Sky Sports pundit shocked by Javi Gracia move with Willy Gnonto in first Leeds United game that worked to beat Southampton
Clinton Morrison’s “biggest surprise” from Javi Gracia’s first Leeds United win was the decision to remove Willy Gnonto as his first substitution.
The Whites’ attacking star was taken off just after the hour despite looking dangerous and combining well with eventual match-winner Junior Firpo down the left, although he still got himself booked for involvement in the celebrations later on.
At the time the home side were struggling to make their dominance pay and Gnonto looked the most likely route to a goal, but he replaced him with Crysencio Summerville and the young Dutchman played a key role in the build up to the winner, to prove the new manager right with a huge three points.
Summing up the Whites’ attack on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday after the game (25 February, 5.39pm) Morrison said: “Do you know what Jeff [Stelling]? The biggest surprise for me and the Leeds fans were surprised, after about 55 minutes he takes off Gnonto, and he was their best player.
“And you’re thinking are Leeds going to go and win it? But credit to him, he made the changes and they got the three points they deserved.”
Pay off
At the time the decision was made it not only seemed an odd move to remove Gnonto, unless he was injured from a heavy challenge not long before, but to leave the struggling Jack Harrison on the pitch.
And yet it was the English winger who was found by Summerville after good work down by the corner flag, who produced one moment of quality and back-heeled through to Firpo to score.
That the oft-criticised left-back had such an excellent game in itself was an unexpected development and bodes well for the future under Gracia if it means there is finally an answer at a problem position.
If the former Watford boss can provide that magic touch on a regular basis over the remaining months of the season then it would be a game-changer in what is shaping up to be a tight battle against the drop.
Everton defeated the Whites a week ago but lost to Aston Villa on Saturday, while United’s dispatching Southampton brought the Saints down from their high a week ago after victory at Chelsea.
And West Ham’s 4-0 win over Nottingham Forest has kept the relegation-threatened sides bunched closely together, and means it will take more than just one win to make a real difference at the bottom.
In other Leeds United news, the captain of a Championship club has been texting Gracia to offer his assistance.
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