Leeds United endured another frustrating outing on Saturday, managing only a 1-1 draw against a resilient and physical Luton Town at Kenilworth Road.
Despite sharing chances evenly with Matt Bloomfield’s side, Leeds never truly looked like winners. Still, Luton’s manager expressed his belief that Leeds will eventually earn promotion, while Carlton Morris labelled them a Premier League-level team.
However, recent form has derailed Leeds’ momentum. With just one win from their last six games and three consecutive draws, both Sheffield United and Burnley have leapfrogged them in the standings.
Considering the challenge posed by a direct, physical Luton side, it wasn’t a terrible display from Leeds. Luton frequently played long balls, disrupting Leeds’ rhythm and making it hard for them to build from the back.
Joel Piroe struggles and draws frustration from Farke
Joel Piroe had a particularly difficult afternoon. Known for drifting out of games, the Dutch striker was outmuscled throughout, losing 16 of the 17 duels he contested. Luton’s defenders dominated him aerially, and he failed to make an impact once again—his sixth straight match without a goal or assist.
A moment early in the match summed up his struggles. Attempting a quick layoff to Junior Firpo from a Pascal Struijk pass, Piroe instead mishit it out of play. LUTV commentator Bryn Law noted manager Daniel Farke’s visible frustration at the error.
Should Farke drop Piroe for Tuesday’s clash with Middlesbrough?
Farke has shown a willingness to rotate underperforming players—Brenden Aaronson was dropped against Luton, and Illan Meslier was replaced by Karl Darlow, who impressed in goal.
That said, replacing Piroe isn’t simple. With no new striker signed in January, Leeds are left with just Mateo Joseph and Patrick Bamford as alternatives. Joseph missed the Luton game through illness, while Bamford only just returned from injury and played half an hour.
Yet, history might keep Piroe in the starting lineup. He boasts a strong record against Middlesbrough: three goals, two assists, and three wins in seven appearances. That familiarity and success might convince Farke to give him one more chance up front.
