Leeds United dropped out of the Championship play-off places after a 1-0 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Leeds United manager Garry Monk
Leeds United endured a disappointing home defeat as Wolverhampton Wanderers left Elland Road with all three points – with the 1-0 scoreline demoting Garry Monk’s Leeds to a seventh place league position in the process.
Wolves took a first half lead through forward Nuoha Dicko’s 38th minute strike – before Leeds showed any signs of momentum during the game. However, despite increasing Leeds pressure throughout the second half, Monk’s side were unable to muster a goal from their poor tally of just two efforts on target during the entire 90 minutes.
As raised by HITC Sport last month, and although goal-getter Chris Wood bagged his 28th goal of the season against Newcastle United recently, Leeds possess a worrying trend of offensive stats – with Monk’s side amongst the lowest in the entire division for number of shots-on-target per game across the duration of the current campaign.
The two efforts on target against Wolves – despite accruing 67% of the game’s possession, according to the BBC – should be a source of concern for Monk. Indeed, considering Leeds are currently outside of the play-off places on goal difference, the importance of creating, and converting, goal-scoring chances suddenly becomes hugely significant as the season is approaching its culmination.
The ominous sense of Leeds’ fall from the play-off places could be seen in Monk’s face at the final whistle against Wolves.
The former Swansea City boss cut a forlorn figure as his left the touchline to reflect upon his side’s inability to capitalise on a game that Leeds may later regret – especially if they fail to secure a place in the top six.
Within his post game comments, reported by the BBC, Monk suggested that Leeds have recently been playing ‘in protective mode’ in an attempt to remain in the play-off positions – but will now need to ‘change that mentality to be a team that goes on the hunt and lets it all go’.
Leeds United’s Kemar Roofe is dejected after a missed chance
However, this may prove to be easier said than done, as Monk may need to rely on a stream of goals in order to out-do in-form Fulham over the remaining three Championship games of the season; after the Cottagers’ comprehensive victory over Aston Villa sent Slaviša Jokanović’s side level on 73 points but with an advantageous +24 goal difference, in contrast to Leeds’ +15.
Leeds face away games against Burton Albion and Wigan Athletic, sandwiched between a home game against Norwich City – whilst Fulham play Brentford in their final home game, either side of away fixtures against Huddersfield Town and Sheffield Wednesday.
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