In Monday’s 3-1 victory over Hull City, Crysencio Summerville was forced to take the game-winning penalty after witnessing his Leeds United colleagues miss their own opportunities.
On a tight night at Elland Road, Summerville proved to be the difference as Leeds regained their spot in the top two of the Championship. The Dutch winger sped past Tigers full-back Regan Slater with the score at 1-1 in the 88th minute before being eventually pulled down in the box.
Joel Piroe, the substitute, appeared to be the one to take the penalty and had even put the ball on the spot, but Summerville showed his mettle. Following a brief altercation that required the intervention of captain Ethan Ampadu, the 22-year-old rolled his spot-kick down the middle to give Leeds the lead.
When Piroe joined in the festivities, everyone inside Elland Road was able to let go of their anger and forgive each other. Summerville was excellent throughout the entire evening, witnessing close calls from Patrick Bamford, Mateo Joseph, and Junior Firpo before deciding to accept accountability.
Summerville said, “I felt good during the game,” to Sky Sports. We had several opportunities, and I felt that this one was mine, so I seized it, and I’m pleased with the outcome. We remain unbeaten at home, so it’s also a positive lift. Very huge [victory]. I said that Watford’s away point was crucial, and it’s incredible that they’ve now taken three points.
On a difficult evening for Daniel Farke’s team, Leeds took the lead thanks to the penalty, and while Hull attempted to pull even, Dan James secured all three points from long range. Ryan Allsop, the goalie for the Tigers, went up for a corner, and James, with some desperate defending, curled a fantastic shot from close to the halfway line into an empty net.
Ilia Gruev’s injury bedevilled Leeds, who were far from their best. Farke disclosed before the match that Glen Kamara was forced to play through illness, Joe Rodon needed to take painkillers for a back issue, and Sam Byram acknowledged he was unable to run after halftime. However, three points saw the Whites reclaim second place on a crucial night after Ipswich Town and Leicester City’s triumphs earlier in the day.
Leeds will now have four full days to recuperate and get ready for another important match on Saturday against play-off contender Coventry City.
