Championship

Leeds United fans debate Jack Harrison’s performance at Preston North End

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Many Leeds United supporters have been debating Jack Harrison’s performance in their side’s 1-1 draw at Preston North End, with some feeling he was their Man of the Match while others were left underwhelmed.

Harrison began the Tuesday evening encounter at Deepdale on the left-hand side of Marcelo Bielsa’s advanced four-man midfield line, for what was his 13th consecutive start in the Championship to maintain his perfect appearance record thus far (WhoScored).

From the wing, he delivered six crosses into the Preston box amid a total of 39 passes, 18 of which came in the final third and primarily from the cusp of the penalty area, per WhoScored data.

The Manchester City-owned 22-year-old also recorded 52 touches, attempted three of Leeds’ five dribbles, accounted for two of the Whites’ 23 clearances and fashioned one shot on goal.

He also delivered the cross from which Eddie Nketiah found the back of the net to draw the scoreline level in the 87th-minute, for what was Harrison’s third assist in his last three Championship games, after creating the winning goal at home to Birmingham City on Saturday and one against Millwall prior to the international break.

Leeds supporters have since been hailing the Stoke-on-Trent-born midfielder’s efforts at Deepdale, with one describing his performance as being ‘far better’ than Helder Costa’s display from the right-wing.

Another suggested Harrison was their Man of the Match, as he helped the Whites with his worth ethic to track back and support Ezgjan Alioski is defence…

For some, Harrison’s performance on Tuesday night could have been even better than it was, had it been for some of Leeds’ other players stepping up to the challenge presented by Preston far more adequately than they managed.

Of particular frustration for a few was Patrick Bamford, who attempted six shots in the midweek clash – more than any other United player – but could not direct any of his strikes goal bound, despite each coming from inside the penalty area.

One supporter has suggested Harrison would have seen a greater return from his creative influence had Nketiah started, who is now boasting three Championship goals since joining Leeds on loan, even though he is yet to start a league game under Bielsa.

But while many Leeds fans were impressed with Harrison’s display on Tuesday night to the point some suggested he was their Man of the Match, there were a few among the Elland Road faithful still left underwhelmed by the 22-year-old’s performance.

A few pointed to Harrison’s seemingly relentless desire to cut back inside and run across goal on his weaker right foot, rather than drilling the ball into the area from the byline on his preferred left boot.

Others also suggested Harrison was lucky to leave Deepdale earning the praise of some fans, as the midfielder was ‘yet again wasteful’ and is a ‘League One player at best’.

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