Patrick Bamford should have been sent off for ‘shocking’ lunge as Leeds move out of relegation zone with victory over Southampton in Javi Gracia’s first game
Leeds got themselves out of relegation danger with a 1-0 victory over Southampton, but they should have ended the game with ten men with Patrick Bamford guilty of a ‘shocking’ tackle.
New Whites manager Javi Gracia made an instant impact, getting a much-needed three points in his first game in charge, but he was fortunate not to have lost Bamford to a suspension after the striker escaped major punishment for a moment of madness.
Junior Firpo got the winning goal for the hosts, although Saints goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu may be having nightmares tonight after the ball squirmed through his grasp when he should have saved it.
Leeds stepped up their pressing after going 1-0 up to restrict Southampton’s space on the ball, but Bamford took things too far when he caught Ainsley Maitland-Niles on the foot with a late lunge.
Bamford was dealt a yellow, but talkSPORT pundit and former Scotland international Chris Iwelumo said it deserved a straight red card.
“Maitland-Niles getting up quickly has really helped Bamford out here, because it was a shocking challenge,” said said, speaking live on talkSPORT 2 from Elland Road.
“I tell you what, it’s a red card. For me. It’s a red card.
“He’s been booked, but wait until you see it again. He’s a lucky man and if there’s a red card shown for that challenge, you’d have no arguments.
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“It’s reckless, dangerous.”
Bamford was substituted soon afterwards, and Southampton Romeo Lavia was then booked after having a go at the striker and shoving him as he lazily walked off the pitch, trying to waste a bit of time.
Southampton failed to find a way back into the game, though, with Elland Road erupting at the full-time whistle with hope restored they will beat the drop.
“It’s a scrappy goal, Firpo doesn’t hit it well and the goalkeeper has got to save it, but it’s a results business and the result is all that matters,” said Iwelumo.
“Gracia would have taken so many positives from the Leeds performance.
“He’s inherited a very, very fit group and they were dominant against Southampton. They’ve got an identity.
“Yes, in the attacking third they’re not creating enough chances for the amount of the ball that they have, so that’s something that can definitely be worked on, but they’ve got a lot of attacking options and there are a lot of injuries coming back, so there’s a lot of positives there.
“Both of these teams should not be where they are with the quality they’ve got, but Gracia will be absolutely delighted.
“The players have showcased what they’re about, he’s experienced the atmosphere at Elland Road, the passion of the fans, and he’s delivered in his first game. So he’ll be absolutely over the moon.”
The result lifts Leeds up to 17th place, one point above the bottom-three, but Southampton remain rock-bottom and four points from safety.
