Phil Hay expressed strong criticism of Leeds United’s defense, citing a lack of organization, during an incident in the first half of their Championship match against Southampton on Saturday (September 30th).
The Whites quickly fell behind at St Mary’s, with Adam Armstrong slipping behind the defensive line and skillfully chipping the ball over Illan Meslier from a difficult angle. By halftime, Daniel Farke’s side found themselves trailing 3-0.
Armstrong managed to exploit the space behind Liam Cooper, who had stepped up in an attempt to catch the forward offside. However, Sam Byram had positioned himself deeper, ensuring that the linesman’s flag stayed down.
Hay didn’t hold back in his criticism of the defense and took to Twitter on September 30th to comment: “Adam Armstrong with a precise finish, executing a delicate chip over Meslier from an acute angle. A well-placed through ball from Walker-Peters found him behind the defense. It was a close call for offside, but no flag was raised.
Adam Armstrong with the finish, a neat chip over Meslier from an angle. Through ball from Walkers-Peters found him behind the defence – very tight call on offside but no flag. Saints lead 1-0. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) September 30, 2023
“There was a lack of organization in the offside trap as Armstrong went past Cooper. The defense didn’t act in unison. It was a good finish, and just like that, the streak of clean sheets came to an end.”
The defensive lapse was evident, and Farke’s decision to stick with an unchanged lineup against Southampton, despite a strong performance against Watford in the previous match, raised questions. With Joe Rodon available as an option, some wondered whether starting him in the heart of the defense would have been a better choice than Cooper, who seemed unaware of Armstrong’s positioning.
While Cooper is undoubtedly a skilled defender, he experienced a few uncertain moments during the first half at St Mary’s. Given Rodon’s impressive start to the season, it is reasonable to assume that he would have been a more suitable choice to face Russell Martin’s side.
To give credit to Southampton, Kyle Walker-Peters’ pass was pinpoint, and Armstrong’s timing on his run was impeccable. However, Farke would have hoped that the pass could have been intercepted at its source.
In other Leeds United news, Gus Poyet has suggested that Joel Piroe has the potential to lead Leeds to promotion.”
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