Billy Sharp was astounded by Junior Firpo’s “unbelievable” pass to assist Patrick Bamford as Leeds United secured a crucial victory over Middlesbrough.
The Hull City striker reacted live on Sky Sports at half-time of the 4-3 triumph on April 22 to compliment the Whites defender’s left-wing ball in the 18th minute, which was flicked home by Bamford against his previous club to put Daniel Farke‘s side ahead 2-1.
Crysencio Summerville passed the it high on the left to Firpo, who arched a magnificent cross into the box, leaving the Boro backline stranded and allowing the Leeds striker a relatively simple finish.
David Prutton compared it to the other pundit in the studio, saying (9pm): “Bamford’s goal comes from a wonderful Junior Firpo cross, very Stewart Downing-esque from that side of the pitch, and as a striker, you can gamble if the ball’s that good, can’t you Billy?”
“Yeah, the ball’s unbelievable,” the Tigers forward acknowledged, “very similar to Stewart Downing.” I think the goalie needs to improve, but to be honest, Patrick Bamford does an excellent job of getting something on it and diverting it towards the goal. “I’m sure he liked that one.”
Patrick Bamford impresses Billy Sharp of Leeds United.
Results are ultimately all that matters at this juncture in the season, with the automatic promotion race likely to leave two standout teams profoundly dissatisfied.
After surrendering eight of the last nine available points to put a top-two finish in peril, Farke merely needed to win to get back on track, or the playoffs would have been nearly inevitable.
There were still concerns with Leeds United‘s defensive performance, which had previously been a significant strength, as a chaotic first half saw them lose two goals that could have been averted if more care had been taken in possession, and another late third was scored amid a frenzied finale.
Firpo was somewhat to blame for Isaiah Jones’ early goal, as he was beaten to a loose ball while ignorant of his opponent’s position.
But in an offensive sense, it was much more like the Whites side that had been taking on all comers in January and February, during which Firpo had provided a flurry of assists before only adding one in three months before this win.
Crysencio Summerville scored twice, Georginio Rutter won a penalty, and Willy Gnonto found the net, albeit thanks to a missed offside.
The crucial victory puts the Whites second in the Championship, a point behind leaders Leicester and one ahead of Ipswich, although playing one more game than both, and must be followed by more results like this, preferably in less nerve-racking conditions.
Leave a Comment