What Joel Piroe was doing off the ball vs Norwich that went completely unnoticed by Leeds United teammates

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While it was another solid win for Leeds United on Wednesday night against Daniel Farke’s old side Norwich City at Elland Road, it was another frustrating evening for one Leeds player.

Goals from Manor Solomon and Dan James secured a 17th Championship win of the season for Leeds, while Illan Meslier kept his 18th clean sheet in 28 games. Solomon and James created each other’s goal.

James spoke of the relationship he has with Solomon, saying the duo speak to each other before every game. Leeds have returned to the top of the table, after Sheffield United had gone ahead of Leeds.

But it was another game that passed Joel Piroe by. The Dutchman, who has had a hand in 15 goals for Leeds this season, failed to get involved much throughout despite lasting the entire 90 minutes.

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Jonathan Buchan notices what Joel Piroe had been doing

Piroe netted in the 3-3 draw against Hull City, but has now failed to score or assist in the last two games – not ideal ahead of arguably, Leeds’ biggest game of the season next Monday away at rivals Burnley.

Speaking on BBC Radio Leeds’ post-match programme, presenter Jonathan Buchan said he watched Piroe off the ball against Norwich and said he was making lots of runs but was never found by his teammates.

“I did watch Piroe for some time, and I saw him do a few peels. Little peel-off runs to get himself off the centre-back. Not once did it get played into him. Not once. He did it two or three times in a short period.”

Why Junior Firpo’s return may help Piroe start firing again

Piroe’s inability to score in the last two games is hardly a drought and with Leeds playing this well at the moment, there is hardly any reason to change a winning side. But, Junior Firpo’s return may just help him.

Firpo came off the bench to make his first appearance since picking up an injury almost two months ago. Of course, Firpo is much more attacking than Sam Byram and at his best, will start ahead of the latter.

But the main difference is that with right-footed Solomon playing on the left wing and right-footed Byram at right-back, Leeds lack a player that will go to the byline and put a cross into the box on the left.

Piroe is suffering because Leeds’ wingers and scoring goals, cutting inside and shooting themselves. If there are more crosses getting into the box, low or in the air, then Piroe will have more to feed off.