Leeds United suffered a surprise loss to Salford City in the second round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night – and Gary Neville cannot understand how Karl Darlow did not save Curtis Tilt’s penalty.
Having picked up his first league win as Leeds manager on Saturday, in the form of a 4-3 victory over Ipswich away from home, Daniel Farke will have been confident of securing a place in the third round.
But, Leeds could not convert their chances. The Whites had more than 30 shots at goal on the night, but it was Pascal Struijk’s scrappy prod at goal that saw us equalise. Sam Greenwood hit the bar.
Cree Summerville hit the post. Ex-Leeds goalkeeper Alex Cairns produced miracles between the sticks for Salford – miraculous stops to deny Georginio Rutter and Luis Sinisterra. So, it went to penalties.
Georginio Rutter and Jamie Shackleton missed penalties as Salford won 9-8, in front of Paul Scholes, Roy Keane, Nicky Butt and, Neville. Tilt got Salford’s ninth penalty – and could not believe it went in.
“Oh he should’ve saved it, it has gone through his hands and he knows it. Oh, he should’ve have easily saved that. How has he missed it?” Neville told Sky Sports as co-commentator, during the shootout.
Neville cannot understand how Darlow did not save Tilt penalty
Replays showing it back in slow motion are quite incredible. It simply flies through the block Darlow produced, diving to his right. Tilt’s penalty was powerful – but it is incredible Darlow did not get a touch.
The summer signing from Newcastle United was making only his second outing in a Leeds shirt. His frustration was clear as day after Tilt’s penalty – he knew he should have saved it. Perhaps, more reason.
With Illan Meslier set to remain at Elland Road, Darlow will know that being knocked out of the Carabao Cup ends his starts in goal for Leeds – unless, the Frenchman is injured or his form immediately drops.
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