Saturday afternoon saw Leeds United get their third Championship win of the season with a 2-0 victory at Cardiff City and both Jermaine Beckford and Ao Tanaka have praised one player.
Having suffered defeat at Burnley, Leeds really needed to get back to winning ways at Cardiff in a match they had been expected to win. Joel Bagan’s red card after 23 minutes certainly helped Leeds get going.
Largie Ramazani had started his first game for Leeds and he got the ball rolling with a sweet left-footed finish. He then missed a sitter and Pascal Struijk missed a penalty, with fans growing impatient.
Indeed, Ilia Gruev received boos for passing backwards and speaking after the match, Daniel Farke was frustrated his side did not see the game out earlier. But, it fell to Joel Piroe to secure all three points.
The Dutch forward came off the bench in the 84th minute and lashed in a second after a pass from USA star Brenden Aaronson. Piroe posted on Instagram, as he continues to show why he deserves a start.
Beckford and Tanaka praise Joel Piroe after Leeds cameo role
It is not the first time Piroe has been brought on this season, tasked with seeing the game out and doing so to full effect. A nervy 1-0 lead against Hull at Elland Road was put to bed with a flash of Piroe’s boot.
Farke described Piroe as the Championship’s best finisher after the match and it is easy to see why. He may only have 15 goals in a Leeds shirt since moving to Yorkshire, but when given the chance, he scores.
Beckford commented on Piroe’s Instagram, reciting the song Leeds fans sing about the £16m signing. New addition Tanaka also reacted to the former Swansea star’s late outing with three clapping emojis.
Two other new signings also commented in Ramazani and Bogle, saying: “clinical” and “sniper”.
Piroe’s record against Coventry should see him earn Leeds chance
Not only has Piroe now become Leeds’ joint-top scorer this season with two goals alongside Aaronson, but the forward’s record over the years against Saturday’s opponents Coventry is an impressive one.
Facing Mark Robins’ side on seven occasions throughout his time in England with Leeds and Welsh side Swansea, Piroe has started six times and scored three goals. Piroe has also laid on an assist against City.
While Mateo Joseph has now had a hand in four goals in his six Championship starts, Piroe should at least get more minutes than coming on in the 84th minute this weekend given his record against Coventry.
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