Leeds United fans seemed to have spent an age before this season wishing for a penalty to fall their way – but given their form from 12 yards out recently, was that a problem?
Marcelo Bielsa's side won their first penalty for 14 months back in December, when Peter Bankes pointed to the spot against QPR and Kemar Roofe netted in Leeds' 2-1 win.
That was Leeds' first spot kick since October 2017, but since Roofe hit the back of the net against the Hoops, Leeds' record from the spot has been poor.
Leeds have failed to find the back of the net with their last three spot-kicks in a row – a damning statistic that represents their worst-such run for a decade.
Leeds last 3 penalties:
— LUFCDATA (@LUFCDATA) May 5, 2019
Roofe v Ipswich
Pablo v Wigan
Bamford v Millwall
First time we've missed 3 consecutive penalties in a single season since 2009.
Roofe was again the man to step up on Sunday during United’s 3-2 loss to the Tractor Boys, with the scores locked at two apiece when the penalty was awarded.
The former Oxford United man, on his first start since February, was unable to plant the ball beyond Bartosz Bialkowski as he slipped while taking his shot and Town would subsequently net a 90th-minute winner through Colin Quaner.
Only three games prior, Leeds failed to overcome 10-man Wigan despite spending the majority of the game with an on-field advantage.
On that occasion, Pablo Hernandez hit the post inside the first quarter-hour following Cedric Kipre’s red card, and although Patrick Bamford subsequently gave them the lead, they were sunk to a brace from Gavin Massey.
If there is to be any scant consolation for United, it is that a penalty loss does not equal ultimate defeat, with their last such miss coming in March’s 3-2 win over Millwall.
Bamford missed a spot kick to equalise early on against the Lions after Ben Thompson had given Neil Harris’ side the lead.
However, a Hernandez double subsequently rescued Leeds and gave them three points just over a month ago, in their third most-recent victory.
Leeds now turn their attention to the play-offs with a trip to face Derby County at Pride Park on Saturday 11 May, before a second leg reverse at Elland Road four days later on Wednesday 15 May, where a penalty shoot-out could come into place.
For all your latest Leeds United news, opinion, analysis and transfer gossip, click here
