Leeds United: ‘Outstanding’ Willy Gnonto wows Sky Sports in surprise area v Sheffield Wednesday
Junior Firpo has been in arguably the best form of his Leeds United career since the New Year but he has not matched up to it in the first half at Sheffield Wednesday.
Daniel Farke may have to consider a half time switch for Sam Byram, who started in midweek, after the regular first choice left-back was only rescued from letting the home side in for the opener by some “outstanding” defensive work by Willy Gnonto.
Having already sparked an attack by Wednesday when he under-hit a pass near the half-way line which led to Ethan Ampadu putting in a vital block to deny Anthony Musaba, Firpo then was caught out on the left flank to let the Whites’ opponents in again while he claimed for a hopeful free kick.
Only Gnonto’s tracking back into his own area relieved the danger as an inviting ball came across the six-yard box from Firpo’s wing waiting for Marvin Johnson to convert until the 21-year-old nipped in front.
Sky Sports pundit Andy Hinchcliffe was delighted by the Italian live on the match coverage, saying (8.28pm): “That is outstanding defensive work from Willy Gnonto to get goal side of Marvin Johnson.
“Outstanding work off the ball from Ike Ugbo… Just watch Willy Gnonto’s positioning here. Johnson’s ahead of him, he gets back, he sprints back goal side and just levers Johnson off the ball and gets fouled himself.
“That’s brilliant work from the wide attacker.”
Willy Gnonto spares Junior Firpo blushes in defence as Leeds United strain at Hillsborough
The promotion battle is leaving very little margin for error with Ipswich and Southampton not going away even if Leicester City’s storming form has dried up.
The difference between securing promotion from this point and being plunged into the play offs is huge, since the end of season tournament for the final place in the Premier League is not quite a lottery but can see the form guide go out of the window.
Whites fans have got unhappy memories of it so want a top two place wrapped up after a campaign which would have been more than worthy of one in virtually any year other than this one.
Having dropped points for the first time in 2024 in the draw at Huddersfield Town, and then been below their brilliant best in the narrow 1-0 victory over Stoke on Tuesday night (5 March) Leeds United are starting to look like they might be feeling the strain of a relentless race.
Wednesday may be fighting for safety but are far from a pushover with some of the best form in the division at present so Farke can’t take any chances in the second half at Hillsborough, and with Firpo having also clashed heads with Joe Rodon he has likely made himself a candidate to go off, even if he did cross for Patrick Bamford’s strike on half-time.
It will need to be a sign of the full-back having found his feet or the narrow lead could be lost after the break.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.