Liam Cooper may have felt aggrieved by Bielsa decision in Leeds United loss v Arsenal – pundit
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United.
Liam Cooper looked as though he was unhappy with Marcelo Bielsa after he was left on the bench when Leeds United lost to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup last week, according to Paul Robinson.
Cooper, 30, has played every minute of every Premier League game this season but was named on the bench for the cup showdown at the Emirates on October 26.
The Scotland international was substituted into the game just after an hour of play and when he was introduced, Robinson noticed that the defender’s face sold the way he felt about being left out of the starting line-up.”
“For me, Cooper and Llorente are the best pairing – I think it will be them going forward,” Robinson told MOT Leeds News.
“Cooper didn’t start against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup. That was interesting because his face when he came onto the pitch, I think he felt a bit aggrieved to be left out.
“Whether I’m reading into a situation or something, I don’t know but in my opinion, the strongest centre-back pairing is Cooper and Llorente.
“When Cooper and Llorente get a run of games together, their communication is better, they have a better understanding.
“They just need game-time together.”
After coming on, Cooper was responsible for gifted ex-Leeds loanee Eddie Nketiah a goal for Arsenal.
The ex-Hull centre-back went to head the ball back to goalkeeper Illan Meslier but he was ridiculously far out from the penalty area and Meslier had no chance of getting to the header.
Instead, Nketiah pounced on the error to score and settle the 2-0 win for the Gunners.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has shared his transfer thoughts on Raphinha ahead of January.