Leeds United’s four-game unbeaten run was snapped following a narrow defeat to Manchester City at Elland Road on Saturday evening.
Daniel Farke’s side had large spells of the game where they were on top, with big chances failing to be converted by Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Brenden Aaronson.
Following the game, Stuart Dallas made a bold claim regarding Leeds, with the Northern Irishman claiming he wanted to see his former side open up a bit more and go for the win in certain games should their survival be mathematically secure in the coming weeks.
However, Dallas also had his say on one member of the United team in particular following his performance against Manchester City.
Stuart Dallas praises ‘brilliant’ Karl Darlow after wonderful save against Manchester City
Darlow, 35, has unexpectedly been thrown into the starting XI this season following a string of poor performances by Lucas Perri as the Brazilian struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League.
Although Darlow has not been perfect, with Dallas acknowledging the fact that the Welshman had “come under some criticism” this season, he was also full of praise for the shot stopper and his performances in recent weeks after Darlow made a fantastic save to deny Marc Guehi and keep the score at 1-0.
Speaking on Sky Sports after the game, Dallas said: “Karl has been in, he’s been out, and now he’s back in again. He’s done well, he’s come under a bit of criticism, of course, he has, but he’s making big saves at big moments; he made one last week against Aston Villa as well.
“For me, he’s been brilliant. That is a fantastic save, and that’s what you need when you’re at the bottom end of the table as well as the top end, you need a really good goalkeeper, and I feel like the more Karl’s playing, he’s coming into his own.”
Data suggests Karl Darlow has been exceptional recently
After a shaky display against Arsenal at the end of January, it is fair to say that Darlow has put that wobble firmly in the rear-view mirror.
Darlow’s recent performances against Man City and Aston Villa have been exceptional, and the Welsh international looks on course to see out the remainder of the campaign as Farke’s first-choice shot-stopper.
- Against Man City, Darlow had a goals prevented of 1.63 whilst making four saves in total
- Against Villa, Darlow had a goals prevented of 0.83 whilst making a further three saves
- Darlow also completed three high claims during the game at Villa Park (Sofascore)
Leeds will be hoping Darlow can keep up this exceptional form for the remaining ten games in the Premier League, with another goalkeeper selection dilemma being the last thing Farke needs to have on his mind during the run-in.
