Pascal Struijk was the man to end Leeds United’s corner hoodoo in the 2-0 win over Sheffield United but it was actually the role of Joe Rodon which Gary Rowett thought was key.
Struijk steered home from a Joe Rothwell delivery just past the midway point of the second half, a routine Daniel Farke insisted was intentional after the match.
Up until that goal, Leeds had been the dominant side in the game but were struggling to break down a side who had conceded just three league goals all season.
Struijk‘s opener showed just how important set-pieces can be in games like that, and so hopefully it is an avenue Leeds can continue to explore moving forward.
Mateo Joseph eventually put the finishing touches on Leeds’ win, when space had finally opened up in behind the Blades defence as they went chasing an equaliser.
Rowett on what Rodon did in Leeds opener
Rodon is yet to score a single goal in the 61 appearances he has made for Leeds, with Struijk very much the main threat from attacking set-pieces.
However, without his little involvement inside the area for Struijk’s goal on Friday night, Leeds may not have ended up with the three points they deserved.
When Rothwell first delivered the corner, most supporters inside Elland Road and watching on TV may well have thought it wasn’t going to beat the first man.
In actual fact, it was delivered into the exact area Struijk made a darting run towards, with the space opening up due to Rodon.
Speaking live on air during Sky Sports‘ coverage of the match, former Millwall boss Rowett highlighted Rodon’s blocking of one of the Sheffield United defenders as absolutely key to the goal.
He said: “I think what he (Struijk) saw as well was Rodon just blocked, just opened that space for him to run in front and arrive in that space because it was surprising to see any space at all.”
Leigh Bromby praises Joe Rothwell display for Leeds
Having impressed on his full league debut for Leeds at Sunderland, Rothwell was even better in last night’s win over the Blades.
Rothwell was absolutely everywhere both on and off the ball, and so it should’ve come as no surprise that he was the one who ended up unlocking the door.
Speaking on BBC Radio Leeds post-match, Leigh Bromby says Rothwell produced a real ‘top performance’ for Leeds and has now made that place his own.
He said: “Rothwell has obviously played in the league before. He played for Southampton last year and he did really well at Blackburn. He is a talented player, but I thought tonight he really showed a top performance and stepped up to make that place his.”
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