Martin Keown and Jermaine Beckford identify Leeds player who was missed most in FA Cup upset

Martin Keown says Leeds United missed one player in particular after they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Crawley Town.
Nick Tsaroulla celebrates his goal for Crawley. Picture by Jamie EvansNick Tsaroulla celebrates his goal for Crawley. Picture by Jamie Evans
Nick Tsaroulla celebrates his goal for Crawley. Picture by Jamie Evans

Second-half goals from Nick Tsaroulla, Ashley Nadesan and Jordan Tunnicliffe ensured the League Two side produced one of the great cup upsets of recent times with a 3-0 win.

Leeds laboured in attack in the face of some excellent defending by the Crawley rearguard, and rarely looked like breaking down the home defence.

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Match of the Day pundit Martin Keown believed the visitors missed star striker Patrick Bamford’s presence up front.

Bamford was rested for the game, with Rodrigo and Ian Poveda starting in attack, before being replaced by Jack Harrison and youngster Sam Greenwood in the second period.

"It’s that middle front player,” Keown said. “Sometimes when a player isn’t playing, you realise how good he is, and Bamford not being here, I’m sure he’s kicking the TV.

"He would have liked to have done well but he needs a rest of course.

"But it is an area they seem really short, Leeds.

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“Who was the focal point in the middle? No Bamford, he’s the usual intelligent player that stays high and central. Rodrigo going off at half-time, they haven’t really had a recognised front player since then.”

It was analysis that former Leeds frontman Jermaine Beckford – himself a former FA Cup hero for the Elland Road side – agreed with.

"Leeds were disappointing in the final third, I think that’s clear to see, but it is to be expected when there’s no recognised No 9 up there,” he added.