Dan James wows Sky Sports commentator with ‘incredible’ moment in Leeds United v Southampton
Gary Weaver was wowed by Dan James’ “incredible” strike that hit the crossbar as Leeds United were beaten 1-0 by Southampton in the Championship playoff final at Wembley.
The Whites went behind in the 24th minute to an Adam Armstrong strike and Daniel Farke brought James on for Wilfried Gnonto in the second half as Leeds chased the game.
The substitution nearly worked wonders as the Welshman lashed a superb strike at goal, but the bar denied him and Leeds an equaliser.
Weaver, speaking live on Sky Sports (26 May), said: “Incredible, brilliant approach play but [James] couldn’t quite find the finish.”
Dan James couldn’t change the game for Leeds United
Leeds head coach Farke was ruthless with his substitutions as he replaced both Gnonto and Championship player of the season Crysencio Summerville in pursuit of an equalising goal in the playoff final.
Gnonto’s performance had been subdued after a positive start, managing just one shot with an xG value of 0.06 and an xGOT (expected goals on target) value of only 0.12 [FotMob].
James entered the fray in the 66th minute for the Italian and managed three efforts in his time on the pitch – including the strike that clattered the crossbar – but his own xGOT was not much more impressive at 0.34.
Despite the 26-year-old’s best efforts, he mustered just three touches in the opposition box, one pass into the final third and failed to connect with any of his three crosses.
It was emblematic of Leeds’ struggles as a whole and the Whites duly slumped to a disappointing defeat.
In other Leeds United news, a former Whites winger has sent three-word message to a departing player.
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