Stoke City midfielder Ben Pearson has commented on the moment that brought Leeds United their penalty on Wednesday night, surely relieved that it didn’t bring a goal for the away side.
Leeds come into this weekend without having extended their winning run in the Championship, presented with a golden chance to do so when they took on Stoke City on Wednesday.
It was a drab affair at the bet365 Stadium against the Potters, but Leeds were awarded a penalty in the 75th minute following Ben Pearson’s foul on Patrick Bamford.
What happened next?
Leeds fans winced seeing Bamford claim the ball immediately after picking himself up off the ground, given his record from the spot of missing his previous two in the Premier League last season.
What followed proved fans right as he lazily skied the ball well into the away end behind the goal, only for the home side to snatch a winner five minutes later through an unlucky Pascal Struijk own goal.
Leeds lost the game, seeing the gap to the top two back at nine points, while Leicester City’s lead over the Whites is now at 14 points.
What has Ben Pearson said about it?
Stoke midfielder Pearson was the culprit that awarded Leeds that chance to win the game, and he has since spoken about the flashpoint that almost cost his team dearly.
Speaking to Stoke’s official site, he said:
“No I’ve just made a mistake probably five seconds before and sort of trying to get back, you don’t want them to score so it’s a bit naive from me. Especially against an experienced player he probably dangles his leg and I clatter him. So I’ve got no complaints over the penalty, it was probably a bit rash from me.”
The difference between title-winners and sides that end up coming short is how ruthless they are in these situations.
Leeds were poor on the night at Stoke but were practically given the win at this moment, only for Bamford to claim the penalty with his record and sky it, costing us.
Meanwhile, multiple times this season Leicester haven’t been at their best and has come out with narrow wins.
That’s the sign of a side that will win this league.
