Leeds United score a stoppage time equaliser to secure a hard-fought point away at Preston North End.
It was another very disappointing display by Leeds on the road and it wasn’t until the 93rd minute that a Jack Whatmough own goal earned Daniel Farke‘s side a point.
Leeds made a slack start to the game at Deepdale but were once again let down by their goalkeeper as Brad Potts’ effort somehow found its way past Illan Meslier at his near-post.
As Leeds upped the ante slightly before the break, PNE captain Ben Whiteman should’ve seen a second yellow card after a studs up challenge on Jayden Bogle, yet the referee somehow allowed him to stay on the field.
Farke then threw on every attacker at his disposal as Leeds went in search of an equaliser and eventually a near-post run from Mateo Joseph caused enough of a problem for Whatmough to put one in his own goal.
Farke costing Leeds by starting Joel Piroe away from Elland Road
Farke opted to make two changes to his starting line-up from the one that defeated Middlesbrough, with Jayden Bogle replacing Max Wober and Joel Piroe coming in for Joseph.
And it was the second change that absolutely killed Leeds again away from home, with Piroe producing yet another cumbersome performance.
Piroe is the type of player who likes to drop deep and pick up the ball but when he is supposed to be leading the line against a side defending in a low block, it’s a waste of time.
Joseph helped lay the platform in Leeds’ win over Boro with his runs in behind and that would have been useful again at Deepdale, but for whatever reason, Farke reverted back to the setup that was dreadful at both Millwall and Blackburn Rovers.
Six of Piroe’s goal contributions this season have come as a substitute, meaning he has just three goals and one assist in 12 starts.
That is a return which is no where near good enough for a player who could cost £16m if Leeds are promoted, and who offers very little outside of his finishing, yet Farke still hasn’t recognised this.
Leeds record away with vs without Piroe starting
It is not just the eye test that proves Leeds are worse away from home with Piroe in the side, but the statistics too.
He did, of course, start in the draw at West Brom back in August, but that was as a number 10, rather than lone striker.
| With Piroe starting (as a 9) | Without Piroe starting (as a 9) | |
| Matches | 6 | 4 |
| Wins | 1 | 2 |
| Draws | 3 | 2 |
| Losses | 2 | 0 |
| Goals | 7 | 5 |
| Goals against | 8 | 1 |
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