Daniel Farke has criticised Dominic Calvert-Lewin for his poor finishing in Leeds United’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
Leeds United slipped to a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham on Saturday, a result they ultimately deserved but one that could have been so much different.
Daniel Farke’s side came flying out of the traps and ruffled Spurs with their combative challenges and high press.
However, the visitors still took the lead against the run of play when Mathys Tel’s shot cruelly deflected in off Pascal Struijk.
Leeds didn’t let their heads drop, though, and fought back through a goal from Noah Okafor, who left Farke impressed with his display.
The Whites were in the ascendancy but were unable to take advantage before a Gabriel Gudmundsson error opened the door for Mohammed Kudus to get the winner.
The goal knocked the stuffing out of Leeds, who did little in the final half hour to get themselves back level, but should have already put themselves in a better position.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was once again a prime culprit and Farke has called on him to improve.
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Daniel Farke gives scathing review on Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s performance
Calvert-Lewin himself called for Leeds to start taking their chances or they will continue to be punished after the defeat, though he must look at himself.
The striker was given a golden chance on a silver plate when Anton Stach won the ball back high up the field and sent him through on goal, but his finish was wild and soared over the bar.
Calvert-Lewin had two more chances when Leeds were on top, but failed to convert either. Shortly after, Spurs retook the lead.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Farke said: “He has scored goals since he started playing. He doesn’t have to overdo it.
“He came into two good shooting positions and probably should have scored in the first half. He has to work on like this.
“If you just concentrate on scoring goals, it will never work.
“You have to make sure you are a good team-mate to work with. You just need a deflected or scruffy goal and the goals will come.”
Though Farke did praise his overall performance, his work in Leeds’ goal and ended his comments positively, it does ignore the fact that Calvert-Lewin has already scored a good goal this season which hasn’t eradicated his wastefulness in front of goal.
He desperately needs to start converting such gilt-edged chances or Leeds will pay the price.
Daniel Farke praises Brenden Aaronson
Farke was largely happy with his side’s performance despite the result, and another player who came in for praise was Brenden Aaronson.
Fans bemoaned the fact the American wasn’t sold in the summer and have been frustrated with his starting spot in the side.
Yet, Aaronson has put in bright displays of late on the wing and Saturday’s was his best yet.
Farke said: “You can see in the last games that his confidence is growing.
“Today he was there with what was more or less an assist. It was another decent game from him, not perfect, some things can always be a bit less complicated. His workrate is never in doubt.”