talkSPORT pundit slams Joe Rodon after ‘cynical’ incident for Leeds United v Preston North End
Adrian Clark has slammed Leeds United defender Joe Rodon for his “cynical” mistake in the Whites’ Championship clash with Preston North End at Elland Road.
Daniel Farke’s side claimed all three points on Saturday (21 January) as Dan James’ effort and a dramatic late penalty from Joel Piroe ensured that the Whites avoided an upset with a 2-1 win having fallen behind after only 70 seconds when Will Keane turned the ball in from an early free-kick.
The goal came after a poor foul from Rodon and talkSPORT’s Clark was quick to slam the Welsh international for his mistake before taking aim at the entirety of the Leeds’ backline for their “stationary” defending in the box.
Speaking on talkSPORT 2 (21 January, 12:01) he said: “He (Rodon) just got caught on the wrong side, it was quite a cynical foul and it gives Preston the opportunity to bring their centre-halves up.
“This was not in the script. Leeds United don’t deal with the freekick and we have a game on our hands now. You have to ask questions of the Leeds defending there. Very, very stationary with nobody picking up the most dangerous player inside that six-yard box.
Mark Wilson agreed saying: “It started with Rodon getting turned around and he was well beaten by Riis.”
Slow start
It was an uncharacteristically slow and sloppy start from Leeds United and in particular Rodon who has been such a consistent presence in the Whites’ backline. The Welshman took some time to grow into Saturday’s game.
He seemed completely off of the pace in the opening exchanges and took far too long to react to the Preston forward’s movement before hauling him to the ground to immediately put Farke’s side back under pressure.
Luckily, Farke’s side had more than enough quality going forward to ensure that the early mistake didn’t prove too costly, but the Whites need to stop conceding such sloppy goals as it will cost them in the long run.
Hopefully, when Pascal Struijk is fit and available, it will help those around him in the backline raise their level as well. A solid defence will massively help Leeds’ chances of returning to the Premier League this season.
In other Leeds United news, Sam Byram has opened up about his future at Elland Road as he nears the end of his contract
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