Renowned for his no-nonsense approach, Roy Keane has delivered a harsh critique of Leeds United’s prospects in the Premier League following their capitulation against Nottingham Forest. The 3-1 defeat at the City Ground marked Leeds’ fourth loss in five matches, placing them precariously just a point above the relegation zone. Under increasing pressure, Daniel Farke is now second favourite in the managerial sack race.
Keane, speaking on The Overlap, didn’t mince his words: “Leeds are going down, yeah. They were dreadful against Forest.” His sentiment was echoed by fellow pundit Gary Neville. Recalling the season’s opener, Neville remarked, “I said Leeds were going down after watching them on the first game of the season, even though they beat Everton. I thought ‘that’s not right that’.”
A significant issue for Leeds has been their struggle in front of goal. With a mere ten goals to their name, only bottom-of-the-table Wolves have fared worse. Efforts to bolster their attack brought Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer, but the former Everton man has found the target only once this season.
Despite this, Farke remains impressed with Calvert-Lewin’s contributions, particularly his leadership on the pitch. “Sometimes as a striker, you find it difficult to convert your chances,” Farke, himself a former striker, remarked. “He has had many good opportunities. It’s usually a good sign if you’re creating chances. I’d be more worried if he wasn’t in those positions.”
Farke expounded on the topic, “I don’t rate him just by goals. As a striker, it’s crucial to score, but for a player who’s joined a newly-promoted side, winning the golden boot is unrealistic. Teams like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal naturally create more chances. We can’t dominate like the top teams, so it’s a different dynamic for our strikers.”
Assuring fans, Farke said, “I’m happy with his performances so far and I’m pretty sure his goals will come. Whether it’s Joel Piroe, Dominic, Lukas Nmecha, or even our young talent, the focus remains on survival in the Premier League rather than individual accolades.”
Leeds United find themselves in a precarious situation, facing challenges both defensively and offensively, and their ability to navigate these troubled waters will determine their fate in the top flight this season.