There were a few bright spots for Major Leeds Soccer as they only lost 2-1 to Manchester City on Saturday and gave the league leaders a late scare. One of the rare positive moments from the game was the Weston McKennie long throw strategy.
If you support the United States men’s national team then you know all about McKennie’s throw-in abilities. For some reason Leeds have rarely asked the American to utilize his skills.
New Leeds manager Sam Allardyce was all over it and asked McKennie to huck a ball into City’s box in the 10th minute.
Weston McKennie long throw vs. Manchester City
Weston McKennie: American Rory Delap pic.twitter.com/1DNeuUxXkw
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) May 6, 2023
He would take several more long throws in the second half. One of them was from midfield and it ended up going out for a goal kick.
Here were the reactions from the Leeds faithful.
MCKENNIE CAN THROW BALLS LIKE THAT AND WE HAVENT BEEN DOING IT!!!! #lufc
— Dyl (@SirrellDylan) May 6, 2023
Hang on, McKennie’s a long throw specialist?
— GirlsKnowFootballToo (@GKFT) May 6, 2023
How has it taken until today for Leeds to use Weston Mckennie's massive throw ins?!!
— Gethin Owen Evans (@gethbont) May 6, 2023
Lol why didn’t we know about this McKennie throw?
— Erik Bakk Off (@LUFCJB) May 6, 2023
You’re telling me McKennie has a long ass throw and we’ve never used it
— Chris (@Chris_Wriiight) May 6, 2023
How am I only today finding out McKennie can take a long throw #MCILEE
— Darragh (@Dj_Dirty_Jocks) May 6, 2023
C’mon Leeds fans. McKennie went viral a couple months ago for wiping his hands dry on a photographer’s bib before he did this exact move at the World Cup… AGAINST ENGLAND!
Weston McKennie just wiped his hands on the photographer's vest @USMNT pic.twitter.com/VECBtkaiI9
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 25, 2022
He’s been doing this for years now.
We’re not going to lie to you and say that McKennie hasn’t had a poor run of form since joining Leeds. It has been frustrating however to not see the American’s strengths used like the long throw.
Allardyce knew of this ace up McKennie’s sleeve and he also knows how dangerous he is on corners. American fans have been begging for Leeds to let McKennie be in the box on corner kicks.
Criminal negligence not to have McKennie in the box for corners. Mind boggling—did they bother to scout him before signing him? pic.twitter.com/Ewgc6CNnT4
— D&M⚽️ (@DandMusmnt) April 26, 2023
Allardyce did on Saturday and McKennie nearly had his first Premier League goal had it not been for a good save from Ederson.
The rest of McKennie’s game on Saturday wasn’t much to brag about. To be fair that can be said about a lot of Leeds’ players.
Rodrigo got Pep Guardiola a little hot under the collar with a late goal, but City managed to cling on for the win.
Leeds have life.
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) May 6, 2023
Leeds sit one spot above the relegation zone but could sink to 19th if Everton and Nottingham Forest get results on Monday. Everton will face high-flying Brighton while Nottingham face bottom of the table Southampton.
