Despite Jayden Bogle’s impressive performance in Leeds United’s 2-0 victory over Stoke City, Don Goodman singled out another star as his Man of the Match.
Leeds dominated the game on Boxing Day, with Joel Piroe’s brace securing all three points and taking them back to the top of the Championship table. While Bogle’s relentless energy down the right flank caught the eye, Goodman chose a different standout performer who, in his view, played a pivotal role in the win.
Who stole the spotlight from Bogle? Find out why Goodman’s pick made the difference on a crucial day for Leeds United’s promotion push.
Leeds United’s 2-0 win over Stoke City saw strong performances across the pitch, with Dan James and Jayden Bogle particularly causing havoc on the right flank. The duo’s energy and attacking intent put Stoke under constant pressure, adding to the woes of under-fire Potters boss Narcis Pelach.
However, despite their standout contributions, neither James nor Bogle earned Don Goodman’s Man of the Match honors. Instead, Goodman highlighted another player who he felt truly influenced the game and made the decisive impact for Leeds on Boxing Day.
Discover who earned the top accolade and why they were pivotal to Leeds’ return to the Championship summit.
Don Goodman Names Joel Piroe as Leeds United’s Surprise Man of the Match vs Stoke City
In a decision that might raise eyebrows among some Leeds United supporters, Sky Sports commentator Don Goodman named Joel Piroe as his Man of the Match in the Whites’ 2-0 victory over Stoke City on Boxing Day.
Piroe, who netted both goals to secure the win, has often been a polarizing figure among Leeds fans. Before finding the back of the net at the bet365 Stadium, many supporters were critical of the Dutchman’s overall contribution to the game.
However, Goodman emphasized the striker’s decisive moments as key to Leeds reclaiming the top spot in the Championship.
Was Goodman right to highlight Piroe’s clinical finishing over other standout performers like Jayden Bogle or Dan James? Or does this choice add to the debate surrounding Piroe’s role in Daniel Farke’s promotion push?
Don Goodman Defends Joel Piroe as Leeds United’s Man of the Match vs Stoke City
Joel Piroe’s two well-taken goals in Leeds United’s 2-0 Boxing Day win over Stoke City earned him the title of Man of the Match from Sky Sports’ Don Goodman.
While the Dutch striker has been a divisive figure among fans, Goodman defended Piroe’s performance, highlighting the significance of his clinical finishing.
Commenting on Piroe’s impact, Goodman said: “Goals win games, a couple tonight for Piroe. Look at those 11 touches in the Stoke box—that’s more than Stoke have had in Leeds’ box. Leeds have been really impressive, and he’s been the beneficiary of that.”
With nine goals in the Championship this season, Piroe has become Leeds’ top scorer, and Goodman’s praise underscores his importance to the team as they chase promotion back to the Premier League.
Daniel Farke’s Insight Into Joel Piroe Highlights Key to Leeds United’s Success
Earlier this season, Daniel Farke offered an honest assessment of Joel Piroe’s game, pinpointing both his strengths and areas for improvement. Farke acknowledged Piroe’s natural ability as a striker but noted that mobility isn’t his strongest asset. He said:
“He’s always a striker that likes to drop deep. He’s a bit special in this approach and you can’t change a player’s strengths, you must play to that. You have to improve his weaknesses, his mobility.”
Against Stoke City, Piroe demonstrated exactly what Farke meant—showing his poacher instincts by being in the right place at the right time to score two goals. He wasn’t sprinting behind the defence or charging forward, but instead, his ability to capitalize on chances in the box shone through.
This performance reinforces Farke’s view that Leeds should focus on playing to Piroe’s strengths. If they do, the goals will keep coming, making Piroe a key figure in their promotion push.