The start of the season for Leeds United saw a mix of optimism and negativity. The Whites managed to get two huge results from their first three games – a win over Everton and a draw with Newcastle.
There were very good signs after that start to the campaign, but then the critiques emerged. Fans were frustrated that the team could not take their chances in front of goal. After their win over Everton, it took three whole games before the Whites found the back of the net in the league.
Then the Wolves game sparked Leeds to life, they put three goals past the home side at the Molineux.
QUIZ: Can you name these 10 former Leeds United defenders?
Joe Rodon backed to score more goals this season
Joe Rodon Credit: Imago
And this past weekend, they managed to score two goals against a Bournemouth side that had conceded just one goal in their last four games combined. In the last two games, Leeds have managed to score from set pieces – Stach’s free kick against Wolves, and Joe Rodon’s goal this past weekend.
Jermaine Beckford, speaking on LUTV, thinks the defender can hit a career high goal tally this season.
“If he can get himself four, five, six goals this season, I think that’s brilliant and it shows how much we’ve improved from set pieces.”
Rodon has not scored more than one league goal in a season so far in his career, and he has matched that tally this season, Beckford could be spot on with that observation. And speaking of set pieces, the improvements could be down to the work Leeds are putting in training according to Daniel Farke:
“We have specialists who work with the lads. External companies last season who we worked with so it’s a very important topic to be successful.
“Premier League level it’s difficult to deliver the same way. An important topic, Anton Stach’s free-kick and example. Pretty pleased we have good people working on it.”
Leeds United man must take notes from Arsenal star
Another team that specializes in set pieces is Arsenal; the Gunners managed to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 win on Sunday with goals from set-pieces. Gabriel has been one to watch these past few years. The defender has scored 10 goals over the last three seasons, with most from set-pieces. So if Rodon wants to develop that side of his game, Gabriel is the best player to learn from.
