Patrick Bamford was not involved as Leeds United returned to the top of the Championship table after Wednesday night.
The Whites fell to fourth place before Wednesday’s game due to Sheffield and Sunderland winning their games. Leeds followed up a great win over Swansea last Sunday with another impressive win over Luton Town midweek. A goal from Wilfried Gnonto in added time sealed all three points for the Whites on Sunday night.
The game against Luton was a bit different as Leeds dominated proceedings from the first whistle. An early goal from Sam Byram started the night, and Joel Piroe doubled the lead just before halftime. Dan James scored the third to kill off the game in the 81st minute.
A great performance from Leeds on Wednesday night that saw Piroe and Dan James on the scoresheet again.
QUIZ: Can you name the missing sponsor on these 10 Leeds United shirts?
Huge Patrick Bamford statement made
Credit: Imago Images
With the game almost out of reach in the second half on Wednesday night, Daniel Farke looked to the bench. From the 69th minute, he made four substitutions to kill off the game. Dan James, Mateo Joseph, Largie Ramazani and Josuha Guilavogui all came onto the pitch.
It was curious to see all those names off the bench before Patrick Bamford. Max Wober was brought on just after the second half began, possibly to give him some minutes to boost his match fitness. Bamford also needed minutes but was sat on the bench as Mateo Joseph was introduced. Former Leeds manager Neil Redfearn says no one can argue with Daniel Farke’s decision to not bring Bamford on:
“You’ll have to ask them why he’s not getting the minutes or why he’s not brought them on. But you can’t fault what Daniel is doing. We are really nit-picking if we are thinking of one player that has not come on.
“Vast majority of decisions have been spot on, got the subs right tonight, rested players when he gets the opportunity, the subs haven’t diluted the performance,”
Was Daniel Farke’s decision an issue?
There might be some overreaction to this decision, especially when Bamford has made a lot of substitute appearances this season. Maybe Daniel Farke felt other players also needed some confidence and match fitness ahead of a packed schedule in December. Patrick Bamford is okay with his role at the club. His situation is much different from Joe Gelhardt who is set to leave soon.
