Leeds United: Adam Pope slams Wilfried Gnonto for ‘criminal’ action despite 2-0 win over Plymouth Argyle
Adam Pope slammed Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto for his “criminal” actions in failing to stay onside for a big chance in the first half of the 2-0 win at Plymouth Argyle.
Gnonto was flagged by the officials in a build-up to an attack late in the first half that ended with opposition defender Ashley Phillips firing into his own net.
The Italy international played the ball into the middle, but the goal was ultimately chalked off because he was the wrong side of his man.
“It is criminal from Willy Gnonto to be offside there,” Pope said on BBC Radio Leeds [17 February, 1:17pm].
“He is arguing his case but he can see right across the line. He fires it in and it’s a great finish from Phillips, the big Plymouth centre-back.”
Wilfried Gnonto hitting peak form for Leeds United
Gnonto has had to be patient this season but he has more than taken his chance since it arrived.
The Italian opened the scoring for Leeds at Home Park in Saturday’s (17 February) contest with Plymouth, superbly taking his chance.
Plymouth’s defenders failed to deal with a ball into the box and Gnonto took full advantage with a clinical finish.
That was his fifth goal in his past five outings, having also scored a double in the midweek victory over Swansea City.
Daniel James may now be back from injury but the shirt is Gnonto’s to lose as we fast approach the business end of the campaign.
While he may have been guilty of straying offside in the example mentioned above, it was another positive display from Gnonto.
There has been plenty of Premier League interest in Gnonto, but continue this form and both the player and Leeds will be back in the Premier League before long.
In other Leeds United news, Don Goodman has had his say on where he expects Gnonto to end up beyond this season.
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