'Garbage', 'Shocking' – Many Leeds fans slam player after 'horrible' display v West Brom

Dave is a huge Leeds fan and ardent disciple of Bielsa ball. A career in print magazines that included editing PC Zone, launching PokerPlayer and redesigning The Big Issue has finally led Dave to writing about the love of his life, Leeds United. It’s been a tough 2020 but the single scariest moment was the first quarter of the game against Man City. Rodrigo will be the saviour this season.

Published on:

01 Jan 2020, 1:41 pm

Eddie Nketiah got his second start in as many games against West Brom, but his performance didn't go down well with the Leeds fans today.

He didn't really have a sniff and looked a little disinterested at times, although he wasn't given much to work with and was hooked at half-time. Patrick Bamford "scored" within five minutes of coming on. (It was given as an own goal to Semi Ajayi who scored West Brom's opener too, but we're crediting it to Lord Bamford). That's the way the game ended.

The big difference between Nketiah and Bamford is the hold-up play.

We've talked about this a lot and it was clearly evident at The Hawthorns today.

And it led to the Leeds fans calling for Nketiah to come off for Bamford – a turnaround from the first half of the season.

We think it's important to say that we don't think this is Nketiah's fault. Amid all the speculation he's always put in an honest shift, even if his body language did look a little off at times today.

That's likely more down to him being isolated and surrounded by West Brom players whenever the ball came near him.

End of the experiment? That might not even be Leeds' choice if Arsenal do recall Nketiah.

But you only need to watch these two halves back-to-back to see why Bamford is Bielsa's main man.

We've always said Leeds would be better off with Nketiah as an impact sub but if Marcelo Bielsa could bring in a player that fits the system better, like Che Adams, then it might actually work out really well. Nketiah just isn't really Leeds.

Meanwhile, here's a selection of the reactions thrown Nketiah's way on Twitter. They might convince him that he's better off going back to north London.

Hmm you know what, I don't think it's the crisis everyone is expecting if Nketiah goes back. Doesn't look interested and isn't influencing the games he's started in any way. Forces us to (hopefully) go get someone who does fit the system better. #lufc
— Mr Geldard (@MrJGeldard) January 1, 2020

Would be disappointed not to see Bamford on immediately at HT. Nketiah not working at all. #lufc
— Daryl (@DarylRS29) January 1, 2020

Nketiah looking frustrated and like a moody teenager reminding me of Saiz before he left. No space in the squad for someone who thinks they’re bigger than the rest #lufc
— Lucy Tallant (@lucytallant17) January 1, 2020

That half is the reason Eddie Nketiah hasn't been starting. Nowhere near ready. if Arsenal recall him they're making a big mistake. #lufc #afc
— Rob (@leedsandnews) January 1, 2020

Let’s be brutally honest, Nketiah about as much use as an ashtray on a motorbike up top on his own in this Bielsa formation #Lufc #leedsutd
— LufcALAW (@LufcAlaw) January 1, 2020

Bossed it bar the first 1m 30secs, Nketiah definitely proved Bielsa knows more than us, not looked interested, no closing and no touch when he is pressured.. Get Paddy on, early goal and we have a real chance #lufc
— Matt (@MWJS82) January 1, 2020

Nketiah’s body language is horrible. #lufc
— crg.rvs (@vivareeves) January 1, 2020

Nketiah can go for me. Good player but he really really doesn’t suit our style #LUFC
— Elliott Webster (@ElliottWebster3) January 1, 2020

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