Leeds United fans are eating humble pie after what Joel Piroe did against Plymouth Argyle

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There’s plenty of Leeds United fans out there tonight who will be eating their words regarding Joel Piroe.

The Elland Road side were utterly relentless against a clueless Plymouth Argyle side as they secured one of the easiest three points they’ll get in the Championship this season.

Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth set up to defend deep but that system backfired massively as Leeds dominated possession and picked them apart without breaking a sweat.

It was an eight-minute period in the first-half that settled the game and Dutch forward Joel Piroe was amongst the goals.

The £10m forward was in the right place at the right time to poke home United’s second of the encounter and open up some breathing room after Dan James’ stunner.

“No Piroe, no party” was the message delivered across social media after the 25-year-old got on the scoresheet – but that certainly wasn’t the feeling among most Leeds fans before the game when the team lines were confirmed.

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Joel Piroe shuts down Leeds United fans

Daniel Farke opted for Joel Piroe in attack, who had delivered five goal contributions in nine Championship games previously.

Despite this admirable level of productivity, many Leeds fans before the game were frustrated that Piroe was handed a start against Plymouth.

One fan wrote on X: “Joel Piroe has Daniel Farke’s family held hostage, it’s the only explanation at this point.”

Another supporter posted: “Happy with it (starting XI) other than Piroe over Joseph.”

This fan commented: “Piroe upfront again when he’s offered nothing in recent weeks.”

This Leeds fan gave a more detailed take: “Really disappointed with the starting 11 again. Just some stupid decisions yet again, we’ll still win today that opinion won’t change but I get so frustrated with Farke when he’s not using Mateo Joseph when Piroe is putting in 2/10s and not giving Schmidt a chance to start.”

Joel Piroe’s stats vs Plymouth Argyle

Piroe got on the scoresheet for his fifth league goal of the campaign, but it wasn’t his only telling contribution of the match.

FotMob handed him a 7.7 match rating and the striker had six efforts at goal, proving his hunger to get shots away and score.

He executed 15 of his 20 attempted passes, three of which were into the final third. While Piroe did his donkey work well too, making eight defensive actions and recoveries before being substituted off after 86 minutes.