Leeds United: BBC pundit tips Patrick Bamford to be dropped by Sam Allardyce after what happened v Newcastle United
Matt Kilgallon has suggested that Leeds United boss Sam Allardyce should drop Patrick Bamford “for his own good” following the 2-2 draw with Newcastle United on Saturday (13 May).
The striker missed a penalty in the Premier League clash at Elland Road, with Nick Pope saving his spot-kick in the 28th minute.
Bamford also missed a penalty earlier this season in the 1-0 loss to Arsenal, with the forward scoring just four league goals this season.
“We spoke about [Illan] Meslier, didn’t we, is it time to take him out?” Kilgallon said on BBC Radio Leeds (16m11s, 13 May).
“I said for the Leicester game, I think we should’ve taken him out. And you saw it in the game, he did two kicks out of his hands. He’s never done that before in his life. In training, he’d be able to hit a sign from 60 yards away with no problem.
“Just with Bamford now, for his own good, I’m not saying he might be wishing he’s taken out. But maybe, that penalty today, could someone have taken that off him and taken that pressure off him?”
Big Sam with a decision to make
It was an extremely admirable performance from Leeds, with many supporters fearing the worst going into the game given both their miserable form and the fact they were taking on high-flying Newcastle.
The hosts certainly could have crumbled at various moments throughout the match at Elland Road, particularly after going 2-1 down with just 20 minutes to go following Wilson’s second penalty.
Bamford had a rollercoaster afternoon against the Magpies, playing a key role in Ayling’s goal in the early stages, with his dangerous cross leading to the defender’s opener.
But the striker then saw his penalty saved shortly after, as well as picking up a yellow card late on in the game.
Allardyce has plenty of thinking to do in various areas of the pitch for the last two games of the season against West Ham and Tottenham.
And choosing someone to lead the line may just be at the very forefront of his mind given the importance of goals in those two matches.
In other Leeds United news, Jeff Stelling and Michael Dawson were left stunned by what one Whites player did against the Magpies.