Sky Sports pundit thrilled by Dan James penalty win in Leeds v Chelsea
Leeds United were held to a 1-1 draw in the first-half of their clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday (11 December), with Raphinha getting the opener for his side.
The Brazilian scored from the spot after Dan James was brought down in the box, and Efan Ekoku was thrilled with how he won the spot kick while on commentary duties on the world feed.
The Wales international winger took his time and tricked the Blues defence before being brought down, and the Sky Sports pundit was impressed.
Ekoku said: “I said early when Dan James got the ball on the edge of the box. Chelsea defenders were reluctant to get close to the former Manchester United man knowing how quickly he chases the ball and the speed with which he gets to it.
“It’s exceptional. And even if there is doubt there by Mike Dean, that’s not a clear and obvious error.”
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Mason Mount drew his side level shortly after, but Leeds would have been delighted with their performance in the opening 45 minutes of the clash.
They proved their quality against a top side at both ends of the pitch, and they should have gone into the break 1-0 up if not for a momentarily lapse of concentration that gifted Chelsea the equaliser.
James was a threat with his pace, and Marcos Alonso did not have much of a choice than to bring him down as he was almost clear on goal.
Leeds will need to do better when action resumes if they want to leave London with at least a point, and they will fancy their chances.
They limited the Blues’ influence in front of goal and made life difficult for their defence with their constant counter-attacks.
Leeds were without Kalvin Phillips, Liam Cooper and Patrick Bamford for the clash, but they managed to do well without them in the first-half at Stamford Bridge.
They have a chance to get something from this game if they improve in the second-half, and a win or draw against Thomas Tuchel’s side will be great.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have mapped out plans to avoid relegation scrap as January transfer budget claim emerges.