Leeds fans react to Arsenal loanee Eddie Nketiah’s display

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A number of Leeds United fans have taken to Twitter to laud Eddie Nketiah after the Arsenal loanee came off the bench to help the Whites secure a 1-1 draw at home to Preston North End on Boxing Day.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side looked destined to suffer a poor defeat at Elland Road. Preston deservedly took the lead early on and Leeds were arguably as poor as they have been all season.

But the Whites gradually grew into the game. And Bielsa decided to make a brave substitution with just over an hour gone with Patrick Bamford being taken off for Nketiah.

It was not a surprising change. Bielsa has often spoken about being wary of upsetting the balance of the team by playing both strikers. And Bamford endured a frustrating afternoon – even though he did not do too much wrong while on the pitch.

But Nketiah arguably made a big impact after coming off the bench. The Gunners loanee was superb at driving Leeds up the pitch once they got near the final third.

He was dropping into wide spaces and running inside at the defenders. And that often allowed Leeds to get crosses into the box. Nketiah also came close to scoring a header, but Declan Rudd produced an outstanding stop to deny the striker.

It has not been the easiest loan for Nketiah. But it was a performance that would have reminded the fans of how influential the youngster can be. He may not have got onto the scoresheet, but he seemed to make a big impression.

Plenty of fans have lauded Nketiah. And it has been suggested that he deserves the chance to start. With January just around the corner and potential talk of the forward being recalled, Sunday’s clash with Birmingham may be a very good time to show Nketiah that he could play an important role during the second-half of the campaign if he stays.

Here is what some of the fans made of Nketiah’s performance after coming on…