Neil Redfearn has suggested that Daniel Farke produced a masterstroke during the second-half of Leeds United’s clash with Preston North End on Sunday.
A 2-1 home win involving late goals and penalty drama appears to be the story from when Leeds and Preston meet this season. Thankfully, this time around, the Whites came out on top, with Joel Piroe scoring a late penalty.
It felt like the winning goal would never come. But Ryan Ledson – who should have arguably been sent off for hacking down Ilia Gruev – handled the ball inside the penalty area. And Piroe was the man to step up and score.
Daniel Farke praised for Joel Piroe substitution
Leeds have had a torrid time with penalties this season. Crysencio Summerville last week joined Patrick Bamford in missing one. And with that, Summerville’s countryman was the man given the ball.
Piroe had been on the pitch for 16 minutes before taking the penalty. And speaking on BBC Radio Leeds, Neil Redfearn was full of praise for the decision to replace Glen Kamara with the striker.
“What a fantastic penalty from Piroe. It’s a masterstroke by Farke bringing him on, because what he does, he just brought a bit of calm to proceedings,” he said.
“There’s a couple of little moments in and around the box where he steadied things and got on it and brought people into the game. As soon as the penalty was given and obviously, he was elected to take it, I’m thinking it’s a no-brainer, it’s going to be a winner.”
Leeds striker needed that goal
It was important for Piroe to be the hero for Leeds. Piroe has been superb since his move in the summer. However, he went into Sunday having not scored in his previous five games. And he had lost his place to Patrick Bamford.
It appears that Bamford is building a really impressive understanding with Georginio Rutter. And he looks to have his confidence back. And Piroe has been the player to pay the price.
His penalty may not result in a change in the pecking order just yet. But that moment is going to be remembered as a massive goal in the campaign. And Piroe stepped up when the nerves would have been getting to everyone.
It is also important that he does not have to deal with discussions of a goal drought for the time-being.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
