Ian Wright was critical of Leeds United duo Adam Forshaw and Cody Drameh for ‘ball watching’ during their 4-1 defeat to Arsenal at Elland Road on Saturday, as he told Premier League Productions (18/12/21 at 6:28 pm).
The former striker questioned the defending of the two players, who were part of a Leeds team that were all over the place yesterday.
After conceding seven goals at Manchester City last time out, the last thing Leeds needed was another worrying display from a defensive aspect.
They do have a number of key players out injured and, in truth, it hurts them more than most because of the small squad Marcelo Bielsa likes to work with.
But Arsenal, especially Gabriel Martinelli, ran riot against them and Wright wasn’t impressed with how they defended those first three goals.
“Even those options for Leeds,” said Wright. “They have all gone beyond the guy on the ball (Martinelli). He has three men chasing him down.
“You have got the right-back, number 37, Drameh, he’s ball watching. He doesn’t need to leave Martinelli because you have got Raphinha their already.
“You have got Koch, who is trying to deal with Lacazette, so he has left a massive space in the middle. And it’s pure joy for Martinelli.
“Forshaw has got him (Saka). I don’t know where’s he gone. He’s literally ball watching, then look at Odegaard, who is in oceans of space now. Saka’s gone, he’s gone past Dallas. It’s then a case of can they finish it off? In the end, he can.”
It’s going to be interesting to see what Leeds do in the January transfer market because Bielsa has got to come out of his comfort zone.
It’s always his way or the highway, but he has to help this young and injury-savaged Leeds side out by bulking up the squad.
The likes of Newcastle, who are currently sitting in the relegation zone, will want to pounce on teams like Leeds and it’s obvious that they will splash the cash.
What the Whites do or don’t do come the winter transfer window might just prove to be crucial in their quest to stay in England’s top division.
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