Sky Sports pundit cannot believe what ‘extraordinary’ Joel Piroe did in last-gasp Leeds United win v Preston
Andy Hinchcliffe has praised Joel Piroe for the composure he showed to step and score a late penalty in the Leeds United victory over Preston North End on Sunday (21 January).
Speaking on Sky Sports Football (01:53pm), the pundit said it was “extraordinary” from the 24-year-old as he sent the Lilywhites keeper David Cornell the wrong way after Ryan Ledson had been adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area.
He added that the Dutch forward was “ice cold” when he stepped up to make it 2-1 to the Whites in injury-time, having come off the bench in the second half at Elland Road.
“Extraordinary composure from Joel Piroe,” said Hinchcliffe. “On as a substitute, of course it can be difficult to get to the pace of the game, but this is all about just sticking it in the back of the net for Leeds United.
“It’s not about playing pretty football, it’s about winning games to get promoted. He’s just ice cold he is Piroe when he steps up to take this, never looked like missing”
Pressure
There was so much pressure on Piroe when he stepped up to the spot for a moment he knew would make or break the afternoon for Leeds.
But from the moment Patrick Bamford put the ball into his hands, he never looked like missing as he gathered his composure and sent the keeper the wrong way.
The forward hasn’t been in the greatest of form over the past few weeks and that’s seen him lose his place in the starting lineup at Elland Road.
But there is no doubt that he is one of the deadliest finishers in the Championship, so he was never really going to miss in this situation.
It was a hard-fought battle in West Yorkshire, but the result should give Daniel Farke’s side plenty of confidence heading into their next game against Norwich City on Wednesday (24 January).
In other Leeds United news, Farke has shared the Whites’ stance on making a loan move permanent.
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