Hopeless regular starter must be axed: Three things learned about Leeds in derby defeat
By Richard Parks
A 2-1 derby defeat to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane was not quite what Paul Heckingbottom would have dreamed of in his first match as manager of Leeds United. The newly-appointed boss was condemned to defeat in his first match at the helm in a hard-fought clash at Bramall Lane. Billy Sharp proved to be the difference between the two promotion chasers, scoring the winner from the spot on 74 minutes after Eunan O’Kane brought down John Fleck as both sides fought for a winning goal. Leeds had earlier recovered from a stunning Sharp volley to level through Pierre-Michel Lasogga’s 47th-minute header. Sharp gave Heckingbottom the worst possible start to his reign with a deadly effort in the second minute, striking at the end of Sheffield United’s first attack. Leeds, whose run of six league games without a win cost Thomas Christiansen his job at Elland Road last weekend, were exposed at the back again early on but Lasogga’s clinical goal looked set to earn a point for a side who are still searching for a first victory since Boxing Day. Sharp, though, took advantage after O’Kane felled Fleck, further weakening Leeds' bid to make the Championship play-offs. It was another disappointing day for Leeds fans, whose side have now slipped to 11th in the division and eight points adrift of the top six.
Football Insider
has analysed three things learned about Leeds in Heckingbottom's first match, including how one player is silencing his critics, a loanee should be captured permanently and one 2017 summer signing flatters to deceive again.
Click below for the player who is winning fans over
nextpage
Lasogga changes minds
Leeds fans were not exactly blown away when Pierre-Michel Lasogga declared in an interview in his native Germany in midweek that he is very happy at Elland Road and open to extending his loan spell at the club. Many believe his first campaign has failed to live up to the early promise of an early wave of goals, including two on his debut. But the centre-forward, 26, is slowly winning some of his critics over. His performance at Bramall Lane shimmered with menace, he was a handful throughout and netted his eighth of the season with a smart run towards the far post before a thunderous header. With the right service, the burly German can be a lethal finisher.
Click below for the player who should be signed on a permanent deal
nextpage
Pennington is the real deal
It has been a frustrating campaign for the Everton loanee in which a series of niggling injuries have combined with spells on the bench to limit his match time. Observers watching him deliver a rock-solid display at Bramall Lane in which he was every bit as tenacious and dominant as the impressive Pontus Jansson will wonder how on earth Liam Cooper could ever be selected ahead of him. Not only must Pennington retain his place against Bristol City in the heart of the defence, but Andrea Radrizzani, Victor Orta and company must look to convert his loan into a permanent deal.
Click below for the attacker who must be axed
nextpage
Alioski must be dropped
It is something of a curiosity that Ezgjan Alioski has started more league games than any other Leeds player this season. His 29 starts have yielded five goals and five assists, reasonable but far from outstanding statistics for a wide attacking player. Alioski has kept his starting place despite failing to find the back of the net since late November. His form has fallen off a cliff in recent weeks and his propensity for going missing was in evidence again at Bramall Lane, where he was little short of hopeless. Heckingbottom must wield the axe and drop the Macedonian next weekend. In other Leeds United news,
.