Fast Eddie the finisher sends a message to Unai
EDDIE NKETIAH’S audition for Unai Emery continued in impressive fashion in an absorbing Yorkshire derby at Oakwell — and it might be good enough to end with Leeds back in the Premier League along with him. The England Under 21 forward plans to impress the Arsenal boss during his season-long loan with the promotion favourites. The manner in which he broke the deadlock and won a penalty suggests he is going the right way about it. Nketiah, 20, made a devastating cameo appearance off the bench, but the late drama led to ugly scenes with Leeds supporters scuffling with stewards and police. A handful of arrests were made. The win saw Leeds return to the top of the table and took Nketiah to four goals in six appearances. He finished ruthlessly, with a far-post volley from a Kalvin Phillips free-kick and two minutes later won a penalty following a trip by Aapo Halme. Mateusz Klich stroked home the spot kick. Bielsa described Nketiah as ‘a finisher’, adding ‘He is a complete player.’ It was a pulsating finale to an end-to-end derby, which could have swung either way. Pablo Hernandez and Jack Harrison missed glorious first-half chances and Patrick Bamford had a goal ruled out for offside. But Barnsley went toeto-toe with their illustrious neighbours, with former Leeds forward Mallik Wilks a handful. Halme, one of three ex-Leeds men in the Barnsley ranks, had a chance to equalise at 1-0 but headed wide when unmarked. Daniel Stendel, Barnsley’s coach, said: ‘The last 10 minutes cost us a point, but you can see why Leeds have the ambition to win promotion. ‘We’re disappointed but this is the performance we need to put in every week. I’m proud. I think we played how we can play.’