Paul Merson explains why he is growing more and more concerned for Leeds United

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Paul Merson has told Sky Sports – as per Football Daily – that he is growing more and more concerned for Leeds United after the Whites suffered a 2-1 home defeat to West Ham United on Friday night, and questioned the future of Kalvin Phillips.

Having made an eye-catching start to the season, Leeds have somewhat tailed off in recent weeks. The Whites have won just one of their last six Premier League matches, losing their last two outings to both Chelsea and then West Ham.

Not only were Leeds somewhat outplayed, but Marcelo Bielsa’s men have also shown a huge weakness in their armour against West Ham and Chelsea – set-pieces. Three goals in two games have come from set-plays.

Merson is concerned. He believes that Leeds’ style of play under Bielsa is becoming more and more predictable, and also questioned the future of Phillips – with the £30,000-a-week star being linked with Tottenham and Liverpool (Mirror).

“I was sat watching it and I thought, I worry for Leeds,” Merson told Sky Sports, as per Football Daily. “Everyone is getting used to playing against them. You play man to man, get past your man, you’ve got a chance. [Michail] Antonio plays, it’s six or seven.

“I love watching them, every neutral does because it’s going to be six or seven goals. But that’s not good for Leeds. I look at Phillips, how long will he stay at Leeds for? I’m starting to worry for them, I love watching them, but I’m starting to worry.”

TBR’s view – Leeds have got to change something

Bielsa is not going to change his system. The Argentine, who has been nominated in the best three managers of 2020 for his work at leeds – and his influence on others – is renowned for being stubborn when it comes to selection and tactics.

But on the training ground, something needs to change. Leeds and West Ham were on a par for much of Friday’s match, but the difference proved to be from set-pieces. Do Leeds have enough of a presence? Can it be changed in training?

Or do they need to enter the January market? Either way, Leeds need to get better from set-pieces.