Pundit Chris Sutton has criticised the performance of some of Leeds United’s key players in their play-off final defeat to Southampton.
The Whites were beaten 1-0 at Wembley on Sunday afternoon to end their hopes of securing an immediate return to the top-flight.
The result means Leeds were the only one of the three relegated clubs not to bounce back at the first attempt, with Leicester City having sealed their promotion a number of weeks ago.
Just like in the previous two defeats to Southampton, Leeds were simply not good enough to win the game and barely created anything until Dan James crashed a half-volley off the crossbar.
Southampton themselves did not create much, but were able to defend Leeds’ attacks quite comfortably having taken a lead through Adam Armstrong midway through the first half, with Troy Deeney less than impressed with the defending.
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Sutton blasts Willy Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville final no-show
After Leeds’ failure to win promotion, it is likely to be their attacking players who attract the most interest this summer from club’s in the Premier League, and across Europe.
On paper, Daniel Farke was blessed with arguably the best set of attacking options in the division. However, when they weren’t providing a moment of brilliance, Leeds looked lost.
And in Sunday’s game at Wembley, Leeds were a long way from being able to do exactly that, which ultimately contributed to the starting front four offering virtually nothing.
Speaking on last night’s episode of BBC 5Live’s Monday Night Club, Sutton has blasted Willy Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville in particular for not showing up.
He said: “I think it is going to be a difficult summer for them. Every season they are out of the Premier League it gets harder and harder. It will be interesting to see who stays and who leaves.
“There will be people for the likes of Summerville, but having said that, he was a big disappointment, Gnonto as well, didn’t rock up. I don’t know the situation with Daniel Farke, I still think he is the guy to take them forward.”
Farke tactical flaws shown again in Leeds play-off final defeat
Though there is no doubt Leeds’ key players did not show up when it mattered most, some of the blame also lies at the door of Farke.
The game at Wembley was the third time he has been beaten by Russell Martin this season, and it just feels as though he hadn’t learned anything from the previous two.
Southampton have been possession happy all season yet in all three matches against Leeds, they had less than 50 per cent of the ball. They knew Leeds didn’t have the tactical nous to break them down.
It would probably be harsh to sack Farke at this stage having amassed 90 points, which appears to be 49ers Enterprises stance. However, a slow start to next season and there should be no hesitation.
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