It was an easy afternoon for Brighton on Saturday at The Amex as Leeds United failed to put up any kind of decent fight against Georginio Rutter’s side. A 3-0 loss for Daniel Farke’s men.
Leeds might have had a few chances on the day but ultimately, Brighton’s 3-0 win was very deserved and had it not been for many excellent saves from goalkeeper Lucas Perri, Brighton could have scored more.
A fifth Premier League loss in 10 games for Leeds, and a third defeat in four, ahead of what is going to be an incredibly difficult period. Leeds go to Sean Dyche’s Nottingham Forest before the international break.
After the break and before the new year, Leeds face the likes of Man City, Chelsea, FA Cup winners Crystal Palace, a remarkable Sunderland side, and the small matter of Liverpool, twice. Rutter spoke afterwards.
Georginio Rutter battles Brenden Aaronson.
Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images
Georginio Rutter shares what he thought of new-look Leeds side
It feels like Rutter’s £40m exit was a lifetime ago but actually, the Frenchman only joined Brighton from Leeds in the summer of 2024. It was his 41st appearance on Saturday, laying on a 16th goal involvement.
Indeed, Rutter created the third after a mistake from Jayden Bogle, and after the game, Rutter spoke to Leeds Live. He shared what it was like to face his old side, and what he thought of the current Leeds team.
“I saw everybody [former teammates] before and after the game. It was a bit strange, I don’t want to lie – but it’s football. I didn’t have to say something, because when I played, they were in the Championship.
“So it’s very different. We knew, like they have a good team, and for the counter-attack as well. We had to be careful,” Rutter said, before posting a picture of himself and Daniel Farke having a hug.
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Georginio Rutter’s numbers so far after facing Leeds for first time
It is remarkable to think that Rutter is still only 23. The Frenchman has now played for four top-tier sides in Europe’s biggest leagues, starting off at Rennes, then at Hoffenheim before Leeds and now Brighton.
Wherever Rutter has gone, he has impressed. Coming through the academy at Rennes, starring in the Bundesliga with Hoffenheim, and earning a move to the Premier League, and coming good at Leeds.
Spell Club Games Goals Assists Mins per G+A
Academy-2021 Rennes 5 1 0 61.0
2021-Jan 2023 Hoffenheim 64 11 8 169.5
Jan 2023-2024 Leeds 66 8 18 181.9
2024-present Brighton 40 8 7 165.3
Now, he’s doing it in the Premier League after Farke restored his confidence. Rutter has a lot to owe the German gaffer after such a poor start at Leeds. Brighton and Rutter come to Elland Road on May 17.