Wilfried Gnonto still has fight left for Leeds United as cameo vs Bournemouth emerges crucial
Wilfried Gnonto came off the bench to make an impact for Leeds United in their 2-2 draw against Bournemouth on Wednesday.
The Italian has been an outcast for Daniel Farke this term, and is struggling to find minutes near the back end of the season.
Gnonto was a crucial part of the Whites’ promotion-winning campaign last season, and after featuring early on this term in the Premier League, his playing time has evaporated.
The winger has even been linked with an Elland Road exit this past winter window, and could still leave LS11 this summer.
But the truth is, Gnonto created Leeds’ first goal against Bournemouth, and though he won’t be credited with the assist, he deserves his flowers anyway.
⚽Leeds United match day ⚽
Team news, line-ups, expert previews and tactical analysis for every Leeds United fixture
Get 24/7 updates from your definitive Whites source
Why Wilfried Gnonto’s luck may have just changed
The best that Gnonto gets in the Premier League right now is a few minutes at the end of a match.
That means he is coming on with limited time to make an impact, and when he does, the pressure is on him to perform.
| Area of game | Stats |
| Minutes played | 26′ |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Pass accuracy | 60% |
| Cross success | 100% |
| Ground duels (won) | 3 (2) |
It was Gnonto’s tricky feet and searching cross that ricocheted off James Hill and into the Bournemouth net for Leeds’ leveller at the time.
It came out of nowhere and gave the Whites a new belief in the match, which ultimately ended with hem taking a point back from the Vitality Stadium.
Gnonto has been cast aside by Farke in recent times and only had 26 minutes to shine versus the Cherries, but boy did he do that.
18 touches in that time was all he needed to spark a fightback for the Whites, and that is a testament to his own resilience not to give up for his spot in this Leeds team.
Every chance Gnonto has important part at Wembley
Leeds travel to face Chelsea in the semi-final of the FA Cup this Sunday, as a tasty encounter at Wembley awaits.
The Blues have just sacked Liam Rosenior and interim head coach Calum McFarlane will lead the side into battle against the Whites.
These games go straight to extra time if they end level, and as already seen in Leeds’ FA Cup run this season, Farke has often had to rely on his bench.
Gnonto will be there at Wembley, and it would be fitting for him to come on and have some major impact.
Could you imagine him scoring the goal to send the Whites to their first FA Cup final since 1973? Scenes.
Valuation: £25m
Budget: £120m summer fund
Fitness: Live Squad Tracker
Coverage: Expert Verdicts
Latest: Top candidates shortlisted