Journalist Sam Tighe highlights ‘glaring’ Leeds defensive frailties
After an impressive opening period for Leeds United against Fulham, Marcelo Bielsa’s side threw away their lead from yet another set piece.
Fulham defender Joachim Andersen scored his first Premier League goal from a corner, wrestling free from Luke Ayling before poking home Ademola Lookman’s cross to cancel out Patrick Bamford’s opener.
Andersen’s goal marked the 11th Premier League goal conceded by the Whites from corner situations this season, with their impressive tally being at least three higher than any other side [Opta].
Leeds would eventually go on to beat the Cottagers courtesy of a second-half strike from Raphinha, but the club’s issues defending set-pieces couldn’t be more evident.
Sports journalist Sam Tighe certainly believes as much, taking to Twitter to criticise Leeds’ inability to defend set pieces. He said: “Leeds’ inability to defend set pieces is so severe, they basically play games with a handicap of -1.
“36 points on the board so they’re all good for now, but this is the most glaring issue for any Premier League club to fix for next season.”
Set pieces a big problem
Tighe makes a point that can’t be refuted, because Opta’s statistic alone supports the clear weakness in the way that Leeds United defend.
Marcelo Bielsa has developed his side into a well oiled unit who champion fluid attacking football over steady build-up play, and while that may see the club score more often than not, it doesn’t help them ensure that they are tight at the back.
Leeds fans shouldn’t be remotely concerned about relegation this season because there are far worse sides in the top flight than the Whites, however the club clearly need to improve defensively if they are to continue progressing next season.
Bielsa must be tasked with finding a remedy for his side’s dreadful set piece record, whether he identifies the problem as the club not having the right players to deal with aerial threats or whether he finds something not quite right with the way in which he sets out his team.
Having conceded 11 goals from set pieces this season, Leeds United will have a clear idea for what they will need to do in the summer to fix such an evident issue.
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