Don Goodman was in disbelief to see Leeds United concede an equaliser to Rotherham United in first-half stoppage time from a position of complete dominance.
After Hakeem Odoffin fired a low shot inside Illan Meslier’s near post with the hosts’ first shot on target the Sky Sports pundit reacted live on the broadcaster’s match coverage (24 November) to brand his own claim “absolute rubbish”, having only recently suggested the home side wanted to get in at the break without conceding further.
Crysencio Summerville had given the Whites an early lead after an excellent pass from Georginio Rutter and the visitors had been in control throughout the opening 45 minutes, before Odoffin’s goal stunned Daniel Farke’s side, and Goodman.
The pundit said (8.46pm): “Well, I take it all back, I said they just want to get in 1-0 down. Absolute rubbish.
“[Sam] Nombe in behind [Liam] Cooper, he is going to beat him in a foot race, and yes there are one or two little elements of good fortune along the way, but it’s the first time that they’ve got in behind.
“Look at the bodies they’ve got forward. They win their 50-50 duels, yeah it falls kindly for Odoffin and he does what he needs to do, which is hard, it’s low, it hits the target, and look at this, he’s found the bottom corner.
“Out of absolutely nowhere this game is all square. I don’t think I’m the only one in the stadium that can’t quite believe that.”
Failed to capitalise
Having taken the lead early and appeared so comfortable in dominating possession in the first half the Whites let themselves get hit by somewhat of a smash and grab at the worst time.
The hosts were much-improved after the break as a result and Leeds United were flatter, as the surprise strike on the brink of the interval looked to have had an effect on both sides.
There was some luck involved for Rotherham but Odoffin took the chance that was presented to him and gave the struggling side something to build on in front of their own fans.
Farke won’t have been delighted to see his players put pressure on themselves when the early action had suggested three points would be a formality, especially given his side’s record this term in games where they have taken the lead.
As Leeds struggled to exert control on proceedings late in the game the action started to resemble a game that was being played on a Friday after an international break.
The Whites thought they’d manage to steal the points through Jaidon Anthony late on, only to see the offside flag go up, and ultimately the shock of the equaliser proved to be crucial in a frustrating night for Farke and his players.
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