Attacks win you games - and that is not happening right now at Leeds United

Bournemouth away was always going to be a precipice game for Leeds United, in light of the winless run. Three points would have changed the whole mood. A score draw would have been a good result.

But as is the form of the Cherries right now (six straight wins, 16 goals, none conceded), the chances of both looked slim.

Though, Leeds did play well up until the first goal. In fact, they were arguably the better side heading into half time.

At full-time, Farke inferred Leeds did not get the result the performance warranted. Fans may disagree with that.

Regardless of how it came, defeat was always going to cast a grim complexion on the team heading into a home clash against an in-form Tottenham Hotspur next week.

Ultimately it is one win in eight games, and none in five. Many supporters are most dissatisfied with the manner of Saturday's defeat in one particular area...

Quality over quantity

Leeds can count themselves unlucky not to have gone 1-0 up after 12 minutes, Dominic Calvert-Lewin accidentally handling the ball in from the close-range ricochet after a scintillating move.

But otherwise, Leeds mustered just one legal effort on target out of 10 shots and amassed a total xG of just 0.67. Undoubtedly, it is the final third that is costing them right now, with just two goals scored in five matches.

United did do a lot right. They ended the day with a higher passing accuracy, more passes completed and the most final-third passes. They also blitzed the crossing metric 21 to 10. But none of this matters - only one figure does in a game, and that’s the goals count.

For all of their work, Leeds - again - did not create enough quality chances. Farke says Leeds needed to be “more brutal” around the box - in that, get more shots on target.

But the metrics are pointing to the fact that the chances Leeds are getting are low quality. Their only shot on target only registered an xG score of 0.29.

The best off-target shot on the xG front was Harry Wilson’s long-range attempt that whistled just past the post before half time - a score of 0.073.

Leeds had three shots in the box. They had seven against Sunderland, 10 against Manchester United and seven against Arsenal.

Leeds are suffering from a lack of creativity so Farke himself may have to get creative. He says he is going to start by concentrating on shooting practice this week.

The stern defence can't keep having to shoulder the burden - something that was underlined in the first half.

Trafford's trip-up

In truth, this was a day many fans had feared would come. Trafford has so much confidence in his own abilities and his teammates that he is unafraid to play the risky short ball. Sometimes Leeds have gotten out by the skin of their teeth.

That his pass howler came against the most in-form Premier League team, who were on the back foot at the time, is especially irking. And in no way can it be excused for a professional goalkeeper of any level, especially for one looking to become England number one.

This is not Trafford’s first such error. Manchester City fans will remember a similar incident in the club’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur 14 months ago.

The young goalkeeper has a confidence and an aura about him that means he will be unfazed by the misstep. It’s just an occupational hazard Leeds will have to accept. Farke doesn’t want him to change his ways.

“He should have spotted and read the situation better,” said the manager. "But yeah, it happens, and you know we all have sometimes a poorer day, and for that, no criticism.

“He shouldn't change his game. He shouldn't change too much just after a mistake, because then he also takes away many strengths of his game.”

Noah Okafor

Okafor did not make the squad due to an adductor issue picked up in the final session on Friday before the trip south. He was a doubt for the visit to Sunderland but made the cut and came off the bench, putting in a good showing.

But there is an overall big picture that cannot be ignored. This is a player who cost £18m and, while he has scored many important goals, is also not always available or at his top level.

The Swiss has only completed two full sets of 90 minutes since his arrival and rarely features past the 70th minute. This is a sign of where Leeds are as a club - they are not going to buy the elite level talent right now.

They have to deal with the reality that every player will have their shortfalls. Farke has already stated he accepts the explosive Okafor for who he is and that his game does make him more liable to injury.

But there is a question over whether Leeds are getting value for money - especially at a time when the team is struggling up top.