Andy Hinchcliffe admitted that he was slightly baffled by Joel Piroe during the first-half of Leeds United’s clash with Leicester City on Friday night.
Many fans would have felt that the first chance was going to be crucial at Elland Road. Ideally, Leeds supporters would be treated to another Pablo Hernandez moment with the Whites flying into an early lead.
We had the chances to do something similar. But unfortunately, Leeds’ front four were extremely wasteful in the first-half. And the biggest culprit was surely Joel Piroe.
Joel Piroe struggles in Leeds win
Piroe blazed an early strike over the bar when Crysencio Summerville was in all kinds of space. And shortly after, he headed well wide after a Willy Gnonto cross.
Gnonto fired the cross in at some speed. However, it was a terrible header from Piroe, who perhaps was in two minds about whether to have an attempt on goal or try and knock it down for a teammate.
Certainly, speaking on Sky Sports (broadcast on 23/2; 20:18), Andy Hinchcliffe felt that the Dutchman should have done so much better.
“The ball to Gnonto is slightly overhit, forces him a little bit too wide. He does whip this ball in. I think Piroe appreciates that. He’s looking to guide it towards the far post, use the pace of the ball. But he’s miles off target, really surprised. Has a good long look at it, can see what he’s trying to do, head it back from where it’s come from but he’s nowhere near the target,” he said.
Off night for the striker
Piroe was one of a number of players who could have had few complaints had he been taken off at half-time. It was a really poor night for the 24-year-old before he was eventually replaced.
It appeared that those misses were going to cost Leeds. But thankfully, there was an unbelievable end to the game which now puts Farke’s men in a brilliant position in the table.
Piroe has stepped up in a number of key moments throughout the campaign. And he will do again, despite Friday really not proving to be his evening.
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