Leeds United boss Daniel Farke is prepared to look to the extremities of his squad over the coming month as he strives to keep things fresh and share the load.
Farke has kept changes to his starting line-up to a minimum over the course of the season so far, with the manager’s preferred starting XI being made apparent.
But, there will have to be rotation over the next few weeks, with chances set to be handed to those who have struggled to force their way into the German’s plans so far.
As such, while they couldn’t make the desired impact to force a winner against Rotherham United, Farke will have been encouraged by the performance of his substitutes on Friday night at the New York Stadium.
“We were struggling in the second half to create more chances and put more pressure on them,” Farke said when asked about his five changes.
“This changed after we changed the base formation.
I liked the energy Willy [Gnonto] played with, I liked Jaidon [Anthony], he scored the goal and sadly Patrick [Bamford] was two inches offside.
Patrick brought running in behind, he scared the centre-backs and pinned opponents.
I was pleased with all our substitutions.”
Returning to Arsenal, the forward made his desire for first team football and reluctance to another temporary move perfectly clear.
His breakthrough campaign in Ligue 1 prompted a transfer battle across Europe, with the 22-year-old eventually opting to remain in France by joining Monaco in a deal that could rise to €40m ($42.92m).
Folarin Balogun was presented with a slightly different proposition.
The USA striker, who made his international debut in June after switching allegiance from England, was fresh off a 22-goal loan spell with French side Reims.
