With just eight games remaining in the Premier League this season, Leeds United fans will no doubt be keeping a nervous eye over their shoulder at the teams behind them.
Daniel Farke has led the Whites to 15th place at present, but his men are now just three points clear of safety, after failing to win in any of the last five league encounters.
The German has failed to pick up a win in the top-flight since the 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest back on the 4th of February, highlighting the issues currently on hand.
However, the clash with Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon saw his men secure a hard-fought point, after featuring for the entirety of the second half with ten men.
Numerous players fell below the standards expected of them though, with the manager needing to make huge calls over the future of multiple senior options.
What went wrong for Leeds against Crystal Palace
As previously mentioned, Leeds spent the majority of the encounter yesterday with ten men, after Gabriel Gudmundsson was dismissed for a second bookable offence.
Whilst it may have been a controversial sending off, the Swede’s lack of self-awareness, after already being on a booking, certainly handed the referee a decision to make – with the tackle completely avoidable.
However, away from his red card, he also failed to deliver at Selhurst Park, subsequently being unable to find a teammate with any of the four crosses he put into the box.
Gudmundsson wasn’t alone in failing to deliver against the Eagles yesterday, with striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin once again unable to provide the goods in the final third.
The Englishman has now failed to find the back of the net in any of his last five outings, even missing a penalty during the 0-0 draw yesterday – costing the side the chance of securing all three points.
The 29-year-old also only managed to complete a measly tally of three passes all game, whilst registering the fewest touches of any player on the pitch (28).
The Leeds star who could become the next Meslier
Farke hasn’t been afraid to make bold decisions at Elland Road over recent months, as seen by the call to exclude goalkeeper Illan Meslier during the summer.
The Frenchman featured 39 times in the Championship last season, subsequently helping the Whites end their two-year spell in England’s second tier.
However, his consistent run in the first team ranks didn’t come without backlash, with the 26-year-old often producing numerous glaring errors leading to goals.
Arguably his most memorable came against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, with his error costing the Whites two points in their hunt for promotion.
He’s failed to make a single appearance across all competitions so far this campaign, with his career in Yorkshire certainly all but over – barring a major change in fortunes.
However, Farke should also make the same call with attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson, who once again has struggled with the demands of the Premier League in recent weeks.
The American international has featured in all but one game to date, subsequently registering four goals and three assists for the Whites during such a period.
Despite his impressive numbers, he’s now gone nine games without a goal contribution, with the lack of goals in the senior ranks largely down to his recent dismal form.
His showing against Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon was yet another to forget for Aaronson, who once again was unable to produce the goods in the final third.
The 25-year-old was subsequently withdrawn from the contest at the break, further highlighting his lack of impact, with his underlying figures further demonstrating why Farke replaced him.
He could only register 19 touches of the ball, whilst completing just six passes in the process – with the attacking midfielder unable to provide the creativity needed to break the deadlock.
Aaronson also failed to complete any of the two dribbles that he attempted in South London, subsequently being unable to create any chances for his teammates.
Brenden Aaronson – stats against Crystal Palace
Statistics
Tally
Minutes played
45
Touches
19
Passes completed
6
Chances created
0
Dribbles completed
0
Duels lost
100%
Crosses completed
33%
Fouls committed
2
However, out of possession, the attacker was just as disappointing, as seen by his tally of seven duels lost – subsequently being on the wrong side of every duel he entered against the Eagles.
His lack of physical presence has made it easy for the opposition to knock him off the ball, which has certainly contributed to his recent run of poor form in the Premier League.
As seen with Meslier, Farke has been brutal with some members of the first team, but for some reason, he’s continued to stick by Aaronson despite his recent troubles.
The manager desperately needs to drop the American from his starting eleven between now and the end of the campaign – especially if the club are to secure survival.
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Farke must drop Leeds star who completed 0 passes all game v Crystal Palace
Leeds United endured a dreadful day at Selhurst Park but still managed to earn a point.