Leeds United: Ian Wright blasts ‘poor’ Southampton defending in Whites win
BBC Sport pundit Ian Wright has blasted Southampton’s “poor” defending after Leeds United cruised to a 1-0 win over the Saints at Elland Road.
Wright confessed that the Southampton defenders had to do better for Junior Firpo’s winner, a goal which lifted the Whites out of the relegation zone.
It was Leeds United’s first Premier League win since 6 November and new boss Javi Gracia will be hoping to add more points to his tally in the coming weeks.
“You look at the two defenders in the corner there, you can’t let him get out there. It’s poor,” said Wright speaking to Premier League Productions as quoted by Leeds Live. (27 February)
“But, at home, Leeds with the Southampton team coming at the bottom of the league, you had to be winning that game.”
Clear direction.
Leeds United finally looked to have some form of direction on and off the ball against Southampton and seemed far more structured in their play.
Gracia’s appointment was evidently very needed and the early signs are pointing towards him doing a decent job at Elland Road.
His Premier League experience with Watford may be vital in the Whites’ attempts to steer clear of relegation, something the Spaniard achieved with the Hornets.
Keeping Leeds defensively solid whilst playing an attractive brand of football is a tough ask but Gracia is the type of coach who can arguably achieve this if given the time to do so.
Fans will get a better idea of the brand of football Gracia will have this Leeds team playing in the coming weeks and with luck, it will be pleasant viewing.
An FA Cup fifth-round tie against Fulham is next up for Leeds United, followed by must-win Premier League clashes against Chelsea, Brighton and Wolves.
In other Leeds United news, the club may now face a losing battle to keep their star player at Elland Road beyond the summer transfer window.
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