Worse than Rotherham: Alarming stats show where Steve Thompson departure has hurt Leeds most

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Leeds have struggled badly in the final third since their assistant manager’s departure.

Since Steve Thompson was suspended by Leeds United, the Yorkshire side have lost four games out of four in the Championship – with performance levels varying from admirable under the circumstances to downright poor.

And the figures show just where the no.2’s exit has hurt Leeds most – key areas where they are the absolute worst in the division, even below struggling Rotherham, their nearest rivals for poor form in the final third…

Indeed, as Opta stats show, Leeds have created the least chances and taken the least shots in the whole of the second tier since Thompson’s exit.

Boss Neil Redfearn has used Mirco Antenucci, Steve Morison and Billy Sharp up front during the period but neither have quite fulfilled the role of lone striker to perfection – nor have they received anywhere near the requisite service.

And another intriguing caveat: Rotherham have played a game less than Leeds and still managed more in both areas since Thompson’s departure.

As stats from other departments show, meanwhile, Leeds are faring relatively well away from the final third. They have won the fifth-most tackles in the Championship since Thompson left, while they have also ranked well in terms of passes and interceptions.

Clearly, though, it is linking what Leeds are doing deeper down the pitch to the final third that is their greatest current failing. It wasn’t the club’s strength while they had an assistant manager and it is an area that has suffered even further since his exit.