Four Straight Defeats… and Just Two Shots On Target - What’s Gone Wrong?

Four Straight Defeats… and Just Two Shots On Target - What’s Gone Wrong?

Following back-to-back play-off finishes, Barnsley had a below-par season last term, and they have fallen into a similar lull in recent weeks.

It’s now four defeats in a row for Hourihane’s men in all competitions, conceding eleven times in the process.

Despite a strong start to this season, their form has taken a turn for the worst. Football Park has identified a number of reasons why this could be the case.

Lacklustre Tykes

After their latest defeat in the EFL Trophy against Notts County on Tuesday, the mood is low in the camp of the side situated in South Yorkshire. The Tykes were unbeaten in the league just eleven days ago but have since lost twice in succession.

Their run of four losses on the bounce began away at Blackpool, who scored a last-gasp winner to ease the pressure on their manager, Steve Bruce. It was Barnsley who could feel hard done by, but despite dominating the ball, they could not find a goal.

The gulf in class in their EFL Cup clash with Brighton was there for all to see as they were victims of a 6-0 rout. The manager was quick to come to his side’s defence, saying, ‘I didn’t think it was a 6-0 game.’

Brighton have doubled their lead against Barnsley thanks to a SUPERB strike from Diego Gomez 💥 pic.twitter.com/nwXuJMZDg1

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) September 23, 2025

They failed to register a single shot on target in front of their home fans, who went home bitterly disappointed.

Their attention turned back to the league as they welcomed a rejuvenated Port Vale side to the Oakwell Stadium, with Devante Cole their man in form. There was a real lack of urgency from the Barnsley players after going behind.

They failed to register a shot on target for successive games for the first time since records began (2001/02) according to X account @BarsnleyFCStats.

A much-changed eleven faced Notts County away on Tuesday in the EFL Trophy defeat. There was no return for David McGoldrick to Meadow Lane, as he wasn’t even named in the squad.

County, who play their football a league below the visitors, won it late, after getting some help from Jonathan Bland’s dismissal early in the second half.

David McGoldrick has turned down our offer of a new contract and leaves the club with our heartfelt thanks and best wishes 🖤

— Notts County FC (@Official_NCFC) May 31, 2025

Why Are They Struggling

Their main source of goals this season has been through Davis Keillor-Dunn. He’s joint top scorer in the league with five. Despite his goal in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday, he couldn’t find the back of the net against Blackpool or Port Vale.

EQUALISER! 👊 pic.twitter.com/k6SGcSZpFt

— Barnsley FC (@BarnsleyFC) September 30, 2025

For a man that has goalscoring stats that are off the charts, he’s been disappointing in their last two league outings. The onus doesn’t just rest on the 27-year-old’s shoulders, however, but it’s clear that issues in front of goal are a huge concern.

For all their possession in both of their latest league defeats, they lacked purpose going forward at times. The final product has not been good enough, and they’ve been punished as a result.

They had scored three goals on four occasions already this season, but one goal in their last four games has hampered their progress.

Barnsley have also made a habit of conceding late goals. Their inability to shut up shop has cost them recently. It appears that they lack leadership in defence without the injured Marc Roberts, whose return is expected to be imminent and a timely one at that.

Boss Conor Hourihane labelled the defeat to Port Vale as a ‘reality check’ following their promising start to the campaign. They never really looked like getting back into the game and were really lacking in the final third.

Reaction from today's game with Conor Hourihane and Josh Earl 🗣️

— Barnsley FC (@BarnsleyFC) September 27, 2025

How to Get Back On Track

Barnsley are currently 9th in League One. Entering their fourth season back in the division, Tykes fans are hoping for promotion back to the Championship, where they feel they belong.

And whilst results haven’t gone their way as of late, there are still many positives surrounding the club. Their recruitment in the summer has been praised, and it appears their squad now has a fine blend of youth and experience. They’ll also be boosted by having key players returning from injury after the international break.

🤝 We are delighted to announce the signing of Marc Roberts on a two-year deal! pic.twitter.com/WBc9hNGTjk

— Barnsley FC (@BarnsleyFC) July 3, 2024

Going back to basics is important for Barnsley, who welcome Wycombe to Oakwell next. They’ll then have to compete against a really strong Cardiff side before facing a surprise package in Bradford, who currently sit top.

It’s vital that they can get a result against the Chairboys to build some momentum heading into those fixtures.