When Leeds United defeated Sheffield Wednesday on Friday night, Andy Hinchcliffe was not impressed by one pass that the Italian player, Willy Gnonto, mishandled in the first half, which led to the collapse of a compelling assault.
Willy Gnonto had a very interesting evening. His return to the starting lineup ahead of Daniel James was a major decision made by Daniel Farke. In the tie with Huddersfield earlier in the month, Gnonto had performed fairly poorly.
In the 16th minute at Hillsborough, Gnonto’s first noteworthy action was to pass the ball straight out for a goal kick. It started with a spectacular run on the overlap by Archie Grey.
If Gnonto had seen Grey holding the ball, it would have been an easy chore for the 17-year-old to whip it in. But the forward made a really incorrect pass.
Additionally, Andy Hinchcliffe did not hold back in his condemnation of the 20-year-old when speaking on Sky Sports (broadcast on August 3 at 20:17).
“A little heavy, perhaps? That pass was awful. That’s an easy pass to make inside Gassama, right into Archie Gray’s path. Play the ball with consideration. His response is visible. Should be handling that far better,” he remarked.
Fortunately for Leeds, the error did not turn out to be expensive. The Whites would double their lead with a deft finish into the bottom corner from Gnonto, who scored in either half.
Additionally, he made a vital stop at the back post as the Owls crossed the six-yard line with the score at 0-0. Additionally, there were a few instances in which Gnonto and Grey did click.
It seemed like an error at the time, like it would be Leeds’ undoing. We obviously controlled the ball. And there were a few significant opportunities. But when it mattered most, the quality was inadequate.
Fortunately, Patrick Bamford was presented with an opportunity by Junior Firpo’s wonderful cross in stoppage time, and Leeds took the lead.
However, the goal seemed to appear out of nowhere.
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