Leeds United had a tough outing on Saturday, falling 1-0 to promotion rivals Burnley. To make matters worse, one player’s missed opportunity in this vital matchup drew heavy criticism from a BBC commentator.
Before the international break, Leeds had been in solid form, going unbeaten with two wins and two draws in their first four matches. With both teams eager to keep pace with the clubs chasing automatic promotion, this game was crucial for both Burnley and Leeds.
In a closely fought match, Luca Koleosho’s goal in the 18th minute gave Burnley a 1-0 lead, which the visitors managed to hold onto for the remainder of the game.
Mateo Joseph slammed for missed scoring chance
When a squad loses 1-0, missed scoring chances are scrutinized much more closely, and Mateo Joseph is criticized for a missed opportunity. Even with their recent success, Joseph missed a golden chance to put Leeds ahead against Burnley.
BBC commentator Scott Read didn’t hide his frustration with Joseph’s missed chance to give Leeds a goal in the match.
“A terrible mistake at the back and a huge get out of jail free card for Burnley,” Read said (h/t Give Me Sport). “In theory, they should be 1-0 down. But it’s a stinking finish from Mateo Joseph.”
Joseph never quite shook off the missed chance. He took three more shots during the game, but only one was on target and that was saved by Burnley’s goalkeeper, James Trafford. Leeds will be heading to Cardiff City next week, hoping to bounce back from today’s disappointing performance and result.
The young striker wasn’t the only player garnering criticism for their performance against Burnley. Former English footballer Dean Ashton criticized Leeds United defender Jayden Bogle for his poor defending in the lead-up to Burnley’s first-half goal at Elland Road.
“Bogle had a dilemma for the goal,” Ashton said on talkSPORT 2’s live game coverage. “Does he go to the ball, or instead hold his position so that Anthony doesn’t get the ball?
“I’m sorry, but at some point you have to come across if you’re Bogle and put pressure on the ball. He doesn’t do that – he just hangs back and hangs back, lets Koleosho go into the penalty area, and he has time to pick his spot. It’s made easy for him by Bogle, but he still made sure of the advantage.”
