Another win for Leeds United on Saturday afternoon has all-but secured promotion to the Premier League as The Whites beat Preston, and Sheffield United lost to Plymouth Argyle.
While the race for first place remains very much alive between Leeds and Burnley, it feels that with four games to go, Sheffield United’s five-point deficit is too much – with the Blades also facing Burnley.
Indeed, Chris Wilder’s thinks his Sheffield United side have let it slip, having lost the last three games. But it was not a vintage performance from Leeds to get over the line against Preston North End on Saturday.
There were areas of the side that were excellent. Karl Darlow was superb between the sticks, Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu combining well, Jayden Bogle producing arguably a man of the match performance.
The Joel Piroe stat that proves Patrick Bamford must start next
But there were negatives. Willy Gnonto failed after replacing Dan James and Leeds misses a boatload of opportunities to extend their lead and make it a comfortable day for the vociferous Elland Road fans.
Piroe was guilty of missing some howlers. In the second half, a mere tap in was deflected onto the bar before the Dutchman somehow failed to connect properly with a header inside Preston’s six-yard box.
However, it wasn’t only Piroe’s lack of sharpness in front of goal – with the Dutchman now going eight games without a goal. It was his inability to win a duel, losing nine of his 11 duels with Preston’s defence.
Piroe brings little to the side other than being a presence and scoring goals. But if he is losing 82% of his duels and missing golden chances, it is time for Patrick Bamford to start after some solid sub displays.
Joel Piroe’s stats for Leeds in win over Preston:
- 90 minutes played, 7.5 FotMob rating
- Seven shots, none on target, XG+XA of 1.54, no goals or assists
- 26 successful passes, 33 attempted
- Two duels won, a huge nine lost including 0/5 aerials won
How Joel Piroe reacted to Patrick Bamford’s substitution
One thing that would be more worrying than Piroe’s poor finish to the campaign is if he was not earning chances at all. But he is, and the Dutchman needs one or two to pop off of his backside and end up in.
When Bamford was called back to the bench, a huge roar lifted Elland Road and the same again when he actually came on. Piroe meanwhile, stood motionless as his back-up option earned plenty of acclaim.
The Dutchman refused to look towards the bench and in the end he didn’t need to with Bamford coming on for Brenden Aaronson and Piroe dropped further back into the no.10 role.
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