can now utilise. If Leeds are going to survive, then this is the approach required. Beckford needs to realise what Farke has now realised.
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