Leeds United fans debate Joe Hart’s defence of Lucas Perri after his role in Aston Villa goal

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Leeds United fans are split over goalkeeper Lucas Perri after Joe Hart defended his role in Aston Villa’s second goal.

Lucas Perri joined Leeds to some fanfare in the summer, having agreed a transfer from Lyon worth an initial £15.6 million.

However, Perri has suffered a rocky start to life at Elland Road after an early-season injury saw him lose his place to Karl Darlow.

The Brazilian goalkeeper has struggled at times since regaining his place, coming in for criticism after the defeat against Nottingham Forest and having his distribution questioned.

Joe Hart defended Perri after Leeds’ latest defeat, prompting a mixed reaction among Leeds fans, who remain divided over their summer signing.

Leeds United fans criticise Lucas Perri after Aston Villa defeat

Posting on the social media site X (formerly Twitter), several Leeds fans did not hold back in their criticism of goalkeeper Lucas Perri, focusing on his role in Villa’s second goal.

Perri stood rooted to the spot as Morgan Rogers’ free-kick flew past him and Leeds fans questioned his inability to stop the ball. One fan stated: “Lucas Perri is an absolute liability.”

Another fan questioned the fee Leeds paid for the goalkeeper, arguing that Karl Darlow would be a better pick. They posted: “Lucas Perri has been a total waste of money. Darlow and Meslier performed better.”

However, some fans were quick to support Hart’s defence of Perri, arguing that he stood little chance of stopping Rogers’ shot. One fan stated: “Finally. Unless people have played in goal before, they don’t realise how difficult this actually is to save.

• READ MORE: Daniel Farke identifies ‘crucial’ Leeds United weakness, it cost them against Aston Villa

“Now, Perri isn’t completely free of blame. He should be moving his feet a bit quicker to even attempt to save it. There isn’t much pace on the ball.”

Another fan argued that the shot was “nigh on impossible to save”, writing: “It’s unsighted for more than half the distance of travel. Nigh on impossible to save.”

While another fan pointed to Perri’s limited view of the free-kick, stating: “Three Villa players blocking his view… harder to save than it looks. Still, half of Twitter would’ve saved it, apparently. A daft free kick to give away anyhow.”

However, some fans were not convinced, as one questioned Leeds’ scouting process, posting: “Who scouted Lucas Perri? He’s got the movement and reaction of a stalagmite.”

Illan Meslier has been frozen out of the Leeds team since making a string of high-profile errors in Leeds’ promotion season, but one fan thinks Perri is just as bad, as they wrote: “Lucas Perri is no better than Meslier. Abysmal keeper.”

Lucas Perri ranks in the bottom five in the Premier League

Perri was one of several options reportedly considered by Leeds this summer, with some fans now regretting his arrival.

The FotMob data from his season to date does not paint a flattering picture of his impact following his move to Elland Road.

After 12 games, Perri currently ranks 17th in the top flight for the number of goals prevented, having conceded 1.7 more goals than expected from his shots faced so far this season.

Only Sam Johnstone of Wolves, Djordje Petrovic and Caoimhin Kelleher have a worse goals prevented tally than the Leeds goalkeeper so far this season.