Paul Scholes praised John McGinn’s ‘really good’ last-ditch tackle to deny Leeds United three points during Aston Villa’s goalless draw at Elland Road on Sunday.
But the former midfielder was critical of ‘careless’ Patrick Bamford and how he fed the ball to Mateusz Klich from inside the box in stoppage-time.
With Leeds down to ten men at the start of the second half, they had their backs against the wall for most of the game during that second period.
Despite conceding five goals last time out to Brentford, Jesse Marsch’s side started showing something different to their game.
They kept Villa at bay, and started to hit them on the counter as the game was ticking to a close, including substitute Bamford causing problems up top.
In stoppage-time, as Villa had men forward, he ran through on goal, with Klich as his company, before feeding the midfielder a ball that was superbly blocked by McGinn right as he was going to shoot.
Whilst Scholes praised McGinn for his efforts, he felt Bamford should have played the ball to Klich’s left foot and not his right, as he told Premier League Productions (02/10/22 at 6:40 pm).
“Leeds, you thought they would defend with ten men, but they kept going for it,” said Scholes. “And they were a little bit of a threat.
“Bamford there, he should give the ball to Klich’s left foot really, but he passed it to his right foot, where the defender is. It should be to the left foot, away from the defender.
“But you should give John McGinn credit. It’s a really good block and tackle. However, I think it’s careless from Bamford. I think it’s poor play.”
LEEDS A DIFFERENT ANIMAL WITH BAMFORD
Leeds have proved since they have come back to the Premier League that they perform at their best when Bamford is fit and firing.
The issue he has faced is that, for most of last season and now during this current start, he just hasn’t been ready to deliver for his team.
If he can stay away from the treatment room, then Leeds will fly up the table.
From the physical presence he provides, ability to run the channels and movement inside the box, the Whites are a different animal with him in the XI.
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