Leeds United once again missed a chance to go top of the Championship with a frustrating 0-0 draw against Sunderland.
Amid Leicester City’s defeat at Millwall, three points would have taken Leeds back into first place ahead of Ipswich Town’s home match with Watford later today.
However, just like at the weekend after Ipswich were beaten by Norwich City, Leeds were unable to capitalise in what was yet another poor performance since the international break.
Leeds were able to muster just one shot on target across the whole 90 minutes at Elland Road last night, but even then it was no where near enough to test Sunderland ‘keeper Anthony Patterson.
Daniel Farke’s side can feel aggrieved they were not awarded at least one penalty in the second half, but ultimately, they must look at themselves after another lacklustre performance.
Farke admits Leeds are forcing the ball to £1.3m player too often at the moment
Despite calls from many for changes, Farke opted to go with the same side that were beaten at Coventry City on Saturday, and it would be fair to say it backfired.
Too many of Leeds’ players, particularly in attack, have been off it recently, and with the number of quality options Farke has in reserve he should be more open to change.
He also waited until the latter stages of the content to utilise his bench, despite the clear struggles Leeds were facing trying to create something with the XI that started.
Patrick Bamford looks a shadow of the player that was making such an impact a couple of months ago, Dan James has not been the same since missing that penalty for Wales, and Georginio Rutter is clearly struggling since his surgery.
With so much of the attack not firing, Leeds have often found themselves just constantly giving it to Crysencio Summerville in recent weeks and hoping he comes up with something.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Farke believes Leeds are guilty of forcing it to the £1.3 million man too often.
He said: “Had that tendency against Coventry. Summerville is outstanding in his numbers and we do force it over that way. Too concentrated on this side. When you have a key player like him it’s natural to find him. When you see how we share the goals and assists, we are not addicted to one side or player.”
Farke now simply has to change vs Blackburn
This is now four matches in a row Farke has gone with the same front four and on each occasion, it just has not worked.
Against Watford, Leeds relied on a moment of genius from Summerville to get back in the game before a late flurry of changes helped save a point late on.
Again at home to Hull City, it took Summerville to take the game by the scruff of its neck and win a penalty, but it is not going to happen for him every game.
And that has unfortunately been the case in the last two matches. Summerville has been below par, but no one around him has been able to step up, and Farke now has to make changes for Saturday’s game.