talkSPORT pundit can’t believe ‘shocking’ moment he witnessed in West Brom 0-0 Leeds United
Chris Iwelumo couldn’t believe the “shocking” Leeds United defending in the 0-0 draw against West Brom on Saturday [17 August].
The pundit took part in coverage of the match at The Hawthorns on talkSPORT [17 August, 2:16pm] and was appalled by the Leeds defence as they continued their winless started to the 2024/25 season.
West Brom missed a golden opportunity to score and potentially win the match after two of their players were left unmarked in the penalty area during a corner kick in the second half.
He said on the Leeds defence: “Look at Kyle Bartley and Maja – there are two players free.
“I tell you what, it’s shocking defending from Leeds. Shocking.
“Joe Rothwell is marking both players. I just cannot believe it. I don’t understand why you’re leaving Bartley unmarked from a corner.”
West Brom miss big chance to gain edge against promotion rivals
Carlos Corberan faced his first real test of the new season against Leeds, and while it proved to be a dull encounter, a point is better than none as neither side gained an early advantage in the race for promotion.
The Baggies had the better of the exchanges in the first 45 minutes and dominated Leeds through Darnel Furlong’s long throws and the team’s excellent defensive structure.
West Brom supporters can look at Leeds’ early-season form and feel like the side missed an opportunity to add to the woes at United.
Kyle Bartley had the best opportunity to open the scoring for his side in the second half but was unaware as Josh Maja’s header bounced off the defender and past the goal.
The two were left unmarked by Leeds again, as Iwelumo referenced, and proved to be an aerial threat for the Baggies but failed to make their chances count.
Four points in the opening two matches is not a bad start by any means, and they will need to continue this form into the next few weeks with some hard fixtures on the horizon for the side.
In other West Brom news, Tony Brown has blasted the “crazy” incident with John Swift against Leeds.
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