Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker agree that the lack of a striker cost Leeds United in their 1-0 loss to Newcastle.
Once again 24-year-old winger Daniel James was put up front, with Patrick Bamford still injured and Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa saying the striker's return date is still unclear.
Despite a valiant effort and a few good balls across the box, James was unable to put it in the back of the net which meant that Newcastle United grabbed the three points.
Speaking on Match of the Day last night, Gary Lineker praised Leeds United’s effort, but said that their current problem is clear.
He said: “They gave it their customary go, particularly in the first half, but they do look like they’re missing a central striker.”
To which Shearer replied: “There’s no doubt about it, obviously they’re missing Bamford.”
Shearer then talked through clips of balls being played into the six-yard box where no striker was present. He also showed a clip of a chance for James at the back post which the youngster did not put away.
Shearer said: “They missed that presence in and around the six-yard box just to get that scruffy little goal. There’s no-one there in that killer position where someone should be who’s going to put the ball into the back of the net.”
He added: “They opened Newcastle up at times into very good positions but they didn’t make the most of it at all.”
Danny Murphy was also in the studio and highlighted a penalty shout for Newcastle, when Robin Koch took the legs from under Allan Saint-Maximin.
The former Liverpool midfielder said: “This is a penalty. I don’t know how he’s missed it.
“Thankfully for Newcastle it wasn’t relevant to the final score, but you see the touch there and they’ve missed it. I can’t really give you any explanation it’s just one of those ridiculous decisions.”
Leeds don’t play again until February 9 away to Aston Villa.
