Leeds United put in a brave and spirited display but ultimately came up short against Arsenal on Sunday, losing 1-0 with Rodrigo at fault for the Bukayo Saka’s winner – and Jesse Marsch says the Spaniard deviated from normal tactics.
In a game full of controversy, Patrick Bamford saw an equaliser cancelled out for a push on Gabriel. Then, the England ace missed a penalty – and a penalty was chalked off by VAR. All after, a powercut delayed the game by 40 minutes.
But Arsenal secured all three points and strengthened their position at the top of the Premier League table, thanks to Bukayo Saka’s strike. It was Rodrigo’s cross-field pass that saw Saka then unleash an effort into the roof of the net.
Marsch was asked about the Spain international’s error after the match, and said that Rodrigo’s decision to launch a cross-field ball in his own half is something that the American gaffer tends to tell his players to avoid.
“Rodrigo makes the choice to make this big switch which is not normally what we like to do which costs him and the team. In general, he’s had a good run with the team. Obviously I’m disappointed for Rodri but he’s an important guy.”
Marsch: Rodrigo deviated from normal Leeds tactics
It was a bizarre pass to try. Even if he had found his man, it would have still put Leeds immediately on the back foot. With Bamford now fit, and instantly making an impression on Sunday, it is hard to see how Rodrigo starts.
Bamford did not score when he really should, but he dictated the two centre-backs and created plenty of incident. Yes, he should have scored the penalty, but the disallowed goal for a push on Gabriel was soft. He creates danger.
Against Leicester on Thursday, Bamford has got to start above Rodrigo. Simon Walton was impressed by the striker’s performance. Even if, he was frustrated at the no.9 failing to hit the back of the net.
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