Harri Burton

Sat 16 December 2023 17:40, UK

Sue Smith was full of praise as Crysencio Summerville opened the scoring for Leeds United against Coventry City in the 1-1 draw on Saturday 16 December.

There was little to report on in the game, but just eight minutes after being booked for dissent, Summerville dinked over the onrushing Bradley Collins in between the sticks.

However, Smith was far more impressed with how the team built up to the goal, with Georginio Rutter assisting with a defence-splitting pass in behind for the in-form Dutchman.

Speaking live on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday (16 December, 4:18 pm), Smith said: “Ethan Ampadu plays it into Rutter, it’s a lovely weighted pass through to Summerville.

“The goalkeeper comes out and he [Summerville] just knicks it over the top of the goalkeeper.

“1-0 to Leeds, absolutely brilliant from them.”

There’s no ‘i’ in team

There is no doubt that Leeds being where they are in the table is a team effort, including the manager and staff. And instead of focusing fully on the goalscorer’s 10th strike of the season, Smith referred to the amazing build-up play that picked apart Coventry.

Although lacking in goals, Rutter has made up for it with his selfless acts in front of goal, using his trickery and skill to put the ball on plates for his teammates.

Even further back in the lead-up, Ampadu was confident enough to bring the ball forward from the centre of midfield as he likes to do on international duty with Wales. The Welshman may not be given his flowers but his effort before the goal was instrumental.

His pass into Rutter was just one of his century, and more, of completed passes against The Sky Blues. The Whites will be frustrated with having to share the points against Coventry, with Southampton climbing onto the same number of points and the gap between third and second opening up to 10 points.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites have been tipped to “push for more” compensation from Everton in the even of a possible lowball offer.