Leeds striker Patrick Bamford had his worst game of the season last night.
In some ways Marcelo Bielsa’s perspective is understandable.
He started Patrick Bamford again ahead of Eddie Nketiah, believing the Leeds owned striker has a better work rate to the Arsenal loanee.
Nketiah did not offer much when he came on against Birmingham. Against Preston it was a different story.
Sent on with Leeds trailing, Nketiah scored a vital equaliser, heading in a 87th minute goal.
Bamford’s performance was tough to defend from a Leeds perspective.
Before he was hauled off, Bamford had six shots at goal. All six landed off target.
He had managed only 26 touches in 76 minutes, and he made just 16 passes.
As much praise as there is for his all round game, it just didn’t translate into goals, and patience is running out.
Last season Bamford was clinical at Preston, scoring twice in a 2-0 away win.
Last night the fixture showed how his confidence has dropped, something which seemed evident as early as pre-season.
It can’t be easy for him, knowing that every missed chance makes him more likely to be substituted, but Bamford is paid handsomely to deal with the pressure.
If he can’t handle it, then its time for him to be dropped. Nketiah looks ready now, and this should be a turning point.
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