Chris Wood gives verdict on Leeds defeat to Brighton, defends midfielder
By Will Butcher
Chris Wood believes Kalvin Phillips’ goal-line hand ball was done for the right reasons, as Leeds lost 2-0 to Brighton.
Phillips, 21, received his marching orders after clawing the ball away with his upper arm to prevent a certain goal.
When quizzed about Friday night’s Championship loss on Sky Sports programme Soccer AM (December 10), Wood defended Phillips while remaining satisfied with Leeds’ display.
“He’s [Philips] been one of our best players over the last few games, it’s unfortunate,” Wood said. “He’s gone in with good intentions, but it’s a red card and it changed the game.
“They know how to play football, we thought at 1-0 down anything could have happened. We did alright, limited them to a minimal amount of chances.
“It was a game where we didn’t really show our talent or what we’re about, but it’s one of those days and there are plenty more games to put it right.”
Phillips’ efforts were to no avail though, as Leeds were reduced to 10 men and Glenn Murray slotted home the spot kick.
Leeds’ academy graduate Phillips has been in fine form in the middle of the park for the Yorkshire giants this season, after winning October’s EFL Young Player of the Month award.
New Zealand international Wood was left isolated as Leeds’ attacking spearhead following the red card, as attacking midfielders Kemar Roofe, Souleymane Doukara and Hadi Sacko were given heavier defensive responsibilities.
Tomer Hemed doubled the lead late on for Chris Hughton’s side at the Amex Stadium, after Kyle Bartley was adjudged to have pulled down an opposing player in the box.
The loss leaves Leeds position in the Championship’s top six in weak condition, as two points separate Garry Monk’s fourth-placed side from Huddersfield in eighth.
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