Leeds United were stretched to the brink by Championship outfit Birmingham City in the FA Cup fourth round, requiring penalties to edge through.
Sean Longstaff kept his composure to dispatch the decisive spot-kick, sending the Whites into the next round after a gruelling battle.
Most Read on The Leeds Press
Amid recent scrutiny, Lucas Perri delivered when it mattered most, making several key saves in open play and in the shootout to ensure there was no upset at St Andrew’s.
However, even before the penalty shootout, the Leeds goalkeeper produced some fantastic moments that more or less kept the away side in the FA Cup tie against Birmingham City.
Robbie Savage was left amazed by the Leeds United goalkeeper
During the break, Leeds looked like a team that was on their way out of the FA Cup, and the overall performance of the team has been panned.
Savage insisted that Birmingham were excellent in the first half, and it was Perri who kept Leeds in the game, which involved a fantastic save from a Jay Stansfield shot.
Savage said on TNT Sports: “Birmingham have been brilliant in the first half, but the Leeds keeper has made some excellent saves to keep them out.
“You look at the shot from Stansfield, it is great technique, but that is an unbelievable save from Perri. It’s a fantastic strike but an even better save.”
Even Liverpool legend Steve McManaman, who feels Birmingham were the better team, was astonished by the save made by Perri in the first half.
The former Red on commentary added: “It falls to Stansfield, he takes a touch and strikes it, and whoa, yes, the keeper does get a touch, what a save from Perri.
“It’s a lovely save even though it’s almost the wrong hand, because he comes across with his right hand, but he gets that touch on to the post, it’s some save.”
Perri can still save his career at Elland Road
Perri has not featured in the Premier League since Leeds’ 4–3 loss at Newcastle United, when a costly late mistake handed victory to the hosts.
Karl Darlow, while not entirely error-free himself, has appeared more assured in goal and brought a greater sense of stability to the back line.
The Brazilian will be hoping his display against Birmingham City serves as a springboard for a return to league action.
Given the significant fee Leeds invested in him last summer, the club are unlikely to write him off just yet and may be inclined to hand him another opportunity.
Although the Whites are expected to explore goalkeeping options ahead of next season, Perri will be aiming to use his FA Cup performance as leverage for one final chance to re-establish himself.