Stuart Dallas was ‘frustrated’ with one Leeds United man vs Stoke, but Daniel Farke was impressed

Leeds United’s Boxing Day win against Stoke City wasn’t entirely plain sailing. But a 2-0 scoreline made for a routine win in the end.

Leeds United got through their Championship clash away at Stoke City on Boxing Day with relative ease.

The Potters had a few good chances but Illan Meslier was mostly untroubled throughout the 90 minutes, with Joel Piroe on target twice as Leeds returned to the top of the Championship table.

Sheffield United lost 2-0 against Burnley in a shock result on Boxing Day, allowing Leeds the chance to return to the top of the pile in their game at the bet365 Stadium.

And the Whites have Piroe to thank for the win. Piroe has faced criticism from Leeds fans for a while now. And he didn’t start that well against Stoke City either, before coming up with two decisive moments in the game.

The Dutchman is Leeds’ leading scorer in the Championship this season with nine goals to his name and Don Goodman named Piroe Man of the Match against Stoke City.

Stuart Dallas was ‘getting frustrated’ at Joel Piroe vs Stoke City

Speaking at half-time when Piroe had one of two goals to his name on the night, former Leeds United man Stuart Dallas shared his frustrations at the Dutchman.

Speaking in the Sky Sports studio, Dallas explained: “I was just starting to get a bit frustrated with him. I thought he’d been a bit… he hasn’t been sharp in and around the box. But he’s done what he’s in the team to do.”

There’s often debate around Piroe. Farke has even questioned parts of Piroe’s game with the Leeds boss saying Piroe isn’t a very mobile striker, but that he is a clinical one when he needs to be.

After the game, Farke spoke positively bout Piroe once again.

Daniel Farke praise for Joel Piroe after Leeds United beat Stoke City

Speaking to the Sky Sports cameras after the game, Farke was full of praise for Piroe.

The German said: “Name me one player who has scored more goals in the Championship in the last three-and-a-half years?

“He scored 21 goals for Swansea, 19 for us last season and right now he’s close to double figures. He’s a key player for us.

“We are Leeds United so we have lots of competition. We need his goals and today he delivered again.”

Piroe, 25, joined Swansea City from PSV in 2021. He hit the ground running, scoring 22 Championship goals in his first season at the club and 19 in his next.

For Leeds, Piroe has 23 goals in 72 total appearances. In the Championship, Piroe has a record of 61 goals in 155 outings, which is more than any other player in those three-and-a-half years Farke mentions.

MSNfootballNews

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