Simon Grayson makes blunder on air as Leeds United reach FA Cup Fifth Round
Simon Grayson was at the centre of an embarrassing on-air moment on Wednesday (7 February) after Leeds United defeated Plymouth Argyle to reach the FA Cup Fifth Round.
Having travelled all the way to Home Park for a replay, following a 1-1 draw at Elland Road, Wilfried Gnonto’s opener was cancelled out by Brendan Galloway’s equaliser.
It took extra time and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville for the Whites to burst into life, eventually turning out as 4-1 victors to progress from the Fourth Round.
Leeds’ recent history in the cup competition has been far from ideal, with five Third-Round exits within the last six campaigns. However, it seems Grayson has had a blunder live on air.
Speaking live on talkSPORT on Wednesday (7 February, 9:26am), the former Leeds defender said: “I think it’s the first time they’ve got to the fifth round in 20 years, which tells you the runs they have had in cup competitions have not been great.”
Leeds United are still in the FA Cup hat
The second half of that statement is certainly true. Leeds have not reached the quarter-final of the competition since the 2002/03 season, which may be what Grayson was referring to.
However, the Whites have reached the Fifth Round three times since 2012, suggesting that either a little bit of research should have been done before going live or he just did not realise his slip of the tongue.
With a trip to either Chelsea or Aston Villa next, depending on the result on Wednesday 7 February, it is possible that Leeds could progress past the Fifth Round for the first time in over 20 years, but it will be an extremely difficult task.
Summerville, Joel Piroe, Georginio Rutter, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu and Illan Meslier will all need to perform at their best, also with the need for a whole team performance to win at either Villa Park or Stamford Bridge.
In other Leeds United news, Georginio Rutter was wowed by the fans against Plymouth.
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