Leeds United yet to resolve one major problem under Jesse Marsch
Leeds United suffered yet another defeat last week when they lost 2-1 against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
A trip away to Selhurst Park is always challenging, considering Patrick Vieira is doing an incredible job with Palace at the moment. They are a tough team to beat on their home turf.
However, the Whites will feel they should have got something from that game after taking an early lead through Pascal Struijk, and creating some very good chances later.
But one problem that sticks out like a sore thumb even today — is the problem with the set-pieces.
Despite adding quality in almost every position in the last few transfer windows, this issue remains a serious headache.
According to a stat from BBC Sport, they have conceded 20 goals from set pieces since last season, with only Southampton (21), Everton (23) and Leicester (25) letting in more.
Marcelo Bielsa failed to rectify it. It seems Jesse Marsch is also failing to rectify it.
In the 24th minute of the game, Odsonne Edouard headed in from Michael Olise’s free-kick, where the Leeds defence just stood still, and it was calamitous.
The Whites have strong defenders like Liam Cooper, Robin Koch, Pascal Struijk and Diego Llorente, and they are all experienced players.
These mistakes shouldn’t be allowed to go on forever. The Whites are failing to defend collectively, and changes in approach are probably needed.
Under Marsch, Leeds are an exciting team to watch, but it’s their problems at the back that need to be solved immediately.
In other Leeds United news, a Sky Sports pundit has delivered Jesse Marsch’s “sack” verdict after what he heard this month.