Leeds United’s feel-good factor is as high as it has been all season after winning for the third time in a row on Wednesday night, defeating Luton Town 3-0.
Leeds returned to the top of the Championship standings with goals from Sam Byram, Joel Piroe, and Dan James, after falling to fourth place on Tuesday night due to wins for Sheffield United and Burnley.
Luton never looked like scoring, except for Pascal Struijk’s spectacular goal-line clearance to thwart Victor Moses. Leeds were on fire, controlling possession, speed, and scoring three points.
Piroe scored his seventh goal of the season, extending his lead at the top of Leeds’ goalscoring charts, while Mateo Joseph was deployed from the bench once more. Patrick Bamford was left watching.
Neil Redfearn reacts when asked about Patrick Bamford.
Leeds have won their previous three games against QPR, Swansea, and Luton, but Bamford, a former England player, has been an unused substitute in all three. Daniel Farke has continued to neglect his experienced striker.
Former Leeds manager Neil Redfearn was questioned if he believes Farke is making the correct move in keeping Bamford on the bench. He reacted by noting that you can’t really question the German boss right now.
“You’ll have to ask them why he’s not receiving the minutes or why he hasn’t brought them on. But Daniel’s actions are unquestionably correct. We are really nitpicking if we think of one player who has not appeared.
“The vast majority of decisions have been spot on, got the subs right tonight, rested players when he had the chance, and the subs haven’t diluted the performance,” Redfearn told BBC Radio Leeds on Wednesday.
Patrick Bamford might be tempted by a January exit from Leeds.
Leeds has seven Championship games remaining until the January window begins, and they will have passed the halfway point. Bamford, however, has yet to start a league game and has only appeared as a substitute six times.
Bamford confessed he planned to quit Leeds in the summer of 2023 following relegation. Carlton Palmer believes Leeds should aim to trade Bamford in January, considering his reputation as one of the club’s top earners.
However, Bamford appears unlikely to be deployed within the next month. Indeed, if he does not get any more game time and remains on the bench, he may be tempted to make a move.
