Leeds United ace Daniel James
Leeds United ace Daniel James

Dan James wows Sky Sports commentator with 'incredible' moment in Leeds United v Southampton

Sean Wilson

Sean is an experienced football writer who - before joining Breaking Media - has worked with Stats Perform, Goal, LiveScore and Twenty3 since graduating from Leeds Trinity University with a Sports Journalism degree in 2017. He is particularly passionate about data and tactical analysis. @SeanW_Football

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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.

Leeds United Dan James
Dan James was unable to celebrate scoring at Wembley

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.

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