As the dust settles on a thriller in Wales, Leeds United are already preparing for a quick turnaround with Luton Town coming to Elland Road on Wednesday as the busy Christmas period takes shape.
Leeds secured a late 4-3 win thanks to Wilfried Gnonto’s late goal, after Swansea themselves had scored an equaliser in injury time. Manor Solomon scored twice, while Ben Cabango was forced into an own goal.
Below, are three things learned from Leeds’ ninth league win of the season which has sent Daniel Farke’s side to the top of the Championship table after 16 matches – with 30 league games still left to play.
Three things we learned from Leeds United’s win over Swansea
Joe Rothwell needs a rest after tricky Swansea outing
Rothwell has come in and played a key role with Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu. He’s added that bit of attacking impetus that was lacking in Gruev and Ampadu, but on Sunday, Rothwell struggled for Leeds.
Perhaps, the quicker pace of the game and the basketball-like nature did not play to Rothwell’s strengths. Maybe, the on-loan Bournemouth man needs a game where Leeds have all the ball to shine for Farke.
Joe Rothwell’s stats for Leeds during win v Swansea:
- Just 42 touches (13 had more), 28 successful passes out of 32 attempted passes
- 0 defensive actions, 0 tackles, just two defensive recoveries
- Four duels, two won
- XG+XA was 0.3, no goals or assists
Ao Tanaka starred again, and won man of the match – again – Rothwell was below his best. It will serve as a reminder for Farke when all four are fit, even if Stuart Dallas thinks Rothwell will give Farke a headache.
Max Wober could play a crucial role over Christmas
One positive over the last fortnight has been the return of Max Wober. Left-footed defender Wober played his first minutes since the start of September with Austria, during a 1-1 draw against Slovenia.
A big positive for Wober, who has had to wait for a chance behind Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon. Wober has said he understands why he’s not playing, but Wober also knows he has to displace Struijk to play.
He came on for the final few minutes against Swansea at left-back, replacing Sam Byram. Swansea was the first of five games in 16 days and rotation will be key so £12.5m Wober could come in very soon.
Daniel Farke still doesn’t know his strongest striker
Joel Piroe remains Leeds’ top scorer, and joint-first in terms of goal involvements alongside Gnonto on eight. But, Piroe was quiet on Sunday even if he would have scored had Cabango not made a block.
Mateo Joseph has five goals and assists, while Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt are yet to start a single league game. But it is fair to say that Piroe and Joseph have not hit top gear just yet in this Leeds side.
Dominic Matteo has told Leeds to sign a striker in January and perhaps, that is what Leeds need to go and win promotion. Or, Farke needs to back Piroe, Joseph or Bamford – and keep them in the side.
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