EFL analyst supports Leeds United in the Millwall squabble
Sam Parkin believes “Whites” controversial opener against Millwall was right to stand
According to EFL analyst Sam Parkin, Leeds United’s contentious opening against Millwall should have stood because it “would’ve been really soft” to deny it for a foul on Kevin Nisbet.
The Lions were trounced 3-0 by their traditional rivals at The Den on Sunday, continuing their dismal start to the 2023/24 season, as Joel Piroe scored twice and Georginio Rutter scored his first goal for the Whites.
It took just 15 minutes for Daniel Farke’s side to open the scoring in South London, as a brilliant counter-attack was finished in style by Leeds’ new Dutch forward, while the visitors struck twice late on to put the result beyond question.
Sam Parkin on Leeds United and the Millwall flashpoint
Millwall felt Piroe’s foul on Nisbet in the build-up should have resulted in the goal being disallowed.
The foul was not called, and the goal stood, as Parkin stated on the newest episode of the What The EFL!? podcast.
“A really good performance from [Piroe] – I really enjoyed the first goal,” he remarked.
“There was obviously a lot of disappointment on Millwall’s side because they felt Piroe fouled Nisbet at the start of their counter-attack.” I don’t believe so.
“I believe it would have been quite soft. Then, obviously, when the ball went past Billy Mitchell, I believe from Archie Gray, they were in big difficulty – it was a 3v3 game.
“Then Piroe sprinted past a couple of Millwall defenders or midfielders – Norton-Cuffy, the right wing-back, was the one I felt was just a little bit slow to react – if he sprints back and smells the danger, maybe Piroe doesn’t get the goal.”
“However, his two touches are stunning. He and Rutter will make an excellent team, with a mutual understanding. When you move like that, the touch and then the slot are indicators of a top-tier marksman.”
Can Joel Piroe propel Leeds United to the Premier League?
Piroe is already shaping up to be an excellent signing for Leeds.
The Whites waited too long to make a bid for the Dutchman, but their patience has paid off as he has resumed up where he left off at Swansea City.
Piroe scored x goals for the Welsh club in two seasons and has three in three games for his new club.
He already appears to be developing strong bonds with players like Rutter, Dan James, and Wilfried Gnonto, which is excellent news for Farke and the Whites.
There is a fair case to be made that those four players are the strongest attacking unit in the Championship right now, and their recent form will have given Leeds renewed hope of gaining promotion this season.
Who will Leeds United play next?
Leeds return to play on Wednesday night, hosting Hull City at the MKM Stadium.
They return to Elland Road on Saturday to face Watford before traveling to the South Coast to face Southampton the following weekend.
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