Pete Hanson

Sun 7 January 2024 21:40, UK

ESPN co-commentator David Phillips hailed the “sensational” and “unbelievable” goal scored by Patrick Bamford as Leeds United defeated Peterborough United 2-0 in the FA Cup third round.

The Whites striker took down a 60-yard pass on his chest, swivelled on the spot, and volleyed into the top-right hander corner from around 25 yards early in the second half at London Road.

Speaking as a co-commentator on ESPN (7 January), as part of the world-feed coverage of the game, Phillips said it was a better effort than Alejandro Garnacho’s overhead kick for Manchester United against Everton back in November.

“That is an unbelievable bit of finishing from Bamford, he was able to control that ball while off the deck then swivel on the volley,” Phillips said.

“Talk about Garnacho for Manchester United, for me this is a better goal, had to see that ball from 60 yards, the way he’s able to pull it down, Daniel Farke needs to smile a bit more than that because that is a sensational goal from Patrick Bamford.”

Outrageous skill

It has not been the happiest of seasons for Bamford, but he was on the scoresheet as Leeds defeated Birmingham City 3-0 on New Year’s Day, which was enough for him to keep his spot against Peterborough.

And boy oh boy did he repay Farke with an absolutely outrageous piece of striker work, plucking the ball out of thin air and unleashing an unstoppable effort past a helpless Peterborough goalkeeper.

Was it as good as Garnacho’s? Well that’s probably a question of personal preference, because – sorry to say this given who he plays for – it was an outrageous goal that the Garnacho scored too.

But who cares? It was a great moment for Leeds, a great moment for the supporters, and a great moment for Bamford. Leeds haven’t had too many deep cup runnings over the last 10-15 years so let’s hope this can spark one! And if not we’ll always have this to remember…

In other Leeds United news, here are our player ratings from the game.