Mowbray suggests Jansson played key role in Leeds’ comeback

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Leeds United produced a stunning stoppage-time comeback to extend their lead at the top of the Championship.

In comments reported by the Lancashire Telegraph, Tony Mowbray has suggested that Pontus Jansson’s surge up front when Leeds went 2-1 down on Boxing Day was a key reason behind the Whites’ stunning comeback.

Blackburn took a 2-1 lead into stoppage-time. An own goal had given Marcelo Bielsa’s side a half-time lead, but a penalty shortly after the break and a free-kick in the 90th minute saw the game turned around completely.

However, Leeds produced a fightback perhaps even more incredible than the one that saw them fight from 2-0 down to beat Aston Villa 3-2 at the weekend.

Kemar Roofe scored twice in added-time to ensure that Leeds extended their winning run to seven games. But Mowbray suggested that one of Roofe’s teammates played a vital role in the incredible finish.

As Leeds put the ball on the centre spot at 2-1 down, Jansson abandoned his centre-back role and seemed to join Roofe up front. Although he did not score, the Rovers boss suggested that his side did not adjust to the Swede going forward at all.

“When they threw Jansson up top it seemed to throw our team and I don’t know why we ended up with our striker going back and marking him and not having some up front to get hold of the ball and slow the game down,” he said, as reported by the Lancashire Telegraph.

“We ended up with everyone back and you can’t just take everyone back in your box thinking you’ll head it out every time and not have anyone up the pitch to fight for it higher up the pitch.

Jansson deserves plenty of praise for his performance at Elland Road. The 27-year-old was arguably the best player on the pitch on Wednesday after an equally superb display against Villa last time out.