Paul Merson slams Wober after what he did late in Leeds draw v Blackburn
Paul Merson blasted Max Wober for spurning a golden opportunity to seal a late winner for Leeds United in the 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers.
The Whites began 2025 on a sour note as Danny Batth’s 90th-minute equaliser at Elland Road (1 January) denied Daniel Farke the three points and the chance to extend his lead at the top of the Championship table.
While a frustrating afternoon went from bad to worse for Leeds after Jayden Bogle limped off the pitch, Merson noted Wober’s impact or lack thereof live on Sky Sports News (1 December, 5:04pm) as the defender could have snatched the victory.
He said: “Yeah, just one right there at the end with Wober at the far post, James floats it in, he gets just above his marker and tries to head it back where it come from, [but] gets too much on it and heads it over the bar.
“I thought he probably should have done better if I’m being honest.”
Max Wober costs Leeds United at the death v Blackburn Rovers
The Austrian replaced Junior Firpo after 21 minutes during the clash against Derby County at Elland Road on 7 December and scored the second goal in the 2-0 win.
Therefore, when he replaced Sam Byram at half-time on Wednesday, Leeds supporters can be forgiven for hoping that history would repeat itself.
Wober’s introduction into the matchday squad was a hot topic prior to kick-off after the defender spent the last few matches on the sidelines.
However, despite displaying “outstanding” attacking instincts against Derby, he was left red-faced at Elland Road as he headed the ball over the Blackburn goal with the game hinging in his hands.
While a draw is a fair result considering the Whites failed to break down the opposition defence until Dominic Hyam fouled Mateo Joseph, resulting in a spot-kick in which Pascal Struijk converted – it was hardly a performance worthy of a table-topping outfit.
Farke can rest easy knowing Leeds will remain at the Championship summit regardless of results elsewhere, but there is no escaping the fact that he has surrendered a golden opportunity to pull further away from the pack.
And unfortunately for Wober, he is set to become the latest scapegoat in West Yorkshire.
In other Leeds United news, one Whites ace has been lauded live on BBC after a “superb” moment against Blackburn.
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