Leeds United dropped more points this afternoon in their quest for Championship promotion, drawing 2-2 against Queens Park Rangers at the MATRADE Loftus Road Stadium.
However, it could’ve been a whole lot worse for Daniel Farke’s side after being 2-0 down following goals from Koko Saito and Steve Cook in the first half hour.
An own goal from Morgan Fox and a second-half effort from Jayden Bogle secured a point for the Whites – a feat that looked highly improbable given the early deficit.
Undoubtedly, it was an excellent comeback from Farke’s side, but it’s now the third time in their last four matches in which they have dropped points – certainly having a bearing on their title chances.
Numerous players failed to deliver in London, contributing to the latest draw, with the manager needing to take action and potentially drop them from the starting eleven.
Leeds’ poor performers against QPR
Striker Joel Piroe had a quiet game at the top end of the pitch for Leeds once again this afternoon, extending his drought without a goal to four matches.
The Dutchman only registered a total of 34 touches during the encounter, the fewest of any player between both of the sides, highlighting his lack of impact.
Midfielder Brenden Aaronson also failed to impress against the Rangers earlier today, giving the ball away for the opener, leading to his withdrawal at the break.
The American only completed six of his attempted passes, failing to complete any of the crosses he produced – often looking wasteful with the ball at his feet, losing possession nine times.
After extending his run to seven games without a goal or an assist, Farke desperately needs to drop him from his starting eleven, with another first-team member also unable to make a positive contribution.
The Leeds player who could cost Farke promotion
The Leeds frontline has been extremely potent over the last couple of months, registering 76 goals in their 38 outings – the highest of any side in the division.
As seen from the showing today, many of the attackers failed to showcase their talents, leading to their inability to claim all three points and subsequently passing up the chance to improve their grip on a top-two slot.
Daniel James was another player who struggled to replicate his best form against Marti Cifuentes’s side, unable to add to his tally of 19 combined goal contributions.
The Welshman was handed yet another start after looking shattered against Millwall on Wednesday night, with the 27-year-old struggling to make a real impression during the draw.
He only completed 62% of the passes he attempted, losing possession a staggering 20 times and looking extremely wasteful when the ball fell his way.
Minutes played
90
Touches
47
Passes completed
16/26 (62%)
Shots taken
0
Possession lost
20x
Dribbles completed
3/7
Duels won
6/15 (40%)
James also only completed three of his seven attempted dribbles, often being easily dispossessed, whilst being unable to get any shots off – extending his run to six games without a goal.
The winger only won 40% of the total duels he entered, with the physical nature of the opposition restricting him from producing his best levels, which he has often done this campaign.
As a result of his showing, James was handed a measly 6/10 match rating by journalist Harri Burton – showcasing how disappointing he was in the capital today.
After such a performance, Farke needs to drop him to the substitutes’ bench with James struggling to replicate his early-season form, potentially costing the club promotion should he continue to select him.
The likes of Wilfried Gnonto and Largie Ramazani must be chomping at the bit to get an opportunity to star in the first team, with the German needing to utilise one of them over the Welshman after the international break.
Forget re-signing Phillips: Farke must unleash "exciting" Leeds prodigy
Leeds United can forget about landing Kalvin Phillips by unleashing a young talent.
ByEthan Lamb