Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has expressed his concern over Leeds United's performances over the festive period. Daniel Farke has rotated his squad to combat the busy schedule between December and January.

His side followed up a comfortable Boxing Day win over Stoke City with a hard-fought victory on the road against Derby County in the final fixture of 2024. USA international Brenden Aaronson finished off a free-flowing team move to give them maximum points at Pride Park Stadium.

But the Whites produced a tired-looking performance on New Year's Day at home to Blackburn Rovers. Danny Batth's strike in added on time left Farke frustrated as United were forced to settle for a point.

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Although the Whites are top of the pile and have opened up a three-point gap on third-placed Sheffield United, Merson says their performance levels must improve if they are to realise their Premier League dream. The former Arsenal and England star said: “Leeds have to come up with solutions, and the last two games, I know they got a worldie goal against Derby, but you can’t keep on doing PlayStation football. That’s impossible.

“So they need to come up with something. I think they’ve got to get the ball in the box a bit quicker – I think it’s a bit slow. They get the ball out to the wingers, and they want to do a trick and everything. They’ve just got to take a touch and get it in and rely on the forwards.

“I worry for Leeds a little bit. I hope Leeds come up, but watching the last couple of games, they’re going to have that for the next 20-odd games, people sitting with 10 behind the ball.”