Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright believes Patrick Bamford allows Leeds United to play in more dangerous areas of the pitch.
Bamford was making his first start for the Whites since a 1-1 draw with Newcastle United in September following an array of injury problems.
The 28-year-old was substituted at half time but his return in the opening 45 minutes allowed Leeds to thoroughly dominate and create a hatful of chances.
While Bamford did not find the net on his return, he went close to providing a superb assist for Raphinha and helped provide the base for a lot of Leeds attacks thanks to his hold up play.
Leeds were forced to play a little differently in the second half following his substitution at the break, with Daniel James deputising up front, whose strengths are much different to Bamford’s.
Speaking on Match of the Day 2, Wright claimed that Bamford provides Leeds with someone at the top end of the pitch they can hit, which in turn enables them to pile bodies forward.
He said: “His first start since September 17 and what he gives them is that focal point and that number nine who can keep the ball in areas where Leeds can then get their players up to support him. You see it so many times, he dropped off here - Raphinha and Daniel James both going beyond him.
“What he does is keep Leeds in an area of the field where they can continue to attack Norwich. He did so well in this instance. So, when you’re playing like that, you get this opportunity. Look at how much space and time Forshaw has got - put it in there. Bamford makes a great run, but he doesn’t do it.
“He gets another chance, he sees him - put that in there because he’s doing a lot of work for the team, but he doesn’t do it. This is the annoying bit; he says sorry to him but sorry is not going to help him.
“Again, this is beautiful play from Raphinha, look at his [Bamford’s] touch here - super stuff. Then the composure, Raphinha gets in there and he should score that. Brilliant play from Bamford here again but this is where he’s going to need to sharpen up because he’s not been playing for such a long time. It’s just behind him and then he’s leaning back.
“This chance here is the one I believe he should’ve taken and why it got very anxious for the Leeds fans in the end. They created so many chances in this game and it should’ve been over in the first half. When you look at it from this angle, he’s got to come on to it on his right foot. When he gets his confidence back he’ll slot it in but that looked very tired. The second half, Leeds without him looked a more counter attacking team.”
