Leeds United’s transfer writing wall is up, and another may have signed off on it.
Here are our four talking points from Leeds United’s 3-0 FA Cup triumph over Peterborough United at London Road, in which Ethan Ampadu and Patrick Bamford scored.
Patrick Bamford stated in his post-match interview with Leeds United’s LUTV service that confidence has never been an issue for him. When interviewer Bryn Law questioned if two goals in two games meant things were picking up for him, he smiled.
“To be honest, I never thought they weren’t,” he told me. “Everyone claims his self-esteem is low, but it isn’t.
“I was just frustrated or angry because I wasn’t starting, and I knew if I started, I’d score.” It’s just been keep going until I get the chance for me.”
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Even if belief has never been an issue for the England one-cap, it’s fair to say there have been many concerns regarding Bamford’s progress and position in recent years. Sunday’s game-winning goal was more for them than for him.
It was the kind of goal that fans will remember for the rest of the club’s history. It may not have had the spectacular status of a top-flight game against Liverpool in August 1995, but it was magnificent as a single piece of art.
Even if Bamford thought he had something in his locker, it was a timely reminder for those who doubted his ability to perform on his day. After a grueling 27 months, the 30-year-old will abstain from counting his chickens, but these were a few more construction blocks laid to New Year’s Day’s foundations at London Road.
As he told the cameras, the distance, skill, and execution of Sunday’s strike count for nothing more than the first goal in Bamford’s career. It’s two in two, with some encouraging linking and hold-up play to boot, and he’ll be ready for Cardiff City on Saturday.
Cresswell’s name is written on the wall.
Charlie Cresswell was starting the previous time Leeds visited a lower-league opponent in a cup competition. That was his final appearance for the Whites. That was nearly four months ago.
Since then, there has been a cameo against Queens Park Rangers and only three appearances in the last 17 matchday squads announced by Farke. Cresswell, who was a year younger, worked his way up.
