Leeds United: Jack Harrison proving Javi Gracia’s best hope of survival after stunning showing v Leicester City
Leeds United missed the chance to pull four points clear of the drop zone after a late Jamie Vardy equaliser on Tuesday night [25 April] kept both the Whites and Leicester City in trouble of relegation.
Colombian winger Luis Sinisterra opened the scoring in the first half with a header at the back post from Jack Harrison’s picture-perfect cross before former England international Vardy slotted home a cool finish in the 80th minute from James Maddison’s pass.
The Whites can certainly count themselves incredibly fortunate not to be on the losing side after as both Vardy and Youri Tielemans had goals ruled out for offside, although struggling Patrick Bamford missed a guilt-edged chance late on to win it.
Although Leeds were able to arrest their torrid losing streak on Tuesday night, it was still another disappointing performance from Gracia’s side and with five crucial games to come, the belief around Elland Road is proving increasingly futile.
Much has been made of the Spaniard’s strange selection decisions in recent weeks, failing to start arguably his best player at Elland Road in Wilfried Gnonto but while the former Watford manager suffers those repercussions, he certainly has one player to thank, currently keeping Leeds United just floating above the drop zone and that man is Harrison.
Since Gracia took over in February, the former Manchester City star has certainly proven the club’s best hope of pulling another Premier League safety miracle.
As per Sofascore, the former Manchester City man would earn a superb 7.7/10 rating for his performance – ranking him as the second-best player on the pitch from both sides, with only James Maddison (8/10) rated higher.
It was Harrison’s peach of a cross that led to the Leeds United opener, placing the ball in such a dangerous area for Sinisterra to head home at a tight angle, and he was a constant threat to Leicester’s backline throughout the game.
The 26-year-old impressive registered four key passes throughout the match, showcasing why he is the Whites’ most influential and creative outlet [WhoScored] whilst also creating two big chances, completing four crosses and was fouled four times.
He also showcased an extraordinary willingness to get back and help his team in defence, contributing two clearances, two interceptions and three tackles, a significant increase on his average of 0.5 clearances, 0.7 interceptions and 1.3 tackles per game in the top flight.
The decision to get him to sign a new deal is certainly proving a masterstroke and with the Whites fighting for their lives down the bottom, they certainly possess a player capable of winning points on his own, even if another one of those marquee talents is currently being ushered out of the starting XI.
If Leeds United are to stay up again this season, then the “outstanding” Harrison will certainly prove the decisive factor, as the 26-year-old now boasts three goals and three assists in 11 Premier League appearances since the Spaniard took over.
In other Leeds United, a Whites player was reduced to tears after what happened this week while he’s also on the cusp of sealing a permanent Elland Road exit.