Former Leeds United defender Ian Harte has delivered his verdict on the Whites' season and their current issues at left-back. It has been a mixed campaign to date for Leeds, who currently sit 16th in the Premier League, having won just seven of their 30 top-flight games.
Despite their inconsistent form, the Whites are still seven points clear of the relegation zone and their destiny is in their own hands heading into the final eight matches. Although Watford, Everton and Burnley have played few games than Leeds, Jesse Marsch's side will feel that they have the momentum to kick-on.
The Whites go into their next game against Southampton off the back of two successive victories. A 94th-minute Joe Gelhardt strike sealed a 2-1 win over Norwich City, before Leeds earned a dramatic comeback 3-2 success at Wolverhampton Wanderers to get back on track after a difficult period.
Read more: Five potential Raphinha replacements as nightmare summer scenario plays out for Leeds United
Leeds had lost their previous six matches before that, casting doubt on their top-flight status. But Harte has admitted that Marsch changed Leeds' defensive shape to ensure they're harder to beat.
He told Freebets.com: "They’ve struggled this season. I was delighted to see their last two results that gives them the vital wins they need, moving them away from the relegation zone.
"In terms of how they’ve played it’s been very gung-ho, open football and under Jesse he’s come in and sorted out a structure within the defence where they’re no longer running all over the shop which has worked well for the last two games.
"I think it’s been up and down. They’ve lost key players for large parts of the season. Bamford, Phillips, Cooper – three massive players and any team losing those is going to struggle. But I think now until the end of the season they will get results and enough of them to ensure they’re playing Premier League football next season."
