It is all smiles again at Leeds United after Saturday’s 2-0 win over Hull City heading into the international break, with Daniel Farke’s side unbeaten and picking up eight points from a possible 12.
Three clean sheets in a row has seen Leeds quickly move on from a disappointing 3-3 draw in the first game of the season against Portsmouth, and a 3-0 hammering to Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup.
A solid point and a clean sheet at West Brom has been followed by two comprehensive wins. A 2-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday, followed by the same result on Saturday afternoon as Leeds eased past Hull City.
Tim Walter’s side had chances in the first half but there was never really a feeling that Leeds were going to lose or even draw the game. Goals from Mateo Joseph and Joel Piroe secured a second win of 24-25.
Neil Redfearn identifies ‘problem’ Leeds have with £10m man
The win came after fans were left frustrated with just two signings on deadline day in Ao Tanaka and Isaac Schmidt. But, on Saturday, a new deal for Wilfried Gnonto was followed by a win and a clean sheet.
However, prior to the match, Patrick Bamford was ruled out with yet another injury. Former Leeds boss Neil Redfearn told BBC Radio Leeds that Farke can no longer rely on the striker and it is a “problem”.
“You need strikers. You can’t rely on Bamford, he’s never fit. That’s a problem. You need a striker equal to Joseph off the bench because there will be times when he runs himself into the ground. Strikers are key.”
Leeds should have considered selling Bamford in the summer
Piroe reminded Leeds fans what he can do in front of goal after a tricky start to the season with a clinical finish for Leeds’ second. There is no doubt that if Joseph was unavailable, Piroe would start up front.
Whether £10m signing Bamford is fit, or not. One of Leeds’ biggest earners is now third-choice striker at Elland Road and perhaps, Leeds should have looked to accept offers for him in the transfer window.
It might be that given Bamford’s pay packet, his wages and the fact he is now in his thirties, there may have been clubs unwilling to take a chance on him. But his Leeds future is now more in doubt than ever.
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