Paul Merson shares Leeds United concern after what he saw in Blackburn draw
Paul Merson is worried about Leeds United after what he saw during the 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers.
The Whites took a late one-goal lead at Elland Road (1 January) after Pascal Struijk’s 88th-minute penalty but ultimately saw the three points snatched away after Danny Batth pulled the visitors on level terms two minutes later.
However, Merson has aided claims that Leeds are their own worst enemy in the quest for automatic promotion this term and the ex-Premier League forward admitted he is worried about the Whites after the draw on Wednesday, live on Sky Sports News (1 January, 5:18pm).
He said: “Leeds have to come up with solutions, and the last two games, I know they got a worldie goal against Derby, but you can’t keep on doing PlayStation football. That’s impossible.
“So they need to come up with something. I think they’ve got to get the ball in the box a bit quicker – I think it’s a bit slow. They get the ball out to the wingers, and they want to do a trick and everything. They’ve just got to take a touch and get it in and rely on the forwards.
“I worry for Leeds a little bit. I hope Leeds come up, but watching the last couple of games, they’re going to have that for the next 20-odd games, people sitting with 10 behind the ball.”
Daniel Farke has problems to address at Leeds United
Had any Leeds supporter been told before the season started that their side would lead the Championship after Christmas, they would have been ecstatic.
Although the Whites’ away from has been a cause of concern this year, Farke has won his last two trips on the road and has extended his unbeaten streak to seven matches, with his last defeat coming at the hands of Wednesday’s opponents at Ewood Park.
The result at Elland Road is hardly the ideal start for Farke in 2025, but the landscape in the Championship remains favourable, and with the January transfer window now open, he can begin to fine-tune his squad.
Farke is working closely alongside chairman Paraag Marathe to secure three additions before the window slams shut on 3 February [GiveMeSport].
While immediate attention will be drawn to strengthening the depth of the backline, Leeds may also benefit from adding a fresh dimension to the attacking options.
The Whites forwards failed to break down a stubborn Blackburn defence and tempers flared after Wilfried Gnonto grabbed referee Oliver Langford, and even though the Italian is not expected to receive any severe consequences for his actions, it is certainly not a good look.
In other Leeds United news, Whites star suffers a ‘sore one’ as an injury update emerges after the draw against Blackburn.
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