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'Leeds dealt a hammer blow' – Rio Ferdinand highlights problem Bielsa must solve v Newcastle
The Leeds United defeat to West Ham last Friday has sparked concern from Rio Ferdinand, who highlighted a problem for Marcelo Bielsa to address – inconsistency and terrible home form.
The Whites fell to their third home defeat of the season against David Moyes’ side, once again throwing away a lead as they did in the previous fixture against Chelsea.
Leeds have only won once at home all season, and that was a hairy 4-3 win against Fulham in the second game of the campaign.
There is a lack of momentum generally, too, with Leeds registering just one win in the last six games, and it’s the inconsistency that’s troubling Ferdinand.
Speaking to Five’s Youtube channel, Ferdinand said: “Two of my former teams going at it. Leeds dealt a hammer blow, West Ham run out 2-1 winners.
“Leeds are a bit indifferent, you just don’t know what you’re going to get at the moment. They started the season like a house on fire and then all of a sudden bang, they just get a few indifferent results and you just think, wow.
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“Especially when you’re the home team, Leeds would be expecting to win and dominate but it just hasn’t been coming off.”
Time to get back on track
Ferdinand was impressed with how his former side began life back in the Premier League, with Patrick Bamford particularly catching his eye.
Performances against Man City and Aston Villa showed what Bielsa’s side are capable of, as did the recent away win over Everton but, as Ferdinand alludes to, Leeds lack consistency at home.
Finding some consistency is the key issue Bielsa must solve, according to Ferdinand, who hinted at Leeds falling below expectations.
However, West Ham have been difficult to beat this season, losing just twice on the road at Liverpool and Arsenal. They’re no pushovers.
Leeds’ next game against Newcastle, therefore, should present a better opportunity to get back to winning ways and return to the form which impressed Ferdinand earlier in the season.
We won’t say it’s a must-win but with a trip to Old Trafford looming on Sunday, another defeat will be very unpalatable.
In other Leeds United news, Michael Owen gives his prediction ahead of the Magpies’ visit to West Yorkshire.