Leeds United defender Liam Cooper Man of the Match despite loss v Fulham – BT Sport pundit
Efan Ekoku was blown away by the return of Leeds United captain Liam Cooper to the playing eleven in Saturday’s, 22 April, game against Fulham.
The Whites ended up losing 2-1, but Cooper put in a decent performance on his return and both goals were conceded based on individual errors.
The performance or the result did not do Leeds’ survival hopes any favours and they could get sucked in if results in other games go against them.
Speaking on the Premier League world feed, Ekoku, a BT Sport pundit, said [22/04, 13:45], “Phenomenal tackle from Cooper. It’s been a Man of the Match return so far. Superb defending really.”
Good return
Of course, Ekoku praised him when the score was 0-0 and Leeds were still very much in the game but their individual errors continue to cost them.
Cooper’s arrival undoubtedly strengthened the backline and helped the Whites stay extremely tight at the back, giving very little away.
However, Illan Meslier’s failed parried attempts for both goals saw the hosts race to a 2-0 lead and it became hard to come back from that.
The players around the Frenchman weren’t the Frenchman’s allies either and the lack of communication at the back cost them the three points.
Cooper did not lack match sharpness and unless he picks up an injury, he is definitely going to be in the eleven for the next game.
It remains to be seen what Javi Gracia does at left-back as Junior Firpo clearly offers more going forward but is not the best at defending around his penalty area.
