Raphinha rocket downs Toffees

Leedsnewsigningrepaysclubingameofmanymissedchances

RAPHINHA picked the perfect moment to open his Leeds account as his strike 10 minutes from time against Everton settled a game which was high on chances but low on goals at Goodison Park.

The entire 90 minutes produced a remarkable total of 38 shots but the only one which mattered fell to the £17 million (RM90m) new signing from Rennes who had been a constant thorn in Everton’s side during the visitors’ 1-0 victory.

After numerous well-crafted but unsuccessful attempts from both sides it seemed neither was destined to score, and when the Brazilian collected a pass from Jack Harrison on the edge of the penalty area with time ticking down there was almost a sense it was the moment to just to have a go.

With no other real option on, the 23-year-old picked his spot inside Jordan Pickford’s left-hand post and drilled a low effort through a crowd and past the England international, who had one of his better days.

It secured only Leeds’ second victory in their last seven matches, and their first on this ground since 1990.

Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa was delighted with how quickly new signing Raphinha has adapted to the demands of the Premier League.

“He’s adapted very quickly to the Premier League,” Bielsa told reporters.

Sporting director “Victor Orta anticipated that he had the characteristics to play in this League, so he was correct in choosing him,” Bielsa said.

“He’s potent and moves all around the pitch, so he worries the opposing defence.”

Reflecting on yesterday’s win, Bielsa told Sky Sports: “It was a very entertaining game… The result was a fair one.

“The performance of our team was a satisfactory one. It was very difficult to defend against their forwards who are very good.

The Leeds manager also praised his players for their versatility and ability in both the attacking and defensive phases.

“We have many players who can play in different areas of the pitch,” he told BBC Sport.

“Those who attack can defend as well, and those who defend know how to attack. This allows for the combinations.”

Despite his team’s shortcomings, Carlo Ancelotti insists that The Toffees are on the right track.

“I think we are heading in the right direction,” he said. “It’s true we were not able to repeat the start of the season.

“We lost some players but that doesn’t mean we are not in the right direction.

“What we are doing at this moment is not enough and every one of us has to put in a little bit more in terms of character, personality, spirit and sacrifice to come back to add more consistency to the results.” – The Independent/Reuters/Agencies