Leeds United went unbeaten in three games on Tuesday night with a solid point away at Norwich City having gone behind after a Josh Sargent penalty in the first half.
The Whites came into the game without skipper Ethan Ampadu who is set to be sidelined until the new year, while Manor Solomon, Dan James, Max Wober and Isaac Schmidt were also missing through injury.
A foul from Joe Rodon inside the first 20 minutes saw USA star Josh Sargent score a penalty. It comes after Sargent had actually been linked with Leeds in the summer; Daniel Farke signed him at Norwich.
Leeds had chances and Wilfried Gnonto hit the post in the first half, before Jayden Bogle and Joe Rothwell had opportunities. But Leeds could only muster one goal, Largie Ramazani scoring his second Leeds goal.
A solid point away from home given the circumstances and the lengthy injury list, which has grown after Ilia Gruev was replaced in the first half by new signing Joe Rothwell. Mateo Joseph though, was quiet.
Jon Newsome critical of Leeds striker Mateo Joseph on Tuesday
Indeed, that was according to Newsome. The former Leeds man said Joseph struggled to get involved as the Spain U21 star remained on just one goal having started all eight Championship games this season.
Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds after the match, former Leeds man Newsome was critical of Joseph and while he highlighted that the striker is still young, Newsome said Joseph lacks the battle leading the line.
“Thought he was quiet today, in all honesty. My concern with him is that when the ball goes from back to front, there’s no real effort to win the ball. Looks at the defender, tries to jump into him,” Newsome said.
“Doesn’t really effect anything. Patrick Bamford gets hold of it. Joel Piroe comes on and has a shot. He’s a young lad, consistency is difficult. Would I be surprised if there was a change on Friday? Probably not.”
Leeds striker Joseph’s stats in the air are not good reading
The striker won three of five headers against Coventry, but that meant he had only won five out of 25 after the weekend. On Tuesday night, Joseph lost all five of his aerial battles against Norwich’s defenders.
It is something that is now becoming apparent, with Leeds unable to hold the ball up when Illan Meslier is forced to go long. With Joseph only scoring one goal in eight, it might be time for a change on Friday.
Leeds go to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light and Farke has a decision to make. Does he continue to place his faith in Joseph who’s struggling to score regularly, and win headers against opposing defenders.
Or, does he bring in Leeds’ top scorer in Piroe or even one-time England man Bamford after he came off the bench against Norwich? A big decision and rotation could be likely given the amount of games.
Leave a Reply