Aston Villa star questioned after Leeds United goal controversy

There was a major talking point within the opening 10 minutes of Leeds United’s home game with Premier League rivals Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.

The Whites started the game in a positive fashion as their intense and energetic approach put their visitors on the back foot - and that paid off with just eight minutes on the clock as Daniel Farke’s side took the lead with a somewhat fortuitous goal from Lukas Nmecha.

A Sean Longstaff free-kick caused issues for the Villa defence and the ball eventually found its way towards Anton Stach at the near post. The German midfielder rose above visitors goalkeeper Emi Martinez and the ball rebounded towards the empty net. England defender Ezri Konsa pounced on the loose ball but his attempted clearance struck Nmecha and rebounded into the goal to give the Whites summer signing his third goal of the season.

After a lengthy VAR check that appeared to assess an offside from Longstaff’s initial free-kick and a possible foul on the Villa goalkeeper, the goal was awarded, much to the delight of the vast majority of those inside Elland Road. Sky Sports pundit Chris Sutton gave his take on the situation and he appeared to suggest Martinez had not been strong enough when he challenged for a high ball with Stach.

Speaking as part of Sky Sports commentary team, the former Premier League winner said: “It’s an awkward one for Martinez. Is he backed in to there? I think he is but then there is the question should he be stronger in that situation. There is a little touch from Nmecha but is it enough? He’s backing in there and unfortunately for Konsa his clearance hits Nmecha and it goes in.

“There’s always a debate around these situations over whether goalkeepers are over-protected and there clearly is contact - but is there sufficient contact on Martinez? Is he put off enough? There’s a question mark over whether there is an offside in the initial free kick. If it is offside it will get them out of a bit of bother. That really isn’t an easy one to judge, there is contact on Martinez but should he be stronger in that situation? It may be the luckiest goal of his career, the way it came about with the Konsa clearance. But Martinez deemed not strong enough in that situation.”

Your next Leeds United read: Leeds United vs Aston Villa live: Updates from Elland Road, Lukas Nmecha puts Whites ahead, TV details