Leeds United fell to just their second defeat in the Premier League season, and the fans were not pleased.
After consecutive draws in the league, noise outside Elland Road continued to grow. The narrative that Farke could not get his side over the line to win games continues to grow.
And that has evidence too, as the last Leeds win came in September at home to Newcastle United. The Whites had to come from behind to get a draw against Man United, and failed to find the back of the net when they faced Sunderland.
Losing to Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium sparked some huge discussions; with most of the fanbase split as to how the team plays.
Many think Farke plays not to lose and others think the Leeds boss does not do enough for the team to win.
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Adam Pope addresses massive Leeds blunder against Bournemouth
James Trafford. Credit: IMAGO
Saturday’s defeat to Bournemouth came with a huge incident which was heavily discussed over the weekend.
Against the Cherries, Leeds had a bit of a hold in the game in the first half. They had not played badly and created a few half chances.
But then, a poor pass from James Trafford fell to Justin Kluivert who laid it on to Evanilson for the home side’s first goal. That moment completely killed the momentum for the away side for the rest of the game.
Leeds never recovered and failed to get back into the game before Bournemouth killed them off in the second half.
Speaking on the Don’t Go to Bed Yet podcast, Adam Pope doesn’t think Trafford’s blunder should be a big thing going forward.
“It was a weird goal-kick, wasn’t it? It was almost the two centre-backers were either side of it.
“One of them played it to him and then it’s not like he was trying to step over and draw in, try and play the bounce pass off Ao Tanaka. He just got that bit wrong. That’s all.
“So the intent was probably the right thing to do, wasn’t it? It wasn’t like he was under pressure and tried to play. He just hit the pass wrong. It’s a split second thing.”
Trafford blunder is just a blip for him this season
Pope has a point, Trafford is not the only keeper to make that error. Even this season some keepers have made the same blunder.
It happens to the best; what matters now is how he reacts to it. Does he stop taking risks that affects the team or does he make even bolder passes when pressed?
His style has been effective for most of this season, so there is little reason to change it.
The next game against Spurs will tell a lot about where his head is at after the error.
