Former Premier League striker Robbie Earle has praised Daniel Farke for Leeds United’s strong start to the season, despite their defeat against Tottenham.
Daniel Farke and his Leeds side have defied expectations that they would struggle this season, as they go into the international break in 15th place, four points clear of the bottom four.
By accumulating eight points from their opening seven games, Leeds have more points than 14 of the 15 previously relegated sides at the same point in the season, behind only the 11 points that Jesse Marsch achieved when the Whites were relegated in the 2022/23 season.
Leeds face two crucial fixtures immediately after the international break, as they travel to Burnley before facing West Ham at Elland Road.
Now, former Wimbledon forward Robbie Earle has praised Farke for his start with Leeds, and claimed they were unfortunate not to take more from the defeat against Tottenham.
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Robbie Earle explains why he is ‘delighted’ for Leeds United
Speaking on the Two Robbies podcast for NBC, alongside former Middlesbrough midfielder Robbie Mustoe, Earle spoke highly of the Leeds manager.
According to Earle, Leeds had enough chances to pinch a point, as Dominic Calvert-Lewin missed two good opportunities. Earle said: “To be fair, Daniel Farke has done a good job with Leeds, mate.
“They had a couple of chances later on. I think Calvert-Lewin and Piroe, the left-footer, but Vicario comes up with a good save.
“So they’re competitive, and they look like they’re going to have a good go at it this time around. So, yeah, delighted for Leeds. Good three points for Tottenham.”
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Daniel Farke needs to end recent Leeds trend
Although Leeds have undoubtedly started the season well, a recent downturn in their defensive performance will be cause for concern for Farke.
Leeds looked set to build their survival bid on the back of a solid defence, after conceding just twice in three games following the heavy defeat against Arsenal.
Leeds’ last five results:
- Leeds 1-2 Tottenham
- Leeds 2-2 Bournemouth
- Wolves 1-3 Leeds
- Fulham 1-0 Leeds
- Leeds 0-0 Newcastle
However, Leeds have now conceded two goals in their previous two games, and Tottenham threatened to cut the Whites to shreds at certain points, with Pascal Struijk looking vulnerable against pace.
Farke will be keen to see his side rediscover their defensive steel in the must-win games to come. It may be the right time to unleash summer signing Jaka Bijol to freshen up the back four.
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