Farke must finally cash in on Leeds flop who was as bad as Piroe vs Derby

Leeds United eased past Championship opposition in the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon, comfortably dispatching old rivals Derby County 3-1 at Pride Park under Daniel Farke.

After a slightly uneasy first half, the Whites’ Premier League quality told after the break. Ao Tanaka was the standout performer, with journalist James Marshment noting how the midfielder “pulled the strings” as he netted Leeds’ crucial second goal.

Wilfried Gnonto and James Justin also found the back of the net, ensuring any early nerves were quickly forgotten.

Joel Piroe, however, would have felt a sense of relief that his missed first-half penalty did not prove costly.

The Dutchman’s spot-kick was saved by Derby goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström, before former Leeds target Ben Brereton Díaz capitalised moments later to give John Eustace’s side a 1-0 lead.

Although Leeds recovered well, Piroe’s personal struggles continued. The 26-year-old is still searching for his first goal of the season, with his drought now stretching to 12 matches.

Once crowned the Championship’s top scorer during his time at Swansea City, Piroe now looks a shadow of that player and could be facing a January exit.

His display at Pride Park did little to boost his stock. Despite registering seven attempts, Piroe failed to score and struggled to make a real impact.

While he has previously insisted he can “be of value to Leeds” in their battle for Premier League survival, his latest showing only adds to the sense that a move away may be looming.

Piroe was not the only Leeds player to disappoint. The victory also cast Jack Harrison in an unfavourable light once again. Now midway through the season, Farke must be clear on which players he can trust at the top level — and Harrison appears to be falling into the opposite category.

The winger has endured a prolonged spell on the fringes, having spent two consecutive seasons on loan at Everton before Leeds’ return to the Premier League.

Once a Bielsa favourite, Harrison contributed 24 goals and 22 assists during the Argentine’s tenure and played a key role in the Championship title win. Those days now feel distant.

Handed a rare start against Derby, Harrison looked rusty and ineffective. Despite recording 79 touches, he failed to register a single shot on target, completed no dribbles, won just one duel and surrendered possession 19 times.

Only two of his 12 crosses found a teammate, underlining a frustrating afternoon.

Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth summed it up with a harsh 5/10 rating, noting that Harrison “squandered” too many promising situations with poor delivery.

The performance only strengthens the argument that the 29-year-old is no longer up to the required standard at Elland Road.

With January still unfolding, Leeds would be wise to move on the underperforming number 20, with Piroe also appearing increasingly likely to follow him out of the exit door.