The sun might have been out at Kenilworth Road on Saturday afternoon but that was the only thing shining from a Leeds United perspective as Daniel Farke’s side failed to beat Luton Town.
Dan James managed to take his tally of goals and assists to 20 for the entire season with an 11th of his own as he cut inside and curled past Thomas Kaminski, but only after Isaiah Jones gave Luton the lead.
Leeds had chances, with the returning Patrick Bamford testing Kaminski on a couple of occasions in what was his first appearance since injuring his hamstring against Blackburn Rovers back on New Year’s Day.
Ultimately, another frustrating result and fans are venting their anger on social media. Daniel Farke has received the brunt of it, with Leeds fans unimpressed that Farke described the draw as a “point gained”.
Leeds United fans want £15m man axed against Middlesbrough
But Farke and the Leeds squad have no time to dwell. In little over 48 hours, The Yorkshire side will be going up against Middlesbrough at The Riverside – which sees third place take on fifth away from home.
A huge game, and one that will likely prove to be difficult for Leeds again. Already, fans are giving their thoughts on the changes Farke could or should make to his side to take on Carrick’s play-off chasing side.
One change that fans are desperate to see is Manor Solomon removed from the starting line-up, after the Israel star missed a golden chance on 82 minutes – blazing James’ low cross from inside the six-yard box.
Reports say Solomon could be Leeds’ first signing if promoted, with a deal set to cost around £10m-£15m for Tottenham star Solomon. But, Leeds fans have not been impressed with recent performances.
One fan said “Jaidon Anthony is better than Manor Solomon”, with Anthony shining at Burnley after being used as a rotational option last term. Another described Solomon as “an impostor” following the draw.
Another was unequivocal in his verdict by saying “Solomon has been atrocious” and has needed a rest for “five games”. Another described him as “burnt out” and urged Farke to take him out of the starting XI.
Manor Solomon’s stats for Leeds during Luton draw
In Solomon’s defence, this is a season where the on-loan Tottenham man has only just returned after a 12-month injury lay-off. There was always going to come a point where Solomon needed a delayed rest.
But, the issue is that Farke keeps playing him and every game, Solomon looks worse. In turn, he looks more nervous and in turn, his confidence drops. He is far from playing to the standard of a £15m player.
Manor Solomon’s stats in draw against Luton Town
- 87 minutes played, 7.4 FotMob rating (Leeds’ sixth best)
- 0 goals, 0 assists, XG+XA: 0.57, three touches in Luton box
- 68 touches, 26 successful passes, six miplaced passes
- Four defensive actions, three recoveries, one clearance
- Nine duels won, seven lost, three successful dribbles
On Tuesday night, Farke has got to consider bringing in Largie Ramazani or perhaps Willy Gnonto out wide with Brenden Aaronson in the 10. A Solomon in form buries the chance he got on 82 minutes.
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