Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman slammed Jack Harrison for his poor decision-making as Leeds United were beaten 1-0 by Sheffield United at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon.
Harrison, 22, could have scored in the first-half, and after the break he was guilty of not playing a simple pass to a free Ezgjan Alioski when the Whites were pushing forward for the opening goal.
The England Under-21 international was substituted off by Marcelo Bielsa just minutes later, and Goodman claims that decision could have been a show of displeasure by the Leeds manager.
“He just made a couple of poor decisions in possession, Jack Harrison,” said Goodman during live commentary on Sky Sports Main Event [Saturday, 01:46pm].
“I wonder whether that’s Bielsa being absolutely ruthless, you know?”
OPINION
Bielsa has regularly taken Harrison off in Leeds’ games this season. The on-loan Manchester City winger has only completed 90 minutes in 11 of his 28 Championship appearances this term, so it’s not like that one bad decision in the second-half led to Bielsa taking him off. It might have been a contributing factor to Bielsa’s decision but it’s perhaps not as ruthless as Goodman was claiming it was. Other than that one opportunity, Harrison could have scored and did well in his defensive duties when he had to track back and help Alioski. He’s played very well lately so he will be disappointed by the fact he couldn’t contribute more in the Yorkshire derby. Jack Clarke’s return to the first team could put some pressure back on Harrison because the teenager has taken his starting spot once already this season. He could do it again if Harrison does not improve after the international break.