Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink highlights need for new goalkeeper at Leeds United

By Mathew Nash

Leeds United fought back from 2-0 down to defeat Aston Villa 3-2 in the Championship this afternoon. It was a sensational second-half display from the visitors at Elland Road. Goals from Jack Clarke, Pontus Jansson and Kemar Roofe did the damage as Leeds came back from going 2-0 down after just 17 minutes.

Tammy Abraham had scored the first goal of the game before Connor Hourihane made it 2-0 with a strike from range.

LEEDS, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 27: Leeds United’s Bailey Peacock-Farrell acknowledges the crowd as he celebrates victory at the final whistle during the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United and Reading at Elland Road on November 27, 2018 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Rich Linley – CameraSport via Getty Images)

But it was not a goal that had the Sky Sports pundits impressed with Leeds goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell. Former Blackburn Rovers midfielder Keith Andrews was critical of his positioning for the goal.

“For a team going for automatic promotion, that has to be saved.”

– Keith Andrews on Bailey Peacock-Farrell

As was Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. The Dutchman, who played at Elland Road for two years in the 1990s, suggested that Peacock-Farrell should have done better with the second goal.

“His starting position is all wrong. The goalkeeper has got to save that one for me.”

– Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink on Bailey Peacock-Farrell

The fact is the Northern Ireland international’s starting position was poor. Peacock-Farrell has been a big topic of debate among Leeds fans this season. Some simply do not rate him, whilst others see the natural talent he has as something to harness for the future.

What is clearly not in doubt is that Leeds do at least need a proper alternative. Karl Darlow appears to be a £4 million target. Bringing him in could be key to getting Leeds into the Premier League.