This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Leeds have been inconsistent in their performances this term and the tight win over Luton at the weekend was a fine example of the team grinding out a narrow win.
It is quite a familiar theme this season, with eight of their 19 games settled by a one-goal margin. Much of it is due to an inability to break down the opposition, but there is a bigger problem at the heart of the matter.
As it was last year, the lack of strength in depth in the squad is causing problems, and if it is not addressed in January there is potential for Leeds to tail away from the top of the table.
The Whites have undoubted quality in their starting eleven. That is why they sit second in the table and average 60% possession per game, as well as looking unplayable at times – such as their opening day victory over Bristol City.
The worry, therefore, is the plan B option, and whether they will be able to get over the line like they did against Luton on a regular basis.
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It is almost certain that Bielsa will find himself in a position in matches where he needs to find a winner, and currently he doesn’t even have a striker on the bench to call upon due to Eddie Nketiah’s injury.
Helder Costa and Jack Clarke are attacking alternatives available but neither has particularly impressed supporters this campaign, and that means there is a lack of options who can turn a game in Leeds’ favour.
Clarke has only appeared once in the league while Costa has contributed a solitary assist in the Championship in 17 outings.
On top of that, there is not much cover for key players like Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips, so Leeds’ season could be rocked if they were missing for a period of time.
So far the team has been able to overcome the problem due to the strong mentality and confidence Bielsa has installed.
In that regard, the Argentine’s decision to look after a small set of first-team players is paying off. It allows a close bond to form and with it a strong team spirit that allows them to keep going until the end of matches in search of a vital goal.
Such an attribute is key in a promotion team, but so is quality throughout the squad, not just the starting XI, and therefore Leeds should look to improve in that area soon.
In other Leeds news, fans have been talking about the performances of Mateusz Klich after the match against Luton.