Leeds United have once again been left feeling frustrated after their latest performance and result away from home.
Leeds were held to a 1-1 draw at Preston North End and only managed to salvage a point late on courtesy of a stoppage time own goal from Jack Whatmough.
Stuart Dallas says Leeds’ away form is becoming a huge cause for concern and with both Sheffield United and Sunderland winning on Saturday, it puts enormous pressure on Daniel Farke’s side to be perfect at Elland Road.
Though Leeds did dominate most of the ball again, they felt considerably less in control than in matches on home soil, such as last weekend’s win over Derby County, who are actually above PNE in the table.
Leeds have now won just one of the last six on their travels, and with two away matches to come between Christmas and New Year, that form cannot continue.
- READ MORE: Daniel Farke shares what he told PNE’s assistant to do after red card incident in Leeds United draw
Leeds need to sell Illan Meslier in January after latest error
Farke’s team selection did not feel right from the get-go this afternoon, with the only difference from the line-up at Blackburn Rovers Sam Byram being at left-back in place of Junior Firpo. Effectively, it was weaker.
Joel Piroe was once again anonymous from the start and while he and the rest of the team can be criticised, the biggest problem is in goal.
Leeds were a long way from their best at Deepdale but again managed to limit PNE to practically nothing in the way of clear-cut chances.
In fact, the only time Illan Meslier was forced into action was when he allowed Brad Potts’ tame near-post effort to squeeze in at his near post.
Meslier’s abysmal shot-stopping effectively means Leeds’ defence has to play a perfect game every week to ensure the opposition do not register a single shot on target. That just isn’t possible.
When they are caught out like they were today, Meslier is rarely ever there to bail his teammates out with an important save, unlike the three goalkeepers at Sheffield United, Sunderland and Burnley.
Rennes are reportedly interested in Meslier ahead of January and with 18 months left on his deal, they should look to cash in. Even the £5 million Leeds paid to sign him would be enough at this rate.
Farke may not want to cause too much disruption to his squad next month, which is fair enough, but surely he recognises goalkeeper is a position that can be upgraded. It could be the difference between the top two and the play-offs.
Daniel Farke on whether Meslier should’ve saved Brad Potts shot
Leeds did of course have big moments at the other end, such as the chances that fell to Brenden Aaronson and Patrick Bamford.
They both should’ve ended up in the back of the net, though particularly Bamford’s. Farke was asked about all three of those moments post-match, and did hint at thinking Meslier should’ve done better with his.
He said: “Illan had a chance to save it. It’s from six or seven yards, but they should not have been there anyway. We should have created more in the first half. Not enough running in behind.
“Changed at the break and improved this. Unlucky against the bar. Patrick was desperate to score. Happy he created this chance with his movement, same with Brenden in his position. Finish not on the level he wants. If you miss decisive moments and they convert 100 per cent, it’s hard. “
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