Wilfried Gnonto had won Leeds United’s September of the Month award after dazzling Championship defences a couple of months ago. But the last few weeks have proved tough for the Italian.
By the 13-time Italy star’s own admittance, he is not where he wants to be just yet. Gnonto said that he is not yet at his best in a Leeds shirt, and there are things he can improve after winning the Leeds award.
Prior to Sunday, Gnonto had failed to score in his last six Championship games and only laid on a single assist. He had gone off the boil and it culminated in Daniel Farke dropping Gnonto on Sunday afternoon.
He brought in Manor Solomon, and the on-loan Tottenham star scored two of Leeds’ four goals. Dan James got two and arguably, three assists on the other flank as Leeds left it late to secure three points.
Wilfried Gnonto takes to Instagram after ending goal drought
The former Inter Milan and Zurich star came off the bench for the final 15 minutes, replacing Solomon. While Farke gets his critics for substitutions, this one worked to perfection as Gnonto scored the winner.
Swansea had just made it 3-3 on 90 minutes, but Gnonto netted a fourth Leeds goal after a gorgeous pass from James. He took to Instagram on Sunday evening, after scoring his third goal of the campaign.
Largie Ramazani teases Wilfried Gnonto over recent goal drought
Gnonto managed to get the ball out of his feet before sliding an effort underneath goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux. It might not have been the most-convincing of finishes, but it summed up Leeds as a whole.
Leeds got the job done, but it wasn’t their best performance by quite a distance. However, a ninth win of the season and with Sunderland and Sheffield United only drawing on the weekend, Leeds have gone top.
With a new-found confidence flowing through Gnonto, a player with main-man aura at Elland Road since the departures of Cree Summerville and Georginio Rutter, a goal was key. Ramazani said “about time”.
In the midst of a busy Christmas period, results are the most-important thing and Farke will know that. Solomon said Leeds need to win games like Sunday’s victory to secure promotion, and he is exactly right.
Next up for Leeds, is the welcome of Luton Town at Elland Road on Wednesday afternoon. The second of a run of five games within the space of 16 days, with Blackburn, Derby and then Middlesbrough up next.
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