James Trafford has been criticised following Leeds United’s loss to Bournemouth on Saturday for the Cherries’ first goal, but Brad Friedel doesn’t believe it was the England star’s fault.

Leeds are now winless in five Premier League games, and after a brilliant start to the league season, the Whites have dropped to 12th place in the table. On Saturday, Leeds faced a very in-form Bournemouth.

The Whites started well, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s goal was disallowed, and then, a big blow. Trafford and Tanaka were involved in a mix-up on the edge of the box, and it allowed Evanilson to score easily.

Brad Friedel believes Ao Tanaka was to blame for the first goal

Leeds had largely dominated proceedings at The Vitality, and despite Calvert-Lewin’s goal being ruled out, it looked like Leeds had a chance to stop Bournemouth’s winning run and could get a result.

However, Evanilson’s goal meant Bournemouth could sit back into their shape and focus on defending their lead. It saw Leeds get bogged down, and while pushing, a late second goal was conceded.

“You play with players, and they will tell you where they want the ball, even if it’s just by their movements. It looked to me like – I can’t remember the name of the midfielder – was going to come into that space.

“But he ended up running away. They both looked a bit bemused. Trafford looked like ‘Why weren’t you there?’ It’s an interesting one on who really made the mistake,” Friedel discussed following the defeat.

Tanaka is no stranger to a lapse in midfield concentration

Wherever the blame lies, it makes Trafford look at fault because he was the one making a pass. But in Trafford’s defence, Tanaka is no stranger to a mistake. He did so against Liverpool during the 3-3 draw.

During the promotion run-in, he conceded possession against Luton, which ended in a 2-1 win at Kenilworth Road. He almost did the same a game later, losing the ball in a win over Middlesbrough.