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Danny Bloomer

Alan Shearer criticises Leeds United defensive concentration levels in Fulham defeat

Alan Shearer has criticised Leeds United's inability to do the basics right following their 3-2 loss to Fulham on Sunday. The Whites' winless run was extended to eight matches at Elland Road, of which includes four consecutive defeats.

Manager Jesse Marsch is coming under increasing pressure from supporters from their recent run of results but Shearer has highlighted Leeds' poor defending for all three Fulham goals as to why they lost at the weekend. First, Aleksandar Mitrovic was able to escape free in the box from an Andreas Pereira corner to head in an equaliser unmarked.

Then, Bobby Reid was given the freedom of Elland Road from another Pereira cross to put the away side in front, before Harrison Reed was able to dance his way through two challenges and put it on a plate for Willian. Speaking on Match of the Day 2, Shearer claimed Leeds' constant switching off at the back is the reason they are in such a poor run of form.

READ MORE: Angus Kinnear backs Jesse Marsch to do a 'great job' at Leeds United despite poor run

He said: “I watched them in midweek as well and they were poor. But when you’re not playing well, which they’re not, you have to do the basics right, particularly defending set pieces. They were really poor and got caught out today. It’s a good ball in, you can see Mitrovic and Ayling but Wilson does really well because he creates the space at the near post.

"There’s no way Rodrigo should go that far anyway, he can’t vacate that area, you have to stay in there as it’s your job. You look at Mitrovic and Ayling there, he’s too strong for him, pushes him off, gets to the ball first, you need a good ball, that’s exactly what happened and he gets on the end of it.

“Another corner, watch how they go to sleep. The ball goes back out there, no pressure. Three of them there but just have a look at the two in the middle - Kebano and Reid. Good ball in, if he [Reid] doesn’t get the first header there then Kebano behind him gets it. They both are free, it’s incredible and how the whole Leeds team go to sleep and switch off. You cannot switch off at any level let alone at the highest level.

“Then from a simple throw in another goal. Reed who was Ashley said was superb puts it on a plate for Willian but just watch how he gets in. Mitrovic and Cooper, you can’t switch off and he does. They get the ball in there then they are scrambling for the ball and Willian finds himself free. Great play from Reed who was superb all game and that’s it. But three goals like that, to give away, it’s crucial and costing them big time.”

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