‘Naive’ Leeds man hammered by talkSPORT pundit after Leicester draw

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Javi Gracia ‘has got to take some stick’ after Leeds United dropped two crucial points at home to Premier League relegation rivals Leicester City on Tuesday night. 

That is according to Jason Cundy; the former Chelsea defender baffled about the way Leeds ‘managed’ the final 15 minutes at Elland Road, gifting substitute Jamie Vardy a late equaliser to cap a dreadful second half performance in front of a less-than-impressed home support. 

Luis Sinisterra’s back post header, from a gorgeous Jack Harrison cross, put Leeds in control of proceedings in the 20^th minute.  

But, like against Liverpool, like against Crystal Palace, Leeds seemed to take their foot off the gas following the half-time interval, their second ‘45 more akin to a game of hot potato than Premier League football such was the frequency in which the Yorkshire giants coughed up possession. 

Leeds United drop points at home to Leicester City

And Cundy – like many on the Elland Road terraces – was less than impressed by what he considered to be a lack of game management from a coach who has now conceded 14 goals during a four-game winless run. 

“What I didn’t see from Javi Gracia was a change in shape, a change in affecting the game at all. Naivity,” Cundy tells talkSPORT (25 April, 10pm). 

“With the score at 1-0, with 15 minutes to go, you should be able to see that out at home. And they didn’t. Even though Leicester created one or two more chances, so did Leeds.

“I have to say, if I am a Leeds fan, I am coming away from Elland Road thinking; ‘How on earth did we not get the three points that takes us such a crucial step to safety’?

“If I am a Leicester fan, I am thinking; ‘How did Leeds not see that game out?’”

Leeds will still feel that they could and should have taken the three points; Marc Roca and Patrick Bamford missing glorious chances at the death. Leeds are now under huge pressure to get a result at Bournemouth this weekend; Manchester City and Newcastle United looming on the horizon. 

“To go in with 15 to go, when the game is so crucial…,” Cundy adds. “If you look at (Vardy’s) goal, it’s a two-v-two at one stage. How can that be allowed to happen? Javi Gracia has got to take some stick for this.  

“I don’t know what Javi Gracia is thinking?”