Leeds United’s struggle to find the back of the net has been evident in the 2024-25 season. Daniel Farke’s side has failed to score in three of their six matches across all competitions.
Patrick Bamford has been sidelined with injuries early this season, and although Mateo Joseph has shown glimpses of his potential, it might be asking too much of the 20-year-old to carry the team’s scoring burden.
Leeds have struggled on corners
However, as one statistic points out, it’s not only the No. 9s who aren’t scoring for the Whites. Opta’s Jonny Cooper spotlighted a concern regarding Leeds’ inability to take advantage of corner-kick opportunities.
According to Cooper, Leeds have had 147 corners in the Championship since their last goal from a corner kick in February against Swansea. During this stretch, they’ve had 52 shots from corners, but haven’t scored a single goal.
Leeds United have taken 147 corners in the Championship since they last scored via a corner in February against Swansea. 52 shots from corners in that time, 0 goals. #lufc pic.twitter.com/JUStgXzYQ6
— Jonny Cooper (@JRCooper26) September 15, 2024
Paul Robinson: Leeds need to spend money on striker
Former footballer Paul Robinson noted that the club should spend money on a proven goal-scorer once the January transfer window opens.
As a result, the Whites need to hold down the fort and stay within striking distance of the automatic promotion spots when the January transfer window rolls around and look to bolster the No. 9 position.
“They didn’t start great when you look at the first game of the season with a 3-3 draw with Portsmouth”, Robinson told Football Insider. “I was at the Middlesbrough game in the Carabao Cup, and like many Leeds fans left the stadium thinking ‘We could be in trouble here’.
“You’ve got to give Daniel Farke credit, went to West Brom, got a decent 0-0 draw, it wasn’t the most entertaining game, didn’t create much but didn’t concede, and then won the two Yorkshire derbies 2-0.
“They’ve brought in over £100million into the club, and they’ve not spent a lot but I think Manor Solomon is a good recruit, on loan from Tottenham. You wonder why they’re stripping so many assets from the side if FFP and PSR isn’t that bad…
“Bamford has been sporadic in the last two seasons, not been fit enough, not scored the goals. Mateo Joseph has looks the most lively out of the three… Piroe looks at times like he could do a job, with Joseph, Piroe, and Bamford, I think they have enough there…
“They were looking at [Sammie] Szmodics, that’s the type of player you want, you don’t want to take a risk on a 19-year-old who’s not really cut his teeth at that level yet. If you want a top striker to get you out of the league, pay proper money to get a proven one.”