‘Absolutely wonderful’ – Chris Sutton wowed by Sean Longstaff in chaotic Leeds incident vs Aston Villa
Sean Longstaff’s role in the dramatic Leeds United opener against Aston Villa delighted Chris Sutton.
With Daniel Farke’s in danger of the Leeds sack, the Whites went ahead in messy fashion on eight minutes after the midfielder’s free kick was diverted high into the air by Gabriel Gudmundsson at the back post on Sunday afternoon.
As the ball came down inside the six-yard box Anton Stach rose the highest to challenge Emi Martinez for the ball, with Stach landing heavily upside down and both staying down hurt.
Ezri Konsa then tried to clear off the line only to see the ball go back into the Elland Road net off Lukas Nmecha.
After a long VAR review from Paul Tierney amid doubts over offside and then to check the aerial challenge referee Rob Jones’ original decision to allow the goal stood.
Sutton delighted by Longstaff delivery before Nmecha goal
Sutton, commentating live on the match for Sky Sports praised Longstaff‘s excellent whipped delivery from the right that kicked off the entire sequence for Leeds.
He said: “The ball in from Longstaff is absolutely wonderful. Then it’s kept alive at the back post and it’s an awkward one for Martinez. Is he backed into there?
“I think he is backed into but then there’s the question of ‘should he be stronger in that situation?'”
Replays indicated that Martinez had not been strong enough, but Stach was forced off a quarter of an hour later as an early concussion substitute apparently as a result of his landing.
Joe Rodon also delights Sutton in first half at Elland Road
With Farke’s Leeds United job potentially on the line the German’s players were working hard for him at either end of the pitch in the first 45 minutes against Villa.
Stach may have sacrificed himself after Longstaff’s superb free kick to help put the home side ahead but Joe Rodon‘s work at around the 25-minute mark was just as crucial and Sutton was equally impressed.
A ball was swung into the danger area from Emi Buendia and Ollie Watkins looked like he was coming in to head the equaliser home, but Welshman Rodon threw himself round his opponent to head the ball out for a corner.
Sutton said: “Sensational from Rodon. It looked for a second like Watkins had just got the run on him. I wonder if the goalkeeper should come for that, five-six yards out. But Rodon just does enough.”
Leeds were unlucky not to go in at the break further ahead, with Brenden Aaronson going close as the break approached.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Leeds United news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account –@motleedsnews