Noel Whelan has criticised Ezgjan Alioski's role in Sheffield United's goal on Saturday, saying he was "nowhere to be seen".

The Whites picked up another important three points at the weekend, seeing off the all-but-relegated Blades 2-1 at Elland Road.

Marcelo Bielsa's men were comfortably the better side throughout the afternoon, but they found themselves level at half-time.

Ben Osborn's strike just before the break allowed Chris Wilder's team to make it 1-1, but there was some sloppy defending on show from Leeds.

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Whelan unhappy with Alioski's contribution

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan was particularly critical of Alioski - Luke Ayling did get a mention, too - with the left-back culpable for the goal:

"There are lots of things you can talk about in terms of the goal we conceded. I think Alioski was out of position.

"Luke Ayling was out of position too but it could have been stopped by Alioski covering. He was nowhere to be seen.

"It’s these little fine margins and defensive details that a natural full-back would know. It’s a very soft goal and it shouldn’t have happened.

"You can’t allow that, for teams to get back into the game when you’ve been controlling it like that."

Transfer Tavern take

The criticism is fair, with the Premier League such a competitive division - one where the smallest mistakes can be punished, where you have to make the most of being on top.

Fortunately, Leeds still ended up winning on Saturday, but the margin of their victory was far narrower than it should have been, up against a team who will be playing Championship football next season.

Alioski looks like he will be moving on this summer and moments like this won't endear him to supporters in the final weeks of his time at the club.

In other news, one Leeds star has been linked with two foreign clubs ahead of a potential summer exit. Find out who it is here.