Darren Bent reluctantly points finger amid ‘serious problems’ at Leeds United
Darren Bent believes Leeds United have “serious problems” after what he saw in the defeat to Aston Villa.
Leeds were beaten 2-1 by Villa at Elland Road on Sunday as Morgan Rogers struck twice to cancel out Lukas Nmecha’s early opener.
To make matters worse for Daniel Farke, Leeds are about to embark on a tough run of games that sees them face Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool – admittedly out of form – in their next three.
Farke is under sack pressure at Leeds and his job will only be cast in more doubt should results go the way as expected in those upcoming matches.
But in the view of player-turned-pundit Bent, it is not Farke who is solely to blame for Leeds’ struggles so far.
Leeds transfer business blamed for Premier League struggles
Farke made no secret of the fact that he wanted at least one more attacking player signed at Elland Road before the summer transfer window closed.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has faced more criticism than most at Leeds this season, having scored just one goal in 10 Premier League outings this term – seven of those being starts.
A lack of attacking quality has been clear to see, with Leeds the second-lowest scorers in the Premier League so far, behind only Wolves.
| Team | Goals scored |
| Wolves | 7 |
| Leeds | 11 |
| Everton | 12 |
| Nottingham Forest | 13 |
| Fulham | 13 |
| Newcastle United | 13 |
And in the view of Bent, it was quite clear that more quality was required in the final third if Leeds were going to stay up this season.
Speaking live on talkSPORT on Monday evening, Bent said: “I don’t like to point the finger, but one of the biggest things I wondered was whether they could score enough goals.
“When they signed Calvert-Lewin, I found that a strange signing. He’s got plenty of experience but has never been prolific.
“Nmecha has three goals in 12 appearances, which is okay. But I’m also not sure of them defensively. They’ve got serious problems.“
While Bent did not “point the finger” at anyone in particular, it is quite clear he is referring to those who conduct the transfer business at Leeds.
Leeds United the fastest starters of any Premier League side
Leeds have scored more goals (four) in the opening 15 minutes of Premier League games this season than any other Premier League side.
Nmecha scored the most recent of those against Villa, with that the first time he has scored in successive league games in a single season since November 2021 when at Wolfsburg.
The Germany international is only the second player whose first three Premier League goals for Leeds have been the opening goal in a game, after David Wetherall between 1993 and 1994.
Nmecha is doing his part, unlike Calvert-Lewin, and unfortunately too many others are not contributing up top. That is what is more than likely going to cost Farke his job before too long.
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