Leeds United: Don Goodman slams Georginio Rutter for ‘poorest’ performance ever v Sunderland
Don Goodman claims Georginio Rutter’s first-half performance as Leeds United drew 0-0 with Sunderland on 9 April was “the poorest” he’s ever seen him play.
The major talking point of the Whites’ draw with the Black Cats was the controversial decision not to award a penalty for handball despite Sunderland defender Luke O’Nien punching the ball clear from a corner.
However, Rutter’s sub-par showing before the break was heavily criticised by Goodman, with the Frenchman failing to register any impact on proceedings.
Goodman, speaking live on Sky Sports [9 April, 9:03pm], said: “Sunderland are making it hard for [Leeds], but the choices they’re making – Rutter, I think that’s the poorest I think I’ve ever seen him play in that first-half, actually.
“Literally, he did not make a good decision or a good choice all the way through. He’s not on his own [either].”
Leeds United need Georginio Rutter to revive his form
After a sensational run of form, Leeds have wobbled somewhat in recent weeks, winning just one of their last four Championship outings against Watford, Hull City, Coventry City and Sunderland.
It is perhaps no coincidence that that blip has coincided with a barren patch for the Whites’ creator-in-chief, Rutter, who has failed to add to his 15 league assists in any of those matches.
The Frenchman sits second in the Championship’s assist charts, with only Ipswich Town left-back Leif Davis – formerly of Leeds – ahead of him, with 16 goals created.
Without Rutter firing on all creative cylinders, Daniel Farke’s side have not been at their ruthless best, twice failing to capitalise on slip-ups from fellow a title contender, be that Leicester City or Ipswich.
If Leeds are to lift themselves out of third and into an automatic promotion spot, they need their 21-year-old star attacker to rediscover his best form.
In other Leeds United news, an EFL chairman has blasted this club for “thinking they’re bigger than Leeds”.
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