Sky Sports pundit slams Pascal Struijk live on air after ‘terrible’ incident in Leeds United win v Swansea
Tom Cairney has slammed Pascal Struijk for his “terrible” mistake early in the clash between Leeds United and Swansea City on Wednesday 29 November.
The Whites claimed all three points with a 3-1 at Elland Road on Wednesday thanks to goals from Joel Piroe, Georginio Rutter and Dan James to ensure they returned to third in the Championship and in the race for the automatic promotion places.
But Daniel Farke’s side made hard work of it as they fell behind after only a minute when Jamie Paterson lobbed Ilan Meslier from the edge of the box. While the finish was special, Fulham star Cairney was quick to slam Struijk for his “terrible” header back to the Frenchman.
Speaking on Sky Sports Soccer Special (29 November, 19:50) he said: “It’s a bad head back from Struijk and he’s chipped the keeper from the edge of the box with a half volley.
“It’s a terrible header back and what a finish.”
Terrible moment
Even after watching the opening minute of Tuesday’s clash at Elland Road repeatedly, it is hard to understand exactly what happened. Leeds United looked to have taken the lead only for Dan James’ opener to be chalked off for an offside before Paterson scored at the other end.
It is hard to understand what Struijk was thinking as he aimlessly headed back towards his own goal. There wasn’t enough on it for it to reach Meslier while it was overhit if it was directed towards centre-back partner Joe Rodon so it appears to be a complete brain fade from the Dutchman.
The 24-year-old has been almost faultless during the opening months of the Championship season and the mistake against Swansea was the first error that Struijk has made that has led to a goal this season. Perhaps there were some cobwebs following his spell on the sidelines after his hernia operation.
If Leeds want to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking, however, they cannot afford to be gifting teams early leads like they did on Wednesday. Farke’s team have to be better on the ball otherwise they are giving themselves a hill to climb with each and every game.
In other Leeds United news, Farke has revealed that he is thrilled with a perfect behind-the-scenes addition at Elland Road