When Garry Monk took charge of Leeds United, he knew it was going to be a baptism of fire for him and could be the ‘make or break’ phase in order to justify his credentials. The Whites have had a nasty history lately of firing managers without giving them sufficient amount of time, so Monk’s new endeavour was never going to be an easy one.
After 26 league outings, it would not be unjustifiable to highlight that the former Swansea City manager hasn’t put a foot wrong. Under his tutelage, the route to the top tier of English football with a club which has an illustrious history seems to be written in the stars. The Elland Road is buzzing with excitement and hope at the same time, though the journey is yet to culminate. Provided their side doesn’t create a nuisance themselves or develop unwanted complacency to dent their prospects.
More than anyone, Monk has been assisted stupendously by his striker up front in the shape of Chris Wood. The New Zealander has been impeccably reliable and his goal against Derby County depicted the fixed formation which has been very fruitful with Wood as their solo centre-forward. His phenomenon accuracy and knack to bang in goals is one of the reasons why the Peacocks are where they are at this point in time.
The 25-year-old striker has been deadly for Leeds United; as a matter of fact, the second top-scorer of Monks’ outfit (Kyle Bartley) has merely four goals to his name whereas Wood leads the bragging rights with fourteen league goals. In fact, the former Leicester City man has been so reliable that his side have failed (or not wanted to) look beyond their in-form attacker. Yes, he has had an unmatchable influence so far this term, but will he be enough to carry the load for the rest of the season?
Marcus Antonsson and Souleymane Doukara are arguably the only notable backup options Monk has at his disposal at the moment. But then, let’s not forget that so far this season, the duo has mustered merely five league goals combined which is a worrying number. Leeds have managed to bag merely 35 goals this season after 26 games, which isn’t prolific by any means. Frankly speaking, an injury to Woods might severely put a question mark on Leeds United’s promotion.
Garry Monk must make use of the ongoing transfer window to ensure that there are no complacencies at all. A striker with notable reputation is arguably a much-needed asset for his side. It is not the willingness, but their actual act to lure a striker is something that holds paramount importance to cement their chances of playing in the Premier League again.
