On Thursday, Leeds dominated Norwich in the first half, scoring goals against David Wagner’s team before halftime through goals from Ilia Gruev, Joel Piroe, and Georginio Rutter.
After stuttering in the latter parts of the automatic promotion race, Leeds’ assault sure looked like a different animal, and Piroe’s performance was possibly the most welcome surprise.
Joel Piroe outstanding as Leeds reach play-off final
The Dutchman was back in the starting lineup, leading Georginio by a step. In addition to scoring the team’s second goal with a header, Piroe had several excellent touches that opened up chances for his colleagues.
Furthermore, Aidy White stated on BBC Radio Leeds (aired on May 16 at 21:57) that he had seldom seen the striker do better.
“I thought Joel Piroe led the line really, really well, especially in that first-half. He looked tremendous, probably the first time I’ve seen him really shine this season,” he said.
Striker makes statement as Daniel Farke faces potential selection dilemma
Piroe most certainly needed a performance like that before Leeds’ Wembley trip.Piroe has faced criticism, especially throughout the season’s second half. In addition, Whites supporters would have been quite disappointed to learn that Patrick Bamford would not be playing in the second leg.
However, Piroe made it clear to everyone why Leeds brought him in as their star player before they were relegated to the Championship last summer.
It’s likely that White is not the only person who thought Piroe gave the Canaries one of his best games of the season.
And Leeds have a great chance of winning if he puts on another performance like that at Wembley.
In a related development:
‘Ridiculous’ – Chris Sutton baffled by what he heard about Leeds star in clash v Norwich
Sutton was quick to criticise Bamford for being criticised by people in and around Elland Road, despite the English forward’s injury ruling him out of the semifinal match for both legs. Sutton insisted that Bamford improves Leeds.
It is absurd that Patrick Bamford is still under investigation for the work he has done for this club, the speaker stated during a Sky Sports Main Event on May 16, at 19:47.
Simply put, is Leeds a better team now that Bamford is on board? Sure.
Will Patrick Bamford leave Leeds United and Elland Road in the summer transfer window?
Although Leeds United won on Thursday night, there will be some in the stands who believe that it might have been far more comfortable if Bamford had been available and fit for both games.
Despite appearing to be nearing the end of his Elland Road career due to his extremely poor start to the season, the England international has showed that he still has plenty of life left in him in the second half of the campaign.
While Bamford might not be as captivating to see as Crysencio Summerville or Georgianio Rutter, he might be just as significant. He tends to turn people around when he’s performing at his best, and that is quite significant.
Though it’s unclear if he’ll be ready to play at Wembley, you have to think the Whites striker won’t be playing for Leeds if Farke’s team doesn’t make the playoffs this season since he’ll have plenty of suitors.
