Jon Newsome has praised the performance of Georginio Rutter as Leeds United were beaten by Fulham in the FA Cup on Tuesday night, with the pundit telling BBC Radio Leeds that he cannot understand how the forward did not score at Craven Cottage.
Leeds’ hopes of a lengthy cup run are now over. And it proved to be a frustrating night against our Premier League rivals.
The Whites were beaten 2-0 after two stunning goals from the home side. Ultimately, frustration seemed to get the better of Javi Gracia’s side as they simply could not find a way to put the ball into the back of the net.
Newsome praises Rutter performance in Leeds loss
Leeds had enjoyed a good first-half, with the peak coming when Rutter controversially had a goal ruled out. It turned out that the referee had spotted a ‘foul’ from Weston McKennie before the Frenchman tapped the ball home. And the VAR obviously did not see enough to overturn the decision.
Rutter had a point to prove. He was handed only his second start following his January move. Rutter had been bright against Southampton when he came on. And he had a chance to put some pressure on Patrick Bamford.
Rutter may not have scored. But he looked impressive – despite what Alan Shearer may have said about him on commentary. He also hit the post with a brilliant header just before half-time.
And after the game, Newsome suggested that the 20-year-old can be pleased with his display in the capital.
“Yeah I was impressed with him tonight, in all honesty. I thought he had a really positive performance,” he told BBC Radio Leeds.
“He was unlucky with the goal that he scored which got chalked off for a foul by McKennie. And then, he was really, really unfortunate with the header. Dug it out like you say, behind him, moved his feet well, got behind it. Big looping header. And as we said when he walked off at half-time, he must be scratching his head thinking: ‘what do I have to do to score a goal?'”
Bamford may soon be under a little pressure
The early signs are that Rutter has serious potential. Of course, there have been a couple of games where he has struggled to make enough of an impact. But the last two performances have been much better.
You would imagine that Bamford will start at Stamford Bridge this weekend. But the Englishman has gone a little while without a goal.
So if Rutter can keep impressing when he gets a chance, there may soon be a debate to be had about whether a change up front is required.