Championship

Three things learned about Leeds v Preston

|
Image for Three things learned about Leeds v Preston

OPINION

The Marcelo Bielsa revolution suffered its first setback as Leeds United were eliminated from the League Cup by ten-man Preston North End at Elland Road on Tuesday night.

Daniel Johnson’s second-minute penalty and a stunning Brandon Barker solo effort helped Preston secure a 2-0 triumph against a Leeds side who made nine changes from the weekend.

Here are three things we learned about Leeds from the loss against their Championship rivals:

TWO NEW SIGNINGS NEEDED BY FRIDAY

The wretched performance of Stuart Dallas was proof that Leeds’ back-ups to the main acts are not of the required level. Wholesale changes to the starting XI was always going to result in a slightly disjointed team display, but this was a stark warning that the squad depth is not what it should be. Senior man Dallas was used at right-back and really struggled in a position where he has generally been used only in emergencies. Leeds need greater depth in defence, particularly at centre-back, and in central midfield, where Kalvin Phillips can’t do everything. Bielsa has suggested just one signing might arrive by Friday’s deadline. Scrap that plan. Leeds need two new loan arrivals. For good measure, Dallas should be offloaded on loan, or loan-to-buy, to create space on the wage bill.

ROOFE MUST START v BORO

Any hope Patrick Bamford may have had of delivering a potent centre-forward display that would persuade Bielsa to hand him the central spearhead role against his old club Middlesbrough on Friday night has evaporated. The £7million summer signing did not seize his opportunity, with his rung-rust and lack of game time obvious following a difficult start to his Leeds career spent mainly on the fringes. Kemar Roofe, an unused substitute v Preston, must start in the mouthwatering clash against Boro.

PHILLIPS IS UNTOUCHABLE

Phillips is the only Leeds player to have started all seven of their matches this season, which proves that Bielsa just can’t do without him. The manager has spoken of the qualities of the central midfielder that make him unique among his squad, and his faith in the academy product was demonstrated not only with his place in a much-changed starting XI, but the fact he played his usual midfield anchorman role in the first half before dropping to centre-back after the break. Phillips appears to be undroppable and untouchable.

Share this article