Joe Hart explains what Lucas Perri did amid ‘unbelievable moment’ in Leeds United defeat vs Aston Villa
Lucas Perri has come under heavy scrutiny after Leeds United lost to Aston Villa on Sunday.
Villa secured a 2-1 victory over Leeds at Elland Road to condemn the home side to a third straight defeat in the Premier League.
Lukas Nmecha put Leeds 1-0 up against Villa, but the controversy surrounding that strike eventually went against the Whites in the second half.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin had his goal disallowed for Leeds after the ball made contact with his hand, to halt Daniel Farke’s side from providing an instant response after Morgan Rogers’ free kick.
Perri didn’t appear to do himself many favours up against the England international, according to fans, but former keeper Joe Hart has sprung to his defence.
Joe Hart defends Lucas Perri vs Aston Villa
Farke is under pressure to be sacked after losing to Villa, especially with such a difficult fixture list ahead of his side in LS11.
That wasn’t helped by a tired second-half performance against Unai Emery’s side that ultimately allowed the Villans to take three points from West Yorkshire.
It was a Rogers brace that turned the tide in claret and blue, with two top goals from the attacking midfielder making all the difference.
His second was a stunning free kick that dipped over the wall, although many fans have been left questioning Perri due to the centrality of the Villa man’s strike.
Two-time Premier League winner Joe Hart has defended the Brazilian on Match of the Day, suggesting he had little chance to save Rogers’ effort.
He said: “His technique, he’s just looking to get it up and over the wall. It makes it very difficult and it leaves Perri stood there. I’m going to tell you why.
“The ball is 10 inches above the bar when it goes over the wall, and he has no idea of the trajectory, Perri, when he sees this. This is the timeframe he’s got to make a decision, move and save it, and a millisecond later it’s five feet above the goal line. Unbelievable movement.
“Everyone’s looking around Elland Road saying, ‘Why’s he just stood there?’ As the ball leaves Morgan Rogers’ foot, it just threatens to swerve left, it leaves his foot and swerves the other way. This is the moment Perri is set for the ball to come towards him, and in the end, he’s stuck in the mud, and he can’t move.“
Leeds United must back Perri after Aston Villa defeat
The Elland Road faithful will benefit from taking the words of Hart as gospel and dropping any complaints towards their keeper.
Perri did appear to be in the wrong on first viewing, as he stands completely still as a seemingly slow Rogers effort found the net.
The evidence on Match of the Day shows just how hard an effort was put in towards the Brazilian, giving him little chance.
With such a difficult run coming up, the Whites will benefit more from backing their number one rather than getting on his back over this free kick.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Leeds United news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account –@motleedsnews