Leeds United suffered the heartbreak of a play-off final defeat to Southampton at Wembley on Sunday afternoon and Troy Deeney has criticised one Leeds player for his part in Adam Armstrong’s winner.
In what was a finely poised clash with Leeds finishing three points ahead of Southampton, but the Saints winning both home and away against Leeds, it promised to be a nervy affair between the two sides.
It was just that, with Leeds starting brightly without testing Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy other than a couple of tame shots straight at him. Then, the sucker punch against the run of play for Leeds.
Will Smallbone continued his excellent form during the second half of the season, with a neat pass into Adam Armstrong who netted his 24th goal of the season, finishing past Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
It allowed Southampton to sit back and despite Dan James’ crashing one off the bar, Russell Martin’s side held on to achieve promotion while Leeds are forced to remain in the Championship for another season.
Deeney criticises Leeds man Ethan Ampadu in Armstrong goal
Receiving the ball between the lines, Smallbone swivels before threading a perfectly-weighted ball into Armstrong who takes one touch before sliding a shot past the on-rushing Illan Meslier to score a goal.
But Armstrong garnered so much run with his space largely because of Leeds skipper Ethan Ampadu. Normally so reliable, the £10m man chose to step out of the line to close down Smallbone, leaving a gap.
Deeney told Sky Sports: “It was an unbelievable finish from Armstrong in taking his shot early but it was poor from Ampadu. He takes one touch and then knows exactly where he’s going to put it with his shot.”
Leeds now set for player firesale in order to balance books
Leeds were confident ahead of the play-off final that Jack Harrison, Max Wober, Diego Llorente and Marc Roca had done enough to win permanent exits, but another year in the Championship puts that in doubt.
There are some murmurs that the Victor Orta loan army could leave on loan again if Leeds are still in the second tier. That may prevent Leeds from selling them, and force Leeds to sell current first-team players.
Crysencio Summerville, Willy Gnonto, Illan Meslier, Pascal Struijk and Georginio Rutter have all earned the interest of other clubs at times over the last year, while a permanent deal for Joe Rodon looks unlikely.