Georginio Rutter came back to haunt Leeds United in their 3-0 defeat at the Amex Stadium as the Whites failed to heed a warning from former player Michael Bridges.
After a difficult start to life at Leeds, Georginio Rutter went on to become a firm favourite at the club, as he established himself as a key figure in the first season under Daniel Farke.
However, when Leeds failed to secure promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, Rutter was sold to Brighton to balance the books at Elland Road.
Rutter took time to applaud the Leeds fans at full-time of Brighton’s 3-0 win, demonstrating the remaining warmth of feeling towards the French forward.
However, he did so, having helped rip the Leeds backline to shreds in a comfortable win for his side, as Leeds failed to do what Michael Bridges warned them about prior to the game.
Georginio Rutter battles Brenden Aaronson.
Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images
Michael Bridges warned Leeds United about Georginio Rutter threat
Speaking on LUTV immediately ahead of Leeds’ game against Brighton, Bridges warned Farke’s side that they would need to be wary of Rutter’s attacking threat.
Leeds set an all-time worst record by failing to score in an eighth consecutive game against Brighton; however, the way Brighton pulled their defence apart for the three goals is equally concerning.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
Rutter played a key role in Brighton’s third goal, dispossessing Jayden Bogle deep in Leeds territory before cutting the ball back to Diego Gomez, as Bridges’ warning went unheeded. The former Leeds man had said: “Georginio Rutter is returning to play his old team.
“That’s another player we’re going to have to make sure we really focus on, because we know how dangerous he can be if you have the ball at his feet.”
Georginio Rutter during Arsenal v Brighton & Hove Albion - Carabao Cup Fourth Round
Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images
Stats show how Georginio Rutter haunted Leeds United
While Noah Okafor, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Brenden Aaronson toiled as they failed to make a breakthrough against a resolute Brighton defence, Rutter stole the show for the Seagulls.
Farke could be forgiven for regretting what could have been as he watched Rutter give his defenders a torrid afternoon, as he could have still been at Leeds had they not lost the play-off final against Southampton.
The stats from Sofascore highlight Rutter’s impact on the game, as he made 19 accurate passes at a success rate of 90%, including 10 passes in the opponents’ half.
Georginio Rutter vs Leeds:
Touches: 36
Successful Dribbles: 1
Accurate Passes (Success Rate): 19 (90%)
Passes in Opponents’ Half: 10
Recoveries: 2
Ground Duels Won: 3
Rutter had 36 touches, with one successful dribble to create the third goal. However, what is not shown by the statistics is the impact of his play when dropping deep.
This was evident in one particular example when he collected the ball under pressure deep in his own half, before turning out of trouble and releasing Danny Welbeck, who carried Brighton out of danger. Leeds lack a player with comparable composure on the ball, and it showed in their defeat.