Leeds United looked much more solid against Carlos Corberan’s West Brom on Saturday afternoon as The Whites secured a first clean sheet of the season, but there were still a few hairy moments.
Pre-season had promised Leeds would hit the ground running with a comfortable win predicted on the opening day of the season. But Leeds don’t do things the easy way, and drew 3-3 with Portsmouth.
Then, a dismal showing in the Carabao Cup. Daniel Farke took the blame as he made eight changes to the side that limped to a draw against newly-promoted Pompey as they suffered a 3-0 loss to Middlesbrough.
On Saturday, there was more focus on remaining solid after six goals conceded in the first two games. A first clean sheet of the season against a side that took four points off Leeds last season, drawing 0-0.
Dorigo blasts Leeds signing Jayden Bogle during commentary
Bogle has made a poor start to life at Leeds, to put it simply. The £5m arrival from Sheffield United was at fault for the concession of a penalty against Portsmouth, which saw Pompey go 3-2 up at Elland Road.
Then, he hardly helped Leeds when coming on as a sub against Middlesbrough on Wednesday. At West Brom, Bogle endured another difficult afternoon despite Leeds keeping a clean sheet against The Baggies.
On 20 minutes, Leeds seemed to have stopped a West Brom attack with Bogle in possession but for some reason he decided to pass the ball back into the Leeds area and almost gift Corberan’s men a big chance.
Joe Rodon cleared the ball in the nick of time, but former Leeds man Dorigo could not believe what Bogle did while co-commentating on LUTV on Saturday: “What was he thinking? What was he thinking.
“His teammates were obviously thinking he was going to play it forward, play it down the line, play it anywhere. But back into the danger area, but fortunately Rodon got there and just hoofed it anywhere.”
Bogle needs time but he is now under pressure at Leeds United
Like many of Leeds’ other players, Bogle will be feeling the pressure after a shaky first couple of outings. He’s not alone, with Joel Piroe, Rodon and even Ethan Ampadu struggling to find their best form so far.
He does need time and Farke’s style does require a bit of getting used to. But Bogle at his best should suit the German’s attacking approach and perhaps after a few weeks, we will see the best of the defender.
But right now, Bogle will know his performances have been below par. Moments like his yellow card at West Brom, that pass into the area, show that he is not the best defensively and it must be improved.
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