Leeds United lost a heartbreaking play-off final against Southampton at Wembley Stadium on Sunday afternoon, and Troy Deeney has chastised one Leeds player for his role in Adam Armstrong’s winner.
In a tightly balanced duel, with Leeds ending three points ahead of Southampton but the Saints winning both at home and away, it promised to be a nerve-racking encounter between the two clubs.
Leeds started well, but only tested Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy with a couple of poor attempts straight at him. Then Leeds received a sucker punch against the run of play.
Will Smallbone continued his great run in the second half of the season, with a nice feed into Adam Armstrong, who scored his 24th goal of the season, beating Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
It allowed Southampton to sit back, and despite Dan James’ shot hitting the crossbar, Russell Martin’s team hung on to win promotion, while Leeds were forced to stay in the Championship for another season.
Deeney criticises Leeds player Ethan Ampadu in Armstrong goal.
Smallbone receives the ball between the lines and swivels before threading a wonderfully weighted ball into Armstrong, who takes one touch before sliding a shot past the onrushing Illan Meslier to score.
Armstrong, on the other hand, benefited greatly from the presence of Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu in his position. Normally so dependable, the £10 million man chose to step out of the way to close down Smallbone, leaving a gap.
Deeney told Sky Sports: “It was a wonderful finish by Armstrong in taking his shot early, but Ampadu did poorly. He takes one touch and knows exactly where his shot will land.”
Leeds is planning a player firesale to balance its books.
Leeds were convinced heading into the play-off final that Jack Harrison, Max Wober, Diego Llorente, and Marc Roca had done enough to earn permanent exits, but another year in the Championship calls that into question.
There are rumors that the Victor Orta loan army will leave on loan again if Leeds remain in the second division. That may preclude Leeds from selling them, forcing the club to sell current first-team players.
Crysencio Summerville, Willy Gnonto, Illan Meslier, Pascal Struijk, and Georginio Rutter have all piqued the curiosity of rival clubs over the last year, although a permanent signing for Joe Rodon is improbable.
