The feel-good factor among Leeds United fans had been missing for some time. The 0-0 draw against Newcastle was probably the last bit of positivity enjoyed by Elland Road supporters.
Since that, Daniel Farke called for new signings and got none. Harry Wilson and Facundo Buonanotte fell through before Leeds lost to Fulham, thanks to a freak Gabriel Gudmundsson own goal in injury time.
It has been a difficult couple of weeks for Leeds. With Dan James, Willy Gnonto and Lucas Perri injured for the trip to Wolves, there was concern of a defeat and belief Farke could be under pressure if Leeds lost.
Yet, Leeds came from behind to beat Wolves, an impressive 3-1 win with three new signings all scoring. Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s trademark header, a super Anton Stach free-kick, and a neat Noah Okafor finish.
New Leeds star Noah Okafor has not impressed Jon Newsome, yet
Okafor got his first goal, but delve a little deeper and his performance was a concern. That is the belief of BBC Radio Leeds pundit and Leeds’ 1992-93 title-winner Jon Newsome, who spoke on Saturday evening.
He noticed how Okafor lost the ball every time he got it in the first half aside from his goal, and claimed the Switzerland star would often show frustration at his Leeds teammates when it was actually, his fault.
“At this level, Leeds can’t afford to carry passengers. Every time he got the ball, he gave possession away. Sometimes it was deep in our half and that puts you under pressure, it is what led to their goal.
“As a wide man, you’re known for ability on the ball, first touch, ability to take someone on, pace, power. You have to be aware of your responsibility when receiving possession in your half. I don’t think he did.
“Little flicks, putting his hands in the air as if it was other people’s fault. You saw Jack Harrison when he came on and the work he did, that is something he can learn from,” Newsome continued, on Radio Leeds.
Noah Okafor’s stats for Leeds United against Wolves
Newsome did say during commentary that it felt like Okafor’s twin had come out in the second half, a much-improved performance before he was replaced. It was only the £18m star’s second league start.
Noah Okafor’s stats for Leeds against Wolves:
- 70 minutes played, 7.9 FotMob rating (second-best on pitch)
- XG: 0.15, 6/14 successful dribbles (43%), four touches in Wolves box
- 40 touches, 6/14 successful passes (43%), four passes into final third
- Five defensive actions, four recoveries
- Eight duels won (second highest), 13 duels lost (joint-most)
The stats prove Newsome’s theory. To have eight unsuccessful dribbles and eight unsuccessful passes, more than half of his attempted passes, is simply not good enough. Okafor has to look after it better.
It is only his second league start for Leeds, and the goal will give him confidence. But there is a time and a place when to dribble and try a flick in the Premier League. In your own half, it is not the correct area.
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