Leeds United’s win against Sheffield United was a real signal of intent from Daniel Farke’s side, and also a big boost in terms of the squad’s injury status with two key players making a return.
Not only did Leeds beat a Yorkshire rival and a fellow promotion hopeful, ending Chris Wilder’s unbeaten start to the season. But, duo Manor Solomon and Dan James came off the bench after recent injuries.
Mateo Joseph got his name on the score sheet for a second time this season and Joel Piroe continued his brilliant form with an assist. Leeds ended an eight-month wait for a set-piece goal, through Pascal Struijk.
All the signs were positive, ahead of a quick turnaround and the 11th Championship game of the season against Watford on Tuesday night. But Tony Dorigo noticed a bit of a worry regarding Wilfried Gnonto.
Tony Dorigo noticed Wilfried Gnonto struggling with a knock
Early during the first half of the 2-0 win over Wilder’s Blades, Gnonto went over on his shoulder and then on 37 minutes during a break in play, the players came to the touchline to talk tactics with their dugouts.
Speaking as LUTV’s co-commentator on Friday night, former Leeds man Dorigo says Gnonto came over to the touchline to discuss the shoulder knock with the physio and said it was “clearly” causing an issue.
“Gnonto has just come across and ordered the physio to talk about his shoulder again, but he’s okay. Clearly, that is still causing him a problem or two,” Dorigo said, while watching from the LUTV gantry.
Wilfried Gnonto stats against Sheffield United on Friday night
Gnonto has been in an incredible run of form, going into Friday’s game with three assists and a goal in his last three before following that up with another assist for Italy’s Under-21 side during the October break.
But Gnonto struggled to make much of an impression on Friday night, as proven by his stats. Perhaps, the knock to his shoulder prevented Gnonto from playing at his brilliant best during Leeds’ fifth win of 24-25.
Wilfried Gnonto stats against Sheffield United:
- XG only 0.02, with Leeds striker Mateo Joseph the game’s best at 0.42
- Five misplaced passes from an attempted 26
- Four of nine duels lost
- Only two dribbled attempted, one successful
It will be interesting to see if Daniel Farke has an update regarding Gnonto on Monday afternoon during his pre-Watford press conference. Leeds fans ill be hoping their Italy international is fit to face Watford.
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