OPINION
Bailey Peacock-Farrell had a whole load of pressure on his young shoulders in the game against Reading on Tuesday night.
He’s been criticised by the fans after a string of mistakes and was told by manager Marcelo Bielsa that he would have been dropped for the Bristol City game if back-up Jamal Blackman hadn’t broken his leg.
Ironic then that after a few mistakes in the first-half, the whole game hinged on him.
With the score at 1-0 deep in the second-half, Barry Douglas gave away a penalty and the three points that Leeds desperately needed came down to Peacock-Farrell’s nerve and agility.
And he didn’t disappoint, diving down to his right to make an absolutely brilliant save.
This wasn’t a poor penalty that was the right height to save. It was heading into the corner and Peacock-Farrell needed every inch of his 6ft 4in frame to turn it round the post.
The Leeds fans went crazy but it was the reaction from owner Andrea Radrizzani that said everything about this Leeds side.
Waiting in the tunnel after the game he ruffled the young goalkeeper’s hair and gave him a massive hug.
It made us think of Mike Ashley at Newcastle and what a difference an owner like Radrizzani makes at a club.
He’s already cemented his status by bringing in Marcelo Bielsa against all the odds.
And they’ve got a very good chance of getting back in the Premier League this season.
The emotion on Radrizzani’s face said it all though. He’s a very successful businessman, but he cares deeply about Leeds, and last night he looked just like a fan.
Leeds fan should be proud and they should be absolutely made up with his commitment to the cause.