Leeds United's Tyler Adams applauds fans after the match
Leeds United journalist Graham Smyth expressed his disbelief after only two minutes of added time were given during the Whites’ Premier League match this weekend.
The Lowdown: Leeds in trouble
Leeds came into the game having not won in the Premier League since 5th November ahead of their relegation six-pointer at Goodison Park.
They were facing an Everton side who won their previous game at home to title challengers Arsenal, though they entered the clash having been beaten in the Merseyside derby.
As may have been expected, it was a tight and cagey contest that sparked into life towards the end of the first period, with Tyler Adams and Dwight McNeil squaring up to each other, leading to a mass brawl.
The Latest: Smyth questions timekeeping
Despite the melee breathing some life into proceedings, it appears that the half-time interval could not have come soon enough for the referee in what had been a drab affair up to that point.
Indeed, Andy Madley would instruct for there to only be two added minutes amid the delay in tensions calming between the players.
In response, the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Smyth was left perplexed by the minimal amount of stoppage time at Goodison.
He wrote on Twitter: “Two added on.
“That’s…odd. The scrap and post-mortem lasted longer than that.”
The Verdict: Recurring theme in the Premier League
Stoppage time has arguably gained heightened scrutiny since the World Cup, where there were often sizeable chunks prolonging matches, with several games having over 10 added minutes in the second half alone.
However, it has continued to receive criticism in the Premier League, with concerns being raised about the amount of time the ball has been in play – including in stoppage time itself.
Therefore, it is hardly a surprise that this has seemingly become a talking point once again, particularly when this instance of added-on time appeared to be blatantly undercooked.
And Leeds certainly could have done with a few more minutes to salvage something from the game, as Seamus Coleman’s winner put the Whites in the bottom three, with hosts Everton leapfrogging them.
You would hope these things even themselves out over the course of the season, but given Leeds can barely buy a win at this stage, they’re going to need all the help from the officials that they can get.
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