Leeds United faced Sheffield Wednesday at Elland Road.

Leeds United crowd go 'absolutely mental' after what happened v Sheff Wed

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

20 Jan 2025, 11:40 am

Joel Piroe's lack of urgency to shoot caused the Leeds United crowd to go "absolutely mental" against Sheffield Wednesday, according to Graham Smyth.

While Daniel Farke's side took an early lead through Manor Solomon at Elland Road, the Owls missed plenty of chances to equalise before both Largie Ramazani and Ao Tanaka netted late on.

The substitute winger scored with just two minutes of normal time remaining, with Tanaka putting the icing on the cake with a deft flick six minutes into added time on 19 January.

It was not all smooth sailing for the Whites, however.

Speaking via The Square Ball podcast [20 January], Smyth said: "There was a moment when Piroe had the ball just outside the box, and everyone went absolutely mental for him to shoot.

"It's like there was this real urgency in the crowd, like 'please get this second goal'. They were almost pleading with Leeds to get a second goal so they could relax and enjoy the game."

Leeds United desperate for new forward before 3 February?

With Piroe, Dan James, Brenden Aaronson, Manor Solomon, Mateo Joseph, Wilfried Gnonto and Largie Ramazani, it seems daft to suggest that Leeds are in need of a new forward this month.

However, Piroe is the only player from the squad to boast double digits for goals and assists in the Championship this term, which could lead Farke to want an out-and-out No.9.

While Patrick Bamford has plenty of experience in the division, his continuous injury issues have become a frustrating issue at Elland Road, with Middlesbrough's Emmanuel Latte Lath now being linked.

Leeds United striker Joel Piroe [Credit: Imago]

However, according to Ben Jacobs, the Whites have not yet made a bid for the striker, with a verbal agreement now in place with MLS side Atlanta United.

Leeds certainly have the ability to claim automatic promotion to the Premier League with the current squad, but if an exciting striker were to be signed, the stress and anxiety would surely be reduced.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites' stance on Emi Buendia to Elland Road has emerged in a new transfer update.

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Leeds United

sheffield wednesday

Graham Smyth

Joel Piroe