Alan Shearer slams Wilfried Gnonto live on BBC One as Leeds United lose v Fulham in FA Cup
BBC pundit Alan Shearer slammed Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto for his performance against Fulham in their FA Cup fifth-round defeat to Fulham on Tuesday night [28 February].
The Italian wonderkid has proven a sensational pick-up from the Whites ever since his surprise move to Elland Road last summer, going on to become the club’s leading lights in what’s been a disappointing campaign so far.
With new manager Javi Gracia looking to claim another huge scalp against Fulham at Craven Cottage after their crucial win at the weekend, Gnonto “struggled” to provide the spark Leeds needed.
The forward was withdrawn by Gracia from the match in the 64th minute, in which Shearer agreed live on BBC One’s coverage of the tie [28 February, 9:10pm].
He said: “Yeah, he’s struggled tonight, not really had that space to run into.
“Not been his night tonight, when that happens you’ve got to just say, ‘Okay it’s someone else’s turn, let’s see if he can make a difference.”
Not his night
Indeed, Tuesday night wasn’t to be for the silky and unpredictable Italian wing wizard.
The 19-year-old has picked up an unwanted reputation as the club’s leading attacker so far this season, because of his tremendous individual showings when the whole team struggles to impress.
For a player his age, that’s just too much pressure on his shoulders, especially for a talent still learning his trade in the English game.
The Whites really failed to take their chances last night, after creating so many goal-scoring opportunities.
Rather than relying on Gnonto to deliver, the more experienced players behind him should have provided him with the security and platform to be a game-changer. Instead, the Whites were undone by some slack defending and lack of concentration.
It wasn’t Gnonto’s day for sure, but it’s a loss he certainly won’t be affected by.
In other Leeds United news, one Whites player did something “crazy” at the weekend that “stunned” BBC reporter Adam Pope.
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