Patrick Bamford almost made an instant impact when he entered the field of play against Arsenal at the start of the second half. The Leeds United striker replaced Rodrigo at the interval and within a minute or so of the kick-off, he found himself firing the ball beyond Aaron Ramsdale and into the back of the visitors’ net.
Elland Road erupted as Bamford spun around to begin his celebrations, levelling the scores with what he thought was his first goal of the season. As he turned, though, he heard referee Chris Kavanagh’s whistle and saw the match official signal for a free-kick.
Joy drained out of his body as Kavanagh pointed the finger at him and explained he had seen Bamford foul Gunners centre-back Gabriel in the build-up to the goal. It was tough on the England international, who only had eyes for goal as the ball dropped in the area, but it also probably summed up what was a frustrating afternoon for the forward.
