Jon Newsome blown away live on BBC at what Archie Gray did in Leeds United win v Cardiff City
Jon Newsome was left blown away by Leeds United wonder Archie Gray after his “brilliant” near-assist for Dan James in the 3-0 win over Cardiff City on Saturday (13 January).
The Whites impressively brushed aside a meek Cardiff to keep pace with their rivals for automatic promotion in the Championship at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Goals from Patrick Bamford, Dan James and Georginio Rutter ensured a dominant and impressive display from the away side as they comfortably got the job done with their second successive Championship win.
BBC Sport pundit Newsom, speaking live on BBC Sport Radio Leeds (13 January, 4:22 pm) was wowed by Gray’s “quite brilliant” play and pass for James who should have scored before Rutter rounded off the game.
He said: “Quite brilliant from Archie Gray and almost perfect from Dan James. The keeper makes a poor decision to come out, could easily be 3-0.
“Just toying with them, playing with them like a cat with a mouse.”
Gray the solution?
Leeds United have an unwanted problem at right back right now having sanctioned exits for Djed Spence back to his parent club Tottenham and Luke Ayling who joined Middlesbrough on loan.
It’s a problem which could well force the Whites into the transfer market to sign a specialist right back but for now, they have a fine solution in Gray who is certainly showing his brilliant versatility and tactical understanding right now.
The Thorp Arch Academy graduate put in another solid display in Wales and could yet have registered a stunning assist for James who really should have scored.
The youngster has been susceptible in moments this season but has been given the benefit of the doubt given its not his best position but he is certainly being moulded and developed by the experience at right-back.
Farke is a brilliant tactical coach and has seen what Gray can bring at right back both in possession and out of it but the Whites must ensure they buy a specialist outlet so they are well-stocked to compete for the automatic places in the coming months.
It’s a critical business that needs to be completed quickly or they could be exposed.
In other Leeds news, Ayling replacement eyed as club open to offers for international ace.