Alan Shearer has told BBC One (broadcast on 28/2; 21:10) that Willy Gnonto did not have the best evening as Leeds United were knocked out of the FA Cup by Fulham on Tuesday.
Javi Gracia has been dealt his first loss as Leeds boss. Two stunning goals helped our Premier League rivals book their spot in the last eight of the competition at Craven Cottage.
Leeds actually had more attempts on goal than the home side. However, they were unable to take their chances. That may sound familiar.
Shearer reacts to Gnonto display
One of the best chances fell to Gnonto in the second-half, after a brilliant pass from Georginio Rutter. Unfortunately, the Italy international’s effort was saved by Marek Rodak.
Gnonto was taken off shortly after. And as he was leaving the field, Shearer suggested that it was probably the right call to take off the 19-year-old.
“Yeah he’s struggled tonight, Gnonto, he’s not really had that space to run into. Not been his night tonight. And when that happens, you’ve just got to say okay, someone else’s turn. See if you can make a difference,” he told BBC One.
We need to talk about Willy
Leeds have relied on Gnonto an awful lot more than they should have done this season. While Jesse Marsch was made to look foolish by holding off on handing him a debut for some time, it is obvious that he is one for the future.
However, he has changed a number of games for us already. And he was the shining light during the latter stages of Marsch’s tenure. The only tactic seemed to be to get the ball to Gnonto and hope he could do something.
Since then however, Gnonto has possibly been worked out a little more by defenders. He has not had the same impact on games since Marsch departed.
The decision to take him off first against Southampton proved to be the right one. And he could have few complaints about coming off tonight.
This is absolutely not a criticism of Gnonto in the slightest. He has given us so much already. And you cannot help but love the player. If anything, it is a criticism of his teammates for not taking the pressure off of Gnonto.
But Gracia has taken Gnonto off quite early twice now. And you can hardly say that it was the wrong call on either occasion.
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