BBC pundit not impressed by Leeds’ summer signing after Preston defeat

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Jon Newsome was critical of Karl Darlow after Leeds United were beaten by Preston North End on Boxing Day.

Karl Darlow probably did not expect to make his league debut for Daniel Farke’s side on Tuesday. The 33-year-old has been an unused substitute throughout the campaign following his move from Newcastle United in the summer.

Unfortunately, two of his first actions were to pick the ball out of the net. Preston scored the opening goal within a few minutes of Illan Meslier being sent off early on in the second-half.

Karl Darlow should have done better for Preston winner against Leeds

And the home side would score a deserved winner late on. Liam Millar did well to beat Archie Gray before curling an effort into the far side of the net.

It was a superb finish from the Preston man. But speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, Newsome felt that Darlow was poor for the winner.

“It’s not in the top bins. It’s halfway up the middle of the net from what I can see. And I think the keeper should do better with that,” he said.

“Most definitely, yeah. From what I’ve seen of it. Doesn’t move his feet, doesn’t get across his goal. It’s not in the top corner by any stretch of the imagination. I’m not trying to take anything away from the goalscorer. But I think it’s a goal that you look at from a defensive point of view, it’s really, really disappointing to concede.”

Summer signing now has opportunity he’s been waiting for

The good news for Darlow is that he is presumably going to get the chance to stake a claim to push ahead of Meslier in the pecking order.

Meslier has come up with some big moments this season, including sensational saves against both Leicester City and Sunderland.

But he misplaced 12 passes in the 4-0 win over Ipswich, according to Whoscored. And with Leeds fourth in the table, he has not been particularly busy over the course of the campaign. So it is hard to get carried away with his form.

Hopefully, Darlow has very little to do while Meslier is suspended. But he will be aware that he will not have a better chance to grab the number one spot at Elland Road.