Common Sense

With Leeds' playoff hopes now on the verge of being crushed, there's time to reflect on what should have been done.

Leeds' recent run of just one win in six is the reason the club is now looking at a finish outside of the playoffs, even though they have been in the top six since November '16.

A lot of fans including myself have pointed out the lack of plan b being the chink in a somewhat perfect armour of Garry Monk.

It seems that squad size and not enough thought in January has been a major factor with Leeds lacking goals and support for an over-marked Chris Wood during the past six weeks.

However, it's not like we have no options within the squad at all. Doukara has been used sparingly on occasion to somewhat effect, Roofe has been given opportunity but failed to capitalise and we've even changed formation but nothing seems to work.

This is where you have to look at last summers signing of Marcus Antonsson and feel a little bemused. The deal was said to be over £2million yet we are not allowing a striker with a proven track record in July to have a real go.

Antonsson has not even been used sparingly, he's hardly ever on the actual bench for Leeds.

The Swede forward has featured in 66 minutes worth of football for Leeds without taking into account his appearances in the cup in which he's scored 2 in 2.

Could this have been a more regular occurrence if the Swede forward was given a chance?

That's two million spent on a striker that hasn't even been given the opportunity from the bench since he featured against Sutton United with a group of young players making their debuts in an embarrassing performance.

Whether he's ready for English football or not, Monk and Clotet clearly thought he was someone who could bring something to Leeds. Yet they haven't even tried to get it out of him.

Burton was a must win match, a team threatened with relegation and everyone knew it was going to be a battle. In my opinion, if you need a win and you're current striker is being marked out of matches, you bring another in to find him some space.

I know the 4-4-2 was nearly Monk's undoing at the start of the season but with the team making strides in such a short period, it's bloody worth a go!

Antonsson is a mobile, pacey striker that can find space to shoot on a sixpence if he's given a go, so why has Monk not allowed him to? No idea.

Leeds have been their own undoing once again this season after such an impressive campaign, little choices like this have haunted us and will remain to if we don't open our eyes.

By Ryan Ingham