Wayne Rooney is the latest person to have a say on what is going on at Leeds United this season. The Whites failed to get a result at Nottingham Forest as they head into the international break.
This week will be a very crucial one for the club; they need to go back to the drawing board once again to see what works. Leeds have lost four of their last five games, with their only one coming against fellow strugglers West Ham. Going into this weekend, everyone knew the stakes involved in the Forest match; both teams desperately needed the three points.
Daniel Farke’s men needed a win to distance themselves from the relegation zone, but their Sunday was a disaster. Despite taking an early lead in the game, the Whites allowed Forest to equalize just two minutes later. The home side dominated the rest of the game, adding two goals in the second half to seal all three points.
Leeds are now just one point above the relegation zone heading into the international break, with reports already circulating about Daniel Farke’s future. Brendan Rodgers is the latest name to be linked to the hot seat at Elland Road.
Wayne Rooney analyzes Leeds United struggles
Former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney has been discussing what has been going on at Elland Road this season with Danny Murphy. After the Forest game, it has become very clear that the Whites are not on a good path this season.
Daniel Farke however, thinks his side are okay in the Premier League. Rooney and Murphy think the real issue with Leeds United is not the blunt attack, with both agreeing that the defence is a more serious problem:
“For Leeds though I think it’s a bit of a concern,” Rooney said.
“I think all they can keep doing is to keep trying to create chances and hope that the forwards will convert them.
“But I think their problems are at both ends of the pitch. I think defensively they are conceding too many goals as well.”
Murphy also added: “I agree with Wayne, I think defensively they need to tighten up and if it maybe means creating a few less chances for now, just to stop that flow of goals against them.”
| Position | Club | Goals Conceded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 25 |
| 2 | West Ham United | 23 |
| 3 | Burnley | 22 |
| 4 | Leeds United | 20 |
| 5 | Nottingham Forest | 20 |
The Whites have conceded 20 goals this season, with seven coming in their last three games. Last season in the Championship, they had one of the best defensive records alongside Scott Parker’s Burnley, but that structure and solidity is absent this season.
Leeds defence needs fixing
Both Rooney and Murphy are spot on with their analysis of the team. Leeds have been far too easy to play against this season. From defensive errors to goalkeeping mistakes, the Whites have doomed themselves in some games.
| Statistic | Rank |
|---|---|
| Goals Conceded | 4th |
| Expected Goals Against | 12th |
| Clean Sheets | 16th |
| Goals per Shot | 2nd |
Even with Farke introducing Jaka Bijol in the side, the goals keep on coming. The Leeds boss needs to figure out a way to plug the leak during the international break. The upcoming run of fixtures with games against Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool will definitely be something to keep an eye on.
One of the more surprising metrics is that Leeds have conceded the second most goals per shots faced this season – which means teams score from a low number of shots against them.
