Leeds United got back to winning ways following the September international break with a 3-0 win over Millwall at the Den as Daniel Farke’s side finally looked to click into gear.
Joel Piroe scored his second goal in Leeds United colours since making the summer switch, finishing off an incredible counter-attacking move from Daniel Farke’s side that showed the depth of attacking talent on show at Elland Road.
On 77 minutes the summer arrival found the net for his second of the day, tapping in unmarked at the back post before moments later Georginio Rutter ensured the three points would be heading back to Elland Road, with an excellent left-footed finish after some more good work from James. Here’s what we learned from the Whites’ win.
Meslier should be axed
For most of his time at Elland Road Illan Meslier has been renowned for being capable of spectacular saves but equally calamitous mistakes that have cost Leeds United some valuable points. It took only a few minutes of the match at The Den for the Frenchman to have a wobble.
As a long ball was lumped into the box the Leeds keeper flapped at a cross, being taken out by Tom Bradshaw and he was lucky the referee gave a foul to save his blushes. With Karl Darlow waiting in the wings having arrived from Newcastle United this summer, you have to wonder if Farke will be considering making a switch in goal.
Piroe can be a 10
Since he joined the ranks at Elland Road there has been much debate over whether Piroe is best deployed, with Farke preferring to have the Dutchman behind Georginio Rutter in more of a number 10 role. That could be partly out of necessity due to the lack of options in attacking midfield currently at Elland Road.
But the 24-year-old’s positioning is excellent and the way he found space to finish for both goals demonstrated exactly why Leeds were so keen to sign him this summer, he can be the 20-goal-a-season man the Whites have been so keen to find.
Strength in depth
Before the season began so much was written about Farke having a lot of strength in depth, especially in the wide areas of the pitch. Sunday’s win was a clear demonstration of that fact, with James especially changing the game when he came on.
The Welshman’s pace caused Millwall plenty of problems and saw him pick up two assists in only 20 minutes of action. If he can stay fit and firing, he will be one of the most important players at Leeds United this year.