Report: Why ‘superb’ Leeds player looked so confused by what Marsch did in the 90th minute against Southampton

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It was another crucial point on the Premier League board for Leeds United this weekend, as Jack Harrison’s goal ensured they drew 1-1 with Southampton.

The Whites have now picked up some good points in recent weeks and after looking nervously over their shoulders for months, they do now appear to be putting some breathing space between them and the bottom three. For Marsch, it’s been a good start really to life in the Elland Road hot seat.

One of the keys to the win at the weekend was the return of Liam Cooper. The skipper played and battled through the entire game, despite not being expected to last. And according to The Athletic, the decision not to take Cooper off and instead take Luke Ayling off in the 90th minute caused confusion.

The Athletic reports how Ayling was left perplexed and confused when his number went up. The ‘superb‘ Leeds defender is more than fit enough to last, and apparently looked ‘nonplussed’ as to why he, and not Cooper, was being withdrawn.

Nevertheless, Cooper managed to plough on and help see the game out at 1-1. Marsch, though, will no doubt hope for a smoother and less chaotic final sub next time out.

TBR’s View: Cooper Shows His Worth To Leeds

The confusion from Ayling was probably more down to the right-back being shocked that Cooper was the one to stay on more than anything. It had probably been spoken about in the dressing room before, so Marsch had clearly had a change of feeling.

But for Cooper, it was a performance that showed what he is all about. Sure, he’s not the most naturally gifted player in the Leeds squad. But he makes up for that with fight, spirit and leadership at the back. Leeds have missed him a lot, and having him back is massive.