Noel Whelan delivers instant verdict on Leeds defeat, slams four scared players
By Harry Sykes
Noel Whelan has slammed Leeds’ midfielders for being “scared” of scoring goals in the wake of their 2-0 Championship defeat to Cardiff on Saturday.
The BBC pundit laid into a number of Garry Monk’s side after they drew a blank in a lacklustre display at Elland Road.
It condemned Leeds to a second consecutive defeat and put a dent in their promotion hopes even though they remain fifth in the league table.
Ex-Leeds striker Whelan claimed a number of the players were not getting into scoring positions, naming Liam Bridcutt, Ronaldo Vieira, Pablo Hernandez and substitute Hadi Sacko as four of the worst offenders.
He delivered his instant verdict in the immediate aftermath of the match that the home side had initially dominated.
“The first 45 was all Leeds but possession doesn’t win you games. 70 per cent possession – that doesn’t equal a goal,” said Whelan to BBC Radio Leeds, as quoted by their live matchday blog (Saturday, 4.59pm). “You have to get more men in the box – there were balls where no one was running in and gambling on them.
“Bridcutt and Vieira were deeper than Hernandez, Sacko was on the edge of the box – are they scared of scoring goals? They’ll never score goals from midfield if they don’t get in the box.
“As a midfield player, you have to watch the play build up and get yourself into positions where you can affect the game, going forward.
“Is Sacko in a good area? Am I getting forward now? Have I got the run on my man? You’re a defensive midfield player, but it doesn’t mean you can’t score goals and get in the box. Get into dangerous areas.”
Leeds have been heavily reliant on the Championship’s January player of the month Chris Wood for goals this season, with the spearhead weighing in with 18 of their 42 league strikes.
The second top scorer is Souleymane Doukara with five goals, and the Senegalese was dropped to the bench against Cardiff to make way for deadline day signing Alfonso Pedraza.
In other Leeds news, the club are eying a stunning triple transfer swoop as three players headed into the training ground.
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