Simon Walton has told BBC Radio Leeds that Patrick Bamford was better in Leeds United’s defeat to Arsenal, but expressed his frustration at the big chances the striker failed to put away.
Jesse Marsch must be wondering how Leeds lost at Elland Road. A mistake from Rodrigo saw the Whites go 1-0 down during the first-half. But Leeds were outstanding in the second-half.
The home side had the Premier League leaders on the ropes after the break. Bamford missed a penalty and Leeds were absolutely dominant.
Patrick Bamford was better
On another day, Bamford could have probably had a hat-trick. However, his wait for his first goal of the season goes on.
Bamford had a frustrating afternoon at Crystal Palace last weekend when he missed a glorious chance.
Walton was wary of getting carried away given the opportunities Bamford missed against Arsenal. But he did suggest that his overall performance was more positive.
“A lot went on for the boy, definitely,” he told BBC Radio Leeds. “But yeah, we go back to it again, his performance was better on the whole. I don’t want to go overboard, I thought he helped get us on the front foot. He started running in behind. He put the two centre-halves under a lot more pressure.
“He did have a couple of good touches in his link-up play. His presence creates opportunities for other. But his job is to put the ball in the back of the net. And yet again, he’s missed a couple. The two chances that he has had have been missed.”
The worry is that the goals appear to have dried up, particularly from the two strikers. In fact, neither Rodrigo or Bamford have scored since August.
Leeds created more than enough to win on Sunday. But clearly, it is going to be a tough campaign for Marsch’s men.
When they are on top, Leeds have to make the most of their opportunities. Unfortunately for us, the Whites ultimately let a golden chance pass them by against the Gunners.
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