Leeds United’s attack were once again off the pace in today’s Championship play-off semi-final 0-0 draw against Norwich City.
Though Leeds will be happy at the result they are taking back to Elland Road for the return leg on Thursday, it was a far from convincing performance.
Leeds kept Norwich’s dangerous attacking players in Josh Sargent, Gabriel Sara and Jonathan Rowe very quiet, but had little in the way of threat at the other end.
Georginio Rutter particularly struggled, while neither Crysencio Summerville or Willy Gnonto could get into the game. Archie Gray was quiet in that number 10 role too.
Aside from the recent win at Middlesbrough, Leeds’ attack has been completely off it recently and that will need to change if they are to be promoted.
BBC pundit shares why Mateo Joseph should feel agrrieved
After springing a tactical change today, it will be interesting to see if Daniel Farke goes back to what he has done for most of the season on Thursday.
With Patrick Bamford still out, both Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph will be desperate for a start, though based on Farke’s track record, it will almost certainly be the former.
And with that in mind, pundit Jon Newsome believes Mateo Joseph has every right to feel ‘really aggrieved’ at his lack of match action this season.
Joseph has made a number of significant impacts off the bench in recent months, yet has failed to be rewarded with a single league start, something Newsome thinks is wrong.
Speaking on BBC Radio Leeds, he said: “I agree with the guy who’s just messaged in, if you’re good enough you’re old enough. I think and I said it last week, he’s the one in the squad who should feel really aggrieved.
“He’s put some real effort in this season, he’s put some good performances in, scored a few goals and done everything that’s been asked of him. But when the opportunity has been there to play him, it’s been bypassed. That’s not his fault, that’s the decision of the manager.”
Joseph deserves to start return leg
After such a disappointing display from Rutter today, and Gray’s failure to really stamp his authority in the number 10, Joseph deserves to come in.
Without Bamford, Leeds did not have anyone today, or against Southampton and QPR, with the ability to stretch the game by getting in behind.
Joseph is the only other player in the squad who has that capability and against an ageing, slow Norwich centre-back partnership, this is the perfect game for him.