Burnley proved tough rivals again as the Clarets welcomed Leeds United to a 2-0 defeat in Lancashire. Scott Parker’s men justified their manager’s scepticism as Burnley are now out of the relegation zone, hovering just above 18th.
The Lancashire-based outfit were never easy as they chased the Whites to 100 points last season in hopes of winning the EFL Championship.
The club did get directly promoted, but they couldn’t add the pride of silverware. Despite having the same points as Farke’s side, Leeds United had outperformed them in goal difference by a big margin.
Even after edging them out, the German gaffer described the team in a positive light. He jokingly said that the Clarets weren’t good for his “heart and nerves”.
“They were at least not good for my heart and my nerves, for sure. It was a long, tough season, and after the final whistle, I was not able to celebrate. I had to sit down for a few moments because I was completely done.”
Daniel Farke blames “effectiveness” for Turf Moor loss
Despite Aaronson’s defensive work rate, his attacking effectiveness has been in question (Credits: Imago Images)
The loss at Turf Moor was a big hit for the Whites as the visitors missed multiple chances on their way there. Burnley, on the other hand, took whatever they had and found the back of the net.
Lesley Ugochukwu scored the first as the Frenchman headed the ball in, thanks to a cross from former Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker.
Loum Tchaouna fired a screamer into the far corner in the 68th minute. The home side converted two-thirds of their on-target shots while Jack Harrison and Brenden Aaronson did the opposite.
Harrison was provided with two volleys, and the Englishman also passed an open opportunity to Aaronson, which the latter couldn’t materialise. Daniel Farke praised the work rate, but knows that hard work isn’t enough.
“They wanted it, perhaps even wanted it a bit too much. Instead of missing the confidence or the calmness for the finish, I don’t criticise them too much. The effort was good. The workload was good. Yes, effectiveness was also missing”, Farke told the press.
Leeds United’s finishing problem
The Whites have managed to score a total of seven goals this season, while opponents have netted 12 against Farke’s men. The club’s expected goals stand at 10, which isn’t a big underperformance, but when you consider set-piece chances, it raises some eyebrows.
npXG is 9.3, and out of the six non-penalty goals, two were the result of set pieces. The chances are clearly there, but the Yorkshire-based outfit is failing in the final third.
