Identical goals in a 2-1 defeat for Manchester City might have understandably generated some frustration for Leeds United boss Sam Allardyce. Twice in the space of eight minutes, Riyad Mahrez would glide past Junior Firpo and onto his left foot before serving up two goals on a plate for Ilkay Gundogan.
Despite the similarity and predictability of Mahrez’s movements, Allardyce took any heat away from Firpo’s part in the goals. Instead, the new boss took the chance to remind everyone of how often the Algerian has been doing that to left-backs in the Premier League.
Rather than point the finger at Firpo, Allardyce made a point of stressing just how expensive a left-back capable of stopping Mahrez would be.
READ MORE: Eddie Howe warns Leeds United that Newcastle will 'come back firing' after Arsenal defeat
“I haven’t seen anybody stop Mahrez going on his stronger foot yet,” he said. “So if you find him for me let me know and I'll watch him, but I won’t be able to buy him because he’ll probably be about 30 million [pounds].
“You can stand on his left foot as much as you like, but if he wants to go on his left foot he can because what he’ll do is take it down to his right and then he'll check it back with his right and get it back on his left again. That's why most of the time you've got to get two on him.”
With Liam Cooper not yet ruled out of this weekend's Newcastle United clash, there is a possibility Firpo finds his place in the team under threat. Max Wober's ability to move outside to left-back could yet see Firpo drop out of the side.
READ NEXT:
Sam Allardyce's big Leeds United decision vindicated despite Manchester City defeat
Micah Richards blasts Leeds United recruitment and lack of 'direction'
'Can buy a team, not fans' Liam Cooper agrees with point about Leeds United supporters at Man City
Micah Richards backs Sam Allardyce's big decision for Leeds United's run-in
'Heart, spirit, teamwork' - Leeds United supporters glean positives from Allardyce bow at Man City
