(Credit: Imago)

Jacob Raw

Sun 5 April 2026 21:10, UK

Ally McCoist was every Leeds United fan on Sunday as Lucas Perri helped the Whites to a massive FA Cup win over West Ham United at the London Stadium.

Daniel Farke‘s side had to recover as late goals from Mateus Fernandes and Axel Disasi brought the hosts back level in the game, despite Leeds having a two-goal lead through Ao Tanaka and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The Whites dug in through extra time, as Perri had to make some big saves throughout the whole game, while watching some of his teammates leave the field through injury.

Anton Stach suffered a nasty injury, while Joe Rodon and Noah Okafor also appeared to have issues in the second half of the match.

Thankfully, Perri came up trumps for Leeds in the shootout, and now McCoist may agree that Farke has a selection headache on his hands at Elland Road.

Ally McCoist praises Lucas Perri’s best moment of game

Perri has been in a battle with Karl Darlow for a starting spot in the Premier League.

However, in recent weeks, the Brazilian has been sent to the bench, with his only appearances coming in the FA Cup, which have all been impressive.

As seen in the table above, Perri was only second to West Ham’s Adama Traore in terms of a FotMob match rating for coming up with vital saves for the Whites.

While commentating live on TNT Sports, McCoist pinpointed Perri’s first-half save to deny Taty Castellanos, which would have seen Leeds trail the contest.

McCoist said: “What a save, what a save. It might have come off his defender. He didn’t have much time to react to it, so he did well, a terrific save. It’s a strong hand.”

He also praised the shot-stopper multiple other times in extra time, and of course, for his big moments in the shootout.

Not to mention his two shoutout saves that arguably won Leeds the tie, and booked a trip to Wembley.

This is why Perri may now start over Karl Darlow

Darlow’s spot for Leeds has been safe until now. The Welshman played well with his nation over the international break, but his chances this season have been rather unexpected.

When the 49ers splashed eight figures on Perri, not many thought that Darlow would force him out of the team, but the former’s blunders have been the reason for that happening.

Though he had some shaky moments and was given a big let-off when Castellanos’ extra time strike was given offside, what matters is what counted.

The 28-year-old was brilliant, and deserves his flowers for helping Leeds stay in with a chance of FA Cup glory, with Chelsea next up for the Whites in the competition.

Perri may have shifted Farke’s thoughts now, as seven Premier League games remain.