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Leeds United defender Junior Firpo earned praise from Jon Newsome in Friday night’s Championship trip to Sheffield Wednesday.
The Whites full-back provided a superb assist for Patrick Bamford to open the scoring against their Yorkshire rivals on their own patch.
Deep into first-half injury time, Firpo whipped in a great cross across the face of goal from the left wing for Bamford to poke in at the back post.
Newsome, commentating on the match on , admitted he can be critical of Firpo’s defending, but had to give him credit for his assist.
At the same time, the former Elland Road ace reiterated that he still thinks the man is the “weak link” in Leeds’ defence.
“That’s a goal out of nothing,” he said.
“I just expected Junior Firpo to turn back inside and keep possession like he has all evening but he doesn’t, he opens up.
“It’s a wonderful ball across the six-yard box. Patrick Bamford is so sharp, so alive. It’s a great finish from him but a wonderful assist from Firpo.
“I’ve called him out for the last 40 minutes but I’ve got to give him credit for that – that was a beautiful ball in.
“I get accused of being too critical of Firpo but I say it as I see it. It was a beautiful ball but he can’t forget his defensive duties.
“He is the weak link, Sheffield Wednesday haven’t exploited that yet.”
Leeds go second in Championship table with win at Sheffield Wednesday
Firpo certainly did have some poor moments in the game, such as the poor backpass to Ethan Ampadu midway through the first half.
However, he got away with it on that occasion, and was much improved in the second half.
“Junior Firpo had a much better second half but was woeful in the first half – second half, he got the bit between his teeth,” Newsome at full time.
In the end, Leeds didn’t concede. Hopefully Firpo will get a boost of confidence from his overall performance and build on it.
Leeds went on to double their lead in the second half, Georginio Rutter splitting the Wednesday defence open with a ball for Wilfried Gnonto to claim.
The Italian duly raced through on goal and fired home on 58 minutes to wrap up the scoring for Leeds, who climbed to second in the Championship table.
Although the Owls worked hard and tested Illan Meslier on numerous occasions, Leeds managed to keep hold of their clean sheet as they go marching on.