Leeds United returned to winning ways last night with a hard fought 1-0 victory over Stoke City.
Dan James’ 33rd minute goal was the only difference between the two sides with Leeds having to soak up plenty of second half pressure from the away side in order to come away with the win.
The score line could’ve had a far more comfortable look to it at the break as Leeds missed a host of chances to either go ahead earlier, or double the lead after James’ opener.
Leeds also had a very early penalty claim turned down when James chased down a loose touch from Stoke goalkeeper Daniel Iversen, who then hacked him down with a last ditch challenge.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Gillette Soccer Special during the match, pundit Lee Hendrie could not believe that it was not given, and was critical of referee Oliver Langford.
Hendrie criticises refereeing decision against Leeds
He said: “They should have had a penalty, there’s no doubt for me. It was just down to Dan James just chasing the ball in here. He just gets a nick away from Daniel Iversen in goal and I tell you what, they’re very lucky because it’s a big touch and he doesn’t get any of the ball.
“He just cleans him out. It’s a penalty, it’s a stonewaller. Oliver Langford is literally situated there.”
There is no doubt that it was a penalty and even if he had got the ball, it was still a dangerous tackle that could’ve seriously injured James, with Iversen’s studs very much up.
This is the second time in as many matches a pundit has been left baffled at a big call going against Leeds, with Matthew Pearson’s challenge on Crysencio Summerville on Saturday somehow not seeing him sent off.
Thankfully, though, this decision did not come back and haunt Leeds as they were able to get the job done and pick up a very important three points.
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