Paul Merson chastised Max Wober for missing a fantastic opportunity to secure a late victory for Leeds United in their 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers.
The Whites began 2025 on a negative note, as Danny Batth’s 90th-minute equaliser at Elland Road (1 January) deprived Daniel Farke three points and the opportunity to extend his lead at the top of the Championship table.
While Leeds’ frustrating afternoon worsened after Jayden Bogle limped off the play, Merson acknowledged Wober’s effect, or lack thereof, live on Sky Sports News (1 December, 5:04pm), stating that the defender could have stolen the victory.
He stated: “Yeah, just one right there at the finish with Wober at the far post, James floats it in, he gets just above his line and tries to head it back where it came from, [but] gets too much on it and heads it over the bar.
“I thought he probably should have done better if I’m being honest.”
Max Wober costs Leeds United at the death versus Blackburn Rovers.
The Austrian replaced Junior Firpo after 21 minutes against Derby County at Elland Road on December 7 and scored the second goal in the 2-0 victory.
As a result, when he replaced Sam Byram at halftime on Wednesday, Leeds fans could be forgiven for hoping history would repeat itself.
Wober’s inclusion in the matchday squad was a hot subject prior to kickoff, given the defender had spent the previous few matches on the sidelines.
Despite demonstrating “outstanding” attacking skills against Derby, he was left red-faced at Elland Road when he headed the ball over the Blackburn goal with the game hanging in the balance.
While a draw is a fair result given that the Whites were unable to break down the opponent defence until Dominic Hyam fouled Mateo Joseph, resulting in a penalty kick converted by Pascal Struijk, it was far from a performance worthy of a table-topping team.
Farke may rest comfortable knowing Leeds will remain at the top of the Championship regardless of other results, but there is no denying he has missed a fantastic opportunity to pull farther ahead of the pack.
Unfortunately for Wober, he is about to become the newest scapegoat in West Yorkshire.
