Leeds boss Sam Allardyce revealed why Patrick Bamford took the penalty vs Newcastle on Saturday.
Bamford had the chance to put Leeds 2-0 ahead in the 28th minute after lovely work from Junior Firpo in the box. The striker stepped up and had his penalty saved by Nick Pope. Just three minutes later, Newcastle were awarded a penalty that was converted by Callum Wilson.
Newcastle levelled the game, and the momentum turned immediately. They took the lead late in the game before Rasmus Kristensen stepped up to level the game in the dying minutes. When asked why Bamford took the penalty, Allardyce had this to say on the incident:
“I left it how it used to be before I got here. I haven’t seen them taking many. It is what it is. I’d have thought it Rodrigo really wanted it he’d have snatched it and said ‘I’m taking this’. It can happen to anybody.”
Bamford had already missed a crucial penalty against Arsenal, a game which Leeds eventually lost 1-0. The Whites have two Premier League games left to save their season.
Bamford never looked confident, I was praying Rodrigo would take it.