Leeds United forward Rodrigo has been criticised for the role he played in the build-up to Arsenal’s goal in the side’s 1-0 defeat to the Gunners at Elland Road on Sunday.
That is by The Athletic’s Phil Hay, who described an attempted pass by the Spaniard as “the most stupid crossfield ball you’ll ever see.”
Rodrigo had started the season exceptionally well for Jesse Marsch’s Leeds side, having scored four goals and provided one assist after the club’s first three Premier League fixtures, according to Transfermarkt.
However, having dislocated his shoulder in the side’s clash with Everton at the end of August, the £26m 2020 signing has been unable to register so much as a goal or assist in the weeks since his return.
And Hay was left bewildered by Rodrigo’s attempt at a switch across the field, which allowed Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka to claim the ball and finish into the roof of the net.
“Rodrigo with the most stupid crossfield ball you’ll ever see, smashed from right to left and inviting Saka to nick it and attack,” Hay tweeted.
“[Martin] Odegaard plays Saka in behind Struijk, Saka with a brilliant finish into the roof of the net. But that was ludicrous. 0-1 on 36 mins. #lufc”
TIF Thoughts on Hay’s comments
We believe that Hay was right to slam Rodrigo’s decision to switch the ball across the field, with there being no need to attempt the pass which led to the only goal of the game.
It was a poor piece of decision making from the 31-year-old, which ultimately cost his side the chance to earn a point of the Premier League leaders.
He didn’t have the greatest of games according to Sofascore, as he lost three duels, had a passing success rate of 78% and was caught offside twice with just 27 touches in the first half.
However, we believe that an experienced figure such as Rodrigo will be able to take the mistake on the chin, and be able to put it out of his mind for Thursday evening’s trip to Leicester City.