Tyler Roberts came off the bench during Leeds United’s draw at the weekend and was extremely impressive.
It is unsurprising that the only thing that most people wanted to talk about following Leeds’ draw with Aston Villa at the weekend was the five-minute period in which the score went from being goalless to being 1-1 while the visitors also found themselves down to 10 men.
Marcelo Bielsa appears to have been the only person who has had his reputation enhanced by the events of the second-half. But perhaps that statement would actually be a little unfair on Tyler Roberts.
Roberts played a key role in the game’s controversial opening goal. The Wales international slowed the play down before sliding in Mateusz Klich when the Villa players thought he was going to kick the ball out for a throw-in.
So many aspects of that crazy five minutes have divided football, with Roberts’ actions certainly splitting opinion.
Roberts may well have no regrets about playing on – many would argue that he has no need to be disappointed in himself – but perhaps he may feel slightly frustrated about being involved because the goal has completely overshadowed what was a fantastic performance from the forward.
Roberts has had a mixed time since his £2.5 million move to Elland Road (fee reported by Sky Sports). There have been some outstanding displays, but there have also been times when he has struggled to make an impact at a time when Bielsa’s side have needed inspiration.
Like many Whites players, he has struggled to find any real form lately. And he probably could have few complaints when Bielsa left him on the bench against Villa.
But Roberts certainly proved a point once he came on at the break.
The 20-year-old looked to be back towards his best during the second-half. He caused a number of problems and was perhaps the player that looked most likely to make something happen while the deadlock waited to be broken.
But funnily enough, it was the assist that he did provide that will ensure that many will look past his performance and only talk about the fact that he carried on playing instead of kicking the ball out – whether they support him or not.
Roberts produced the kind of performance that Bielsa needed to see heading into the play-offs. But it was a display that looks set to be overlooked by most because of that bizarre run of events.
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