Leeds United

One winner and one loser at Leeds United after EFL Cup defeat to Wolves

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Leeds United have been knocked out of the Carabao Cup, losing 1-0 to Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Wednesday evening.

Leeds fielded a young side, with debuts for goalkeeper Joel Robles, and youngsters Darko Gyabi, Sonny Perkins, and Mateo Joseph among the ten changes made from the weekend’s win over Bournemouth. Only Jack Harrison retained his spot in the starting XI.

The game looked likely to be heading for a penalty shootout, but in the 85th minute, Boubacar Traore broke the deadlock to send his side through to the fourth round.

The Whites will be delighted that some of their most talented youngsters have gained valuable first-team experience, but who are the winners and losers from the defeat? We take a look at TWO here.

Winner – Sonny Perkins

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 09: Sonny Perkins of Leeds United runs with the ball during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United at Molineux on November 09, 2022 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

The talented youngster has already shown his versatility for the Under-21 side this season, but impressed on his first-team debut for Leeds. 

He has played as a wide player, striker, and secondary-striker at various times this season. He used the ball intelligently in tight spaces and showed a high degree of technical quality in Leeds’ attack.

Josh Hobbs, an analyst and scout for Football Radar, tweeted after the game that he would “have no issue with” both Perkins and Gyabi seeing more minutes in Leeds’ first-team.

Perkins showed confidence and class and didn’t look out of place, perhaps he has given Jesse Marsch food for thought in the Premier League.

The big updated Joe Gelhardt quiz – Can Leeds United fans score 20/20?

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In what year was Joe Gelhardt born?

Loser – Joe Gelhardt

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 09: Joe Gelhardt of Leeds United receives medical treatment during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United at Molineux on November 09, 2022 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)

Not only is Perkins’ form worrying for Gelhardt, but yet again, he sustained another injury and limped off last night.

Before that, he was struggling to make an impact in the game as a lone-striker. Gelhardt’s best actions come from deeper positions to attack the box, not as a hold up player.

Perkins impressed far more than the England Under-21 international. Gelhardt may have a harder time finding a way back in. 

One of the best abilities a player can have is availability. Perkins hasn’t missed a single game injured this season, whereas Gelhardt has missed plenty since his arrival at Elland Road. 

Injuries are unfortunately holding him back from kicking on.

Should Perkins be promoted to the first team?

Yes

Yes

No

No

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