Leeds United missed the chance to go back to the top of the Championship table on Saturday afternoon as John Eustace won his third game in three against Daniel Farke.
A regular sight as another Championship club parked the bus against Leeds after going in front. Todd Cantwell scoring the only goal of the game from the spot after Ao Tanaka brought down Tyrhys Dolan.
Leeds fans were understandably frustrated and so was Daniel Farke after full-time. Farke was seen having a heated exchange with Blackburn’s Lewis Travis – and below are three things we learned from the loss.
Three things learned as Leeds lose to Blackburn
Ao Tanaka is human after all
Tanaka has been in stunning form for Leeds since coming into the starting XI. So much so, that Tanaka’s agent expects Premier League clubs to come calling soon, but he was far from his best on Saturday.
Conceding the penalty, Tanaka lost nine of his 15 duels – more lost duels than any other player on the park. A clear sign that while Tanaka has been amazing, he’s still human and can have the odd off game.
Jekyll and Hyde form is a worry for Leeds and Farke
One thing is becoming really apparent in Joe Rothwell’s form. When Leeds are at home, Rothwell shines. Leeds can dictate possession and control of the game and that plays to Rothwell’s strengths and style.
But in Leeds’ last two away games, Rothwell has struggled. He was largely a bystander in Wales and then on Saturday, he hardly made an impact in a game that Leeds found difficult to control for the 90 minutes.
Dom Matteo says Rothwell is “underrated” and in terms of his attacking precision that may be true. But Matteo also said that he doesn’t contribute loads that is certainly true, and Leeds can’t afford passengers.
The two signings Leeds have to make in January
Graham Smyth expects Leeds to try and sign a no.10 in January, perhaps a player on loan from a Premier League club and once again, the need for a playmaker was on show as Brenden Aaronson struggled.
But Saturday also proved Leeds may have to consider signing a striker to improve the Whites’ firepower. Joel Piroe was non-existent, and subs Patrick Bamford and Mateo Joseph failed to make an impact.
Piroe has seven goals, Joseph has two and Bamford is yet to even start let alone score. Clearly, Farke is yet to trust one as the out-and-out starter and if possible in January, Leeds need one as well as a no.10.
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