Good Morning. It's Friday 3rd October, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Piroe's time will come Joel Piroe’s time at Leeds United may currently feel like a waiting game, but there is little doubt that his moment will come. During Thursday’s press conference, manager Daniel Farke addressed the Dutch striker’s situation, acknowledging both his frustration and his undeniable talent. Farke described Piroe as the best finisher he has ever coached, highlighting the 26-year-old’s lethal qualities in front of goal. Yet, the demands of the Premier League are shaping different tactical decisions. Following Leeds’ promotion last season, the club strengthened their attacking options with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha, pushing Piroe down the pecking order despite his remarkable contribution in the Championship, where his goals secured promotion and earned him top-scorer status. Farke admitted that Leeds cannot dominate games in the top flight as they once did in the second tier, which affects the style of striker he relies on. But crucially, he stressed that Piroe’s role within the squad remains vital. While patience will be required, there is confidence the forward will feature significantly as the season unfolds—whether as a striker or even in a more creative role behind the front line. For Leeds fans, Piroe’s current absence may feel puzzling, but his proven finishing ability ensures that his impact is only a matter of time. As the campaign progresses and opportunities arise, the Dutchman’s skillset could prove decisive in key moments, reaffirming his importance to Leeds’ Premier League journey. “It’s always difficult when you had such a good season last season and everyone is singing your name. To then not play as much, of course, it is tough”, “He is the best finisher I have ever worked with. I would always go for Joel Piroe, finishing world-class, but we can’t always play at this level, being that dominant. A few other skills are needed at times in different games. It’s difficult because I don’t want him to be a completely different player; he can also play as a number 10. “I am 100 per cent sure that during the season, the skills and strengths of Joel Piroe are also needed. “The best thing is to be honest, they are professionals earning lots of money, you have to accept that there is competition, I have to say my evaluation and the importance of Joel has not dropped, he is pretty, pretty important. I am sure we will see him in many situations on the pitch and hopefully he can do well.” please log in to view this image Whites dominate unusual metric Leeds United may not be stealing headlines for free‑flowing attacking flair just yet, but a closer look at the underlying numbers reveals a fascinating strength in Daniel Farke’s side — one that could prove decisive as the season unfolds. As revealed by Leeds Youtuber Joe Blackburn, Leeds lead the top flight in “shot‑creating actions from defensive situations,” registering eight shots from just six matches. To put that into perspective, most of their rivals average only two or three. This metric measures occasions where a defensive action, such as a pressing tackle or interception, immediately sparks a shot at the other end. It’s a reflection not only of Leeds’ energy in pressing but also of their ability to retain possession and transition quickly into attack. What makes this development particularly striking is the narrative surrounding Leeds’ promotion. Many observers suggested that their trademark high press would have to be reined in at the top level. Instead, Farke’s side have demonstrated that the press remains a powerful weapon, one that can produce genuine scoring opportunities even without a traditional playmaker orchestrating the attack. The cohesion between defenders and midfielders has created a platform for incisive counter‑attacks, and while the final product in terms of goals is still catching up, the foundations are highly encouraging. For supporters, this statistic is more than a curiosity — it’s evidence of a system evolving, one that could give Leeds United a competitive edge throughout the campaign. Archie set for warm reception Archie Gray is set for a warm reception when he returns to Elland Road this weekend, a rare distinction for former Leeds United players who make their way back to West Yorkshire. While some, like Jermain Beckford, remain fondly remembered, others have faced a less welcoming crowd, as was the case with Tyler Adams during his ill-fated return against Bournemouth. But Archie's story carries a different weight. As a proud member of the Gray family footballing dynasty, his connection with the club runs deep into the foundations of Elland Road. His £30m move to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2024, which also saw Joe Rodon head to Leeds, was as much about financial necessity for Leeds as it was opportunity for the young midfielder. Now, a year on, Gray’s Premier League journey has yet to fully ignite. Limited to just 72 minutes of league action this season, his development has stalled somewhat under Tottenham’s new management. Yet, while his time on the pitch has been scarce, his standing among Leeds supporters has not diminished. Fans recognise both his talent and the circumstances of his departure, and they are expected to welcome him back with warmth and respect. Adding extra intrigue, Archie’s younger brother Harry—just 16 years old—could feature from the Leeds bench if he recovers from a hip injury in time. please log in to view this image
“ Leeds lead the top flight in “shot‑creating actions from defensive situations,” registering eightshots from just six matches.” So if this stat is true then why doesn’t Farke use the best finisher he has ever worked with? I think Farke is full of crap and on a par with Marsche. It’s like his comments on set piece coaches even though we have conceded 5 goals from set pieces. Piroe should have been sold and the money used……
On Archie I wonder how he took the news that Tommy Franks was taking over. Archie had agreed a deal to go to Brentford until the Spuds came in for him, so he peed Franks off I suspect so has gone from ever present under Big Ange to benchwarming
