Leeds United picked up a solid point on the road to come from behind and draw 1-1 with Norwich City.
The Whites made it seven points from the last three matches following their first defeat of the season against Burnley but may well have felt it should have been more.
Joe Rodon’s concession of a penalty had allowed Norwich to go in front at the break despite Leeds’ domination of much of the first period.
Leeds then deservedly got back on level terms thanks to Largie Ramazani’s second for the club, with star man Wilfried Gnonto once again the provider.
It had looked as though Leeds were the most likely to go on and win the game until Daniel Farke’s late substitutions completely killed all momentum.
Joel Piroe proves why he doesn’t start for Leeds
Joel Piroe has proved to be a great sub for Leeds this season but only in certain game situations – when they are already ahead.
That is when Piroe has the time and space to get into positions to score goals, which simply did not happen at Carrow Road, particularly when Farke took off all the creativity around him.
However, that does not excuse how poor £10.5m Piroe was when he came on. He looked slow on his feet, couldn’t get onto the ball, and allowed Norwich to constantly get behind him.
Piroe completed neither of his two attempted passes, lost his only attempted duel and was dribbled past on one occasion. Those were his only four touches in 19 minutes.
While Mateo Joseph did not enjoy his best game, Leeds were far more dominant with him and Brenden Aaronson down the middle, whose pressing helped key the Whites on the front foot.
As such, despite the clamour for Piroe to come in from the start, that is the exact reason why he doesn’t, and shouldn’t.
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Farke needs to learn Piroe’s ideal game state for Leeds
Despite Piroe’s poor impact from the bench last night, it shouldn’t mean he is not used completely by Farke.
Piroe’s best and only impact this season has been when he has come on with Leeds ahead, sealing wins over Hull City, Cardiff City and Coventry City.
However, against both Burnley and Norwich City, when Leeds haven’t been ahead, he has been completely anonymous.
The quicker Farke realises that, the quicker his subs will become more trusted by the fanbase.
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