The Leeds United faithful have flooded to social media on Sunday, to send a message to manager Marcelo Bielsa over attacking pair Joe Gelhardt and Tyler Roberts.
James amongst the goals
Bielsa, of course, guided his side back into action a short time ago.
On the back of a trio of successive defeats over the last couple of weeks, the Peacocks welcomed Sean Dyche’s Burnley to Elland Road, for a Premier League clash.
The matchup marked a crucial one in the battle against the drop in the English top-flight, with the two sides, ahead of kick-off, having been separated by just five points.
When all was said and done on Sunday, though, it was Leeds who made clear their superiority, to take a significant step towards survival.
After Maxwel Cornet’s free-kick cancelled out Jack Harrison’s opener early in the 2nd-half, late strikes on the part of both Stuart Dallas and substitute Dan James assured that it was the hosts who emerged with all three points, courtesy of a 3-1 triumph.
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2022 starts off with a win! pic.twitter.com/hMIkhw3g8r— Leeds United (@LUFC) January 2, 2022
‘Gelhardt over Roberts!’
Upon the final whistle sounding at Elland Road on Sunday, though, it was not the name of James, but instead another substitute, which found itself on the lips of many a Leeds United supporter.
The player in question? Joe Gelhardt.
Gifted starlet Gelhardt was afforded his latest appearance by Marcelo Bielsa this afternoon, with the 19-year-old having taken full advantage of the opportunity courtesy of a starring performance off the bench.
Adding such much-needed impetus to an at times static frontline, Gelhardt even managed to chip in with the assist for James’ 3rd, courtesy of a sumptuous floated delivery into the Burnley area.
In turn, calls have begun to mount for the English youth international to be rewarded with a more regular starting berth moving forward, at the expense of the oft-maligned Tyler Roberts:
Please keep playing Joe gelhardt over tyler roberts he is miles better amazing talent does so much when he on the pitch, well done Joe and Dan amazing play great cross great finish!!
— UNOJV (@UNOJV7) January 2, 2022
Another assist for Gelhardt, surely Roberts can’t ever be ahead of him in the pecking order again?
— Rob Simpson (@Bobsimpson82) January 2, 2022
If that doesn’t tell you all you need to know about Gelhardt.. nothing will. Should never be behind Roberts in the pecking order again. Fucking get in. #lufc
— Sam Mace (@manlikemacey) January 2, 2022
Gelhardt done more in 30 minutes than roberts has all season get him fucking sold
— Liam Wheeler (@wheeler_liam) January 2, 2022
Much needed 3 points. Firpo excellent. Think Gelhardt has to start over Roberts from now on. #LUFC
— LufcJR (@LufcAlaw) January 2, 2022
I applaud Roberts for his “try hard” attitude….
But Gelhardt has an end product.. End of.#lufc
— Justin Hardy (@Hardyboy79) January 2, 2022
Turning point in that match was absolutely Gelhardt coming on for Roberts. He was phenomenal with/without ball (shoutout Heckingbottom) & made a massive difference
It should be him or Bamford up front for the West Ham fixtures, with the other coming off bench as a sub #LUFC #MOT
— Jake Winderman (@jakewinderman) January 2, 2022
Roberts works hard and has technical ability but Gelhardt is a class above. He’ll be in the England squad in two years.
— Tasker (@CrambazzledTask) January 2, 2022
Great win great performance ! Gelhardt over Roberts every day of the week!
— Aidan Wheldrake (@YoungBudgie) January 2, 2022
Gelhardt made a huge difference. He must go ahead of Roberts in the pecking order now! Brilliant result #lufc
— Paul (@Paulw_28) January 2, 2022
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