Alan Shearer unleashes on Georginio Rutter after what he did in Leeds United FA Cup loss v Fulham
Alan Shearer has slammed Georginio Rutter after the Leeds United attacker failed to control a long ball in the Whites’ FA Cup defeat to Fulham.
The club record signing endured a mixed night in West London having had a goal ruled out for offside and a looping header hit the post.
However, the former Newcastle United striker singled out the 20-year-old for a moment in the first half where he allowed the home side to regain possession far too easily.
“He has got to do better there Rutter, he’s got to be stronger. He’s the main focal point up front and the ball has to stick,” said Shearer (BBC coverage, 20:30, 28 February).
“Other players are going to be running off him and they can’t do that if it’s not sticking.”
Learning curve
It was good to see the Frenchman deployed in a central role and he certainly produced a few interesting moments at Craven Cottage. It’s easy to forget that he is still young and developing. He’s arrived for a big fee, but will still take time to settle into life at Elland Road.
The defeat is not the end of the world. Short-term goals have to be at the top of Javi Gracia’s agenda and an FA Cup run was certainly not the priority. All attention now shifts to Saturday’s crunch Premier League fixture against Chelsea.
Leeds will head back to West London fancying their chances of getting a result against Graham Potter’s side. There is immense pressure on their hosts to get a result and if the Whites can frustrate, they could earn themselves at least a point.
Tuesday’s defeat to Fulham should be put to bed immediately. A much anticipate cup run can wait for another year, as long as Premier League survival is achieved.
In other Leeds United news, the club may now face a losing battle to keep their star player at Elland Road beyond the summer transfer window.
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