Leeds United manager Daniel Farke believes his side weren’t sharp enough during Saturday’s 3-3 draw against Hull City, a game which saw the Whites surrender a two goal lead.
The Yorkshire-based club went into the game sitting top of the Championship, although they dropped points on New Year’s Day when they allowed Blackburn Rovers to snatch a late equaliser. It was more of the same three days later, with relegation-threatened Hull scoring twice in the last 10 minutes.
The Tigers did take an early lead at the MKM Stadium when Abu Kamara got his name on the scoresheet after just five minutes. That was the only goal of the first half but Leeds exploded into life in the second period when Ao Tanaka scored just seconds after the break.
Daniel James and Joel Piroe looked to have secured the three points for the away side but Joao Pedro pulled one back for the hosts in the 81st minute after a mistake from goalkeeper Illan Meslier. Kamara then snatched his second of the game with a minute remaining to complete the comeback.
Farke Fumes At Late Collapse
The result kept Leeds at the top of the table, although their lead has now been cut to just one point. Speaking to official club media, Farke insisted his team weren’t sharp enough and they should have run away with the game before Hull’s fight back:
“First half, I think we were not sharp enough. So it’s an example of if we allow ourselves to be two percent less on it, then it’s difficult and it’s not easy to win points.
“I think in both boxes it was the case. So we had so many good situations, but didn’t finish them off in the first half.
“We should have been a bit sharper in the opponents box but our finishing was not spot on, and I don’t think that we have conceded a cheaper goal during the whole season like the situation when we conceded.
“So we were not sharp enough in both boxes in the first half, but second half, I have to say, great reaction and we executed exactly what we spoke about at half-time in a perfect manner.
“We were in total control, scored three goals, had chances to score perhaps a fourth, a fifth and sixth goal.
“Then it’s difficult to explain, also to accept, how we conceded then two late goals without them having really a chance if I’m really honest.”
Writer’s View
Leeds have been the dominant force in the Championship this season. However, they have dropped points from winning positions in their last two games and Farke will be desperate to put this right. With Burnley, Sheffield United and Sunderland all hot on their heels, they can’t afford to throw points away in the coming weeks.
Head of Writing
