Gabriel Gudmundsson’s own goal was a one-off on Saturday afternoon at Fulham, but the constant theme of Leeds United’s first four Premier League games has been a lack of creation and goal threat.
With an XG of 3.8, it would be easy to think that Leeds might have even scored four or five goals so far this season. But Lukas Nmecha’s penalty against Everton remains the only time Leeds have found the net.
It is unclear if Daniel Farke’s defence-first approach, which many called for in the summer, is why The Whites are struggling in attack. Whether it is the personnel or simply, the quality of the opponents.
Two of the Premier League’s five Champions League sides, a rejuvenated Everton and a Fulham side that finished 11th last season, away from home. Farke will learn more when Leeds go to Wolves next week.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesAidy White picks the front three he wants to see at Wolves
In what could already be a crucial encounter in the race to avoid relegation, Leeds go to Molineux next week to take on a Wolves side that has suffered defeat in all four of their Premier League games so far.
On Saturday, Farke handed starts to Brenden Aaronson, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor for the first time. Now, former Leeds defender White told BBC Radio Leeds the front three he wants at Wolves.
“In terms of personnel, I think Aaronson for Willy Gnonto. I’d leave Okafor in there because he looks like the more minutes, the stronger he will get. Same with Calvert-Lewin, he’s going to be our main striker.
“He has got things other than goal contributions, hold-up play, other factors. If we can get good delivery from wide areas, he will score,” White said about Calvert-Lewin, who missed a good chance at Fulham.
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Daniel Farke explains decision to choose Brenden Aaronson
With Nmecha and Joel Piroe doubts for Fulham, it was always expected that Calvert-Lewin would get his first start against Fulham. Okafor too, given Dan James has struggled for club and country this season.
But not many saw Gnonto being dropped for Aaronson on Saturday. Farke explained that, given Okafor is not known for his running and Calvert-Lewin would run out of steam, he wanted a worker in Aaronson.
Farke also chose “excellent” Aaronson to deal with the threat of Ryan Sessegnon. It worked; Aaronson won more tackles than any other player, even though he was subbed off with 13 minutes of play to go.
Leeds aimed to avoid defeat at Fulham. At Wolves, they need to be gunning for a win. There is a role for Aaronson in this side, the same goes for Jack Harrison. But at Molineux, White is right. Gnonto must start.