Leeds United’s win over Sheffield United was a clear indication of purpose from Daniel Farke’s side, as well as a significant boost to the squad’s injury situation, with two vital players returning.
Leeds not only defeated a Yorkshire rival but also a fellow promotion prospect, putting a stop to Chris Wilder’s unblemished season. However, Manor Solomon and Dan James came off the bench due to recent injuries.
Mateo Joseph scored for the second time this season, while Joel Piroe contributed an assist. Pascal Struijk scored Leeds’ first set-piece goal in eight months.
Everything was looking good ahead of a quick turnaround and the 11th Championship game of the season against Watford on Tuesday night. However, Tony Dorigo expressed some concern about Wilfried Gnonto.
Tony Dorigo saw Wilfried Gnonto laboring with a knock.
Gnonto went over on his shoulder early in the first half of the 2-0 victory over Wilder’s Blades, and after 37 minutes, during a break in play, the players gathered on the touchline to discuss tactics with their dugouts.
Speaking as LUTV’s co-commentator on Friday night, former Leeds player Dorigo claims Gnonto stepped over to the touchline to address the shoulder knock with the physio and stated that it was “clearly” causing an issue.
“Gnonto just came over and told the physio to talk about his shoulder again, but he’s fine. “Clearly, that is still causing him some problems,” Dorigo stated as he watched from the LUTV gantry.
Wilfried Gnonto’s stats against Sheffield United on Friday night.
Gnonto has been in amazing form, entering Friday’s game with three assists and a goal in his last three games, followed by another assist for Italy’s Under-21 team during the October break.
However, Gnonto struggled to create an impression on Friday night, as evidenced by his statistics. Perhaps Gnonto’s shoulder injury hindered him from playing to his full potential during Leeds’ fifth 24-25 victory.
Wilfried Gnonto stats against Sheffield United:
- XG only 0.02, with Leeds striker Mateo Joseph the game’s best at 0.42
- Five misplaced passes from an attempted 26
- Four of nine duels lost
- Only two dribbled attempted, one successful
It will be fascinating to see if Daniel Farke provides an update on Gnonto at his pre-Watford press conference on Monday afternoon. Leeds fans will be hoping their Italian international is fit to face Watford.
