Sky Sports pundit wowed by ‘intelligent’ Patrick Bamford despite Leeds United defeat v Crystal Palace
Patrick Bamford was the man to grab a deserved opener for Leeds United in the Premier League clash with Crystal Palace at Elland Road.
The 29-year old glanced home from Brenden Aaronson’s outswinging corner to give Javi Gracia’s side a deserved lead in the 21st minute.
Bamford’s third goal of the league season, his 50th overall for the Whites, came with the hosts dominating possession as they aim to secure back to back victories.
On co-commentary duty for the live Sky Sports broadcast, Andy Hinchcliffe was wowed by the impact of the one-cap England international.
“The brilliance of this goal is that it is an away swinging corner but it’s not that far outside the six-yard box. It’s still there to be attacked, it’s not a big booming ball in, it’s flat, it’s pacy and it’s a really considered, intelligent header from Patrick Bamford,” said Hinchcliffe on Sky Sports Premier League (02:22pm, 9 April).
“Once he’s away from his man, he’s in space, it’s all about him and what he does. He just tries to redirect it, doesn’t try to be too clever, doesn’t go for power, he just redirects it toward the far post.
“It’s a goal that Leeds deserve.”
Gracia will be content with how his team performed in the first half, although they did not take full advantage of their advantage in possession with the visitors claiming a late equaliser through Marc Guehi.
As for Bamford, he showed what he is capable of and the aerial threat that he provides for the Elland Road club.
After playing the full game against Nottingham Forest in the 2-1 victory last week, he will be aiming to push on now that he is back amongst the goals, his first strike since the game against Brighton last month.
His deft header to secure the opener against Palace appeared to be the work of a training ground routine with clever movement clearing space for the striker to exploit.
Leeds will need more of that nous and clinical edge if they are to secure their Premier League survival in the final weeks of the season.
In other Leeds United news, a finance expert has dropped a fresh £45m Leeds update.