It’s another couple of points dropped for Leeds United who drew with relegation-threatened Luton Town in the Championship on Saturday afternoon.
Leeds United have now won just one of their last six in the league, dropping down into 3rd place of the Championship table after Burnley came from behind to beat Coventry City on Saturday lunchtime.
The Whites had initially fallen behind but Daniel Farke’s side found an equaliser before the break, with Dan James ending a seven-game goal drought on the club stage with a fine strike from range.
Both sides pushed for a winner in the second half but the game ended 1-1; a disappointing result for Leeds, a great one for Luton.
Here are five things we learned about Leeds United after their draw against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road…
Illan Meslier is finished as Leeds United’s no.1
Ahead of the game, Illan Meslier was a huge talking point. The Frenchman had another horror performance against Swansea City last time out and Farke made the brace decision to axe Meslier ahead of the Luton Town game.
Karl Darlow started in goal and he was good. In the first half he was quick to come off his line and punch away any danger, making a couple of saves too including a good one from close range shortly after the restart.
The Welshman looks set to keep his spot in the XI and it could well mean that Meslier has played his final game for the Whites.
There’s a time and place for Wilfried Gnonto
Brenden Aaronson has faced criticism from Leeds United fans in recent weeks, and much of it has been deserved. Against Luton, Farke appeased fans by dropping Aaronson and starting Wilfried Gnonto in that no.10 position, but the game didn’t seem to suit him.
Gnonto isn’t like Aaronson who’s the type of player to drop deep, get on the ball and turn, and start an attack. Gnonto is more of a player to get on the ball further up the pitch and utilise his eye for goal and eye for a pass.
This Luton Town game just didn’t seem to suit the Italian.
Ao Tanaka has hit an inconsistent patch of form
Ao Tanaka is a huge fan favourite. Leeds United signed Tanaka for just £3million from Fortuna Dusseldorf last summer and it’s proved to be one of the best bits of business Leeds have done in years.
But many fans thought he could’ve done more for the opening goal at Kenilworth Road, also calling out his poor performance in the last game against Swansea. The Japanese midfielder looked a bit weak in the face of a physical Luton Town side.
It’s not a great spell of form for the 26-year-old right now.
Patrick Bamford return is a huge plus for Leeds United
As divisive as he can be, there’s no doubting that Patrick Bamford‘s return from injury is a boost for Leeds United.
And it’s obvious when we look at the nullified performance of Joel Piroe against Luton Town, with Bamford coming on and immediately making a chance for himself which was well saved by the Luton goalkeeper.
Bamford not only offers Farke another option but offers Piroe some sterner competition that he’s not had too much of this season.
Daniel Farke’s job really is on the line, promotion or not at Leeds United
The last few weeks have really raised some question marks over Farke’s position at Elland Road.
Leeds United News recently revealed that Leeds United could sack Farke this summer even if the Whites are promoted, whilst another failed attempt at promotion is bound to see the German lose his job.
His side made hard work of the game against Luton; a game on paper that Leeds should be winning easily.
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