Leeds United’s weaknesses are glaringly obvious, and Illan Meslier’s errors in Saturday’s draw with Swansea are just the tip of the iceberg.
Meslier has been responsible for several costly mistakes this season, with his errors directly affecting results against Swansea, Sunderland, and Hull. While Leeds remain in second place, two points behind Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United and level with Burnley, the pressure, combined with the international break and the hangover from last season, is beginning to take its toll.
Issues Beyond Meslier
However, Meslier isn’t the only concern. Leeds are also struggling up front, with Joel Piroe going five consecutive games without finding the net despite playing every minute during that stretch.
Ross McCormack Highlights Striker Concerns
Piroe, who remains second in the Championship’s goalscoring charts with 15 goals this season, is enduring his longest goal drought of the campaign. While he previously went five games without a goal earlier in the season, he at least contributed assists against Middlesbrough and Oxford United during that period. This time, however, he has neither scored nor provided an assist, even missing two clear chances in the recent defeat to Portsmouth.
Leeds invested £16m in Piroe, yet he failed to convert a golden opportunity from Brenden Aaronson’s chipped cross against Swansea with the score at 1-1. Former Leeds striker Ross McCormack believes this lack of cutting edge up front is a major issue.
“Leeds have one big problem, and it’s the striker department,” McCormack told TalkSPORT on Monday morning (31/03, 8:50 AM).
“Any team that wins promotion has a reliable striker. As technically good as Piroe is, I don’t think he’s that guy. Mateo Joseph is a young lad who usually comes off the bench. Meanwhile, Sheffield United have outstanding players in the forward areas.”
Sheffield United’s Striking Depth Outshines Leeds
A closer look at the numbers suggests McCormack may have a point. Leeds have just three striking options, with one – Patrick Bamford – currently sidelined through injury.
In contrast, Chris Wilder has five players capable of leading the line at Sheffield United, with Tyrese Campbell standing out. Campbell has netted 10 goals in the Championship this season, including four in his last five appearances. Signed last season, he has impressed in his first full campaign at Bramall Lane under Wilder.
Although none of Sheffield United’s strikers have individually outscored Piroe, the combined contribution of Wilder’s attacking options – including Rhian Brewster and Ben Brereton Diaz, who often operate out wide – surpasses Piroe’s current output. This collective strength gives Sheffield United an attacking edge that Leeds currently lack.
