Daniel Farke’s decision to make four changes to the Leeds United side that lost against Burnley was vindicated, as they bounced back with a crucial win over West Ham.
It was not an easy introduction to life in the Premier League for defender Jaka Bijol, as the rain poured down on an autumnal night at Elland Road.
Bijol was also playing in front of an unfamiliar goalkeeper, with Lucas Perri recalled to the Leeds side after missing several games through injury.
Daniel Farke admitted before the game that he had dropped the “reliable” Karl Darlow for the game against West Ham, stating that he had signed Perri to be his number one.
The Brazilian returned that faith with an impressive display against the Hammers, showing why he has to be Leeds’ number one for the remainder of the Premier League season.
Lucas Perri in action for Leeds United during a Premier League clash against West Ham
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Lucas Perri produces impressive display against West Ham
This was not an easy reintroduction to the first team for Perri, as a torrential deluge of rain hit Elland Road and his side faced a must-win game.
However, the former Lyon man was solid between the sticks for the Whites, producing several important interventions when called upon.
According to the data from FBRef, Perri faced three shots on target against West Ham, saving two of them and standing little chance of preventing West Ham’s late goal.
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The Leeds goalkeeper was also assured under the high ball, facing a total of 19 crosses and stopping three of them at a success rate of 15.8%, his highest of the season to date.
Lucas Perri v West Ham:
Shots on Target faced: 3
Saves: 2
Post Shot Expected Goals Against: 1.2
PSxG minus Goals Conceded: +0.2
Crosses Stopped: 3
Defensive Actions Outside the Box: 2
Perri also showed he is capable of sweeping up danger outside of the box, completing two defensive actions outside the penalty area.
The expected goals data from the game shows that Perri’s overall contribution to the game was positive. The Leeds goalkeeper faced a post-shot xG, which measures how likely the keeper is to make the save, of 1.2, and conceded one goal.
On a difficult night for goalkeepers, the Leeds number one made a reassuring return to the first team in a hard-earned victory.
Joe Rodon hugs Lucas Perri after Leeds United v West Ham United - Premier League
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Leeds United legend Nigel Martyn praises Lucas Perri
Speaking to LUTV after the game, legendary former Leeds goalkeeper Nigel Martyn praised Perri for his performance in the crucial win over West Ham.
According to Martyn, although Perri will be disappointed to have conceded a late goal, the Brazilian repaid the faith shown in him by Farke by throwing him back into the action.
Martyn said: “It’s not easy coming in like that, when it’s a call made by the manager, you’ve got to then back him up with your performance.
“He was very solid, he came for two or three crosses, handled them really well, had a shot in the first half that he parried, but reacted really well and knocked away from the danger. I know how he’ll be feeling at the moment. He’ll be a little bit disappointed to get to 89, 90 minutes, whatever it was.
“And then that little flick header, which, you know, he’s at full stretch. And if he can’t reach it at full stretch, I don’t think anyone can. So it was a good delivery in, a good flick header. But that’ll be the only thing that’ll disappoint him. And probably the team a little bit because they couldn’t get that clean sheet.”