Leeds United 3 Wolves 0. It may be the business end of the season, but Leeds still need points to swim to safety. Over the last two matches – despite Stach and Rodon being injured – others stood up, and Leeds found their fifth gear when it mattered. The fans sang “United are Back.” Tanaka, restored to a starting place, was formidable in the middle. Bijol kept the goalmouth shut. And Okafor suddenly became the player we knew he was with three goals in two games.
There was a real risk of relegation if Leeds didn’t pick up points. After a run of draws, it looked like the team had run out of ideas. Last season, when it looked like Leeds might lose their promotion place, Farke said we would definitely get promoted. And we did. Here we are, but at risk of relegation. Six points in six days from two matches, Farke delivered the goods. The fans are now singing Farke’s name.
What every Leeds fan wanted after the way Leeds took Manchester United apart in the first half, last week, was the same dominant display against Wolves; and we were not disappointed. It was almost a goal in the first minute. With Gudmundsson and Okafor on the left, and Aaronsson and Bogle on the right, Leeds worked the wings Wolves were tested hard with the crosses.
As at Manchester United the Leeds players encircled the Wolves penalty box to keep chucking the ball in. The tactic saw Wolves defence failing to clear their lines at times. Ampadu was marauding around the penalty box looking to score himself.
The first goal was chaos in the Wolves’ penalty box, with Justin back to goal making a bicycle kick that nutmegged the keeper. A contender for the goal of the season (after Stach’s free kick). Just two minutes later came the second goal. Aarsonsson crossed the ball into that area of uncertainty, with Wolves hardly back in defence, allowing Okafor to score an easy goal. His new celebratory dance was well earned.
For the first half hour, this was Leeds at their most aggressive, with Tanaka winning second balls. Leeds lost their momentum towards the end of the first half as DCL was asked to defend on the Leeds goal line, and Ampadu was lucky not to give away a free kick in front of the Leeds goal. What has stood out in the last match against Manchester United and this is that never say die defending in the goal mouth, which we saw from DCL heading off the goal line in the Manchester United game.
Wolves had to come back in the second half and gave it their best.. Darlow made a huge reaction save from a Wolves corner and Krecji header. The match had echoes of last week’s Manchester United match – Leeds blitzkreig in the first half hour and then look to game manage their two-goal advantage in the second half as the opposition look for that crucial goal.
But the match then descended into anything but football. Firstly, Aaronsson pushed Krecji in the back after a bad foul, which ended with him being subbed off. A rare moment of anger from Aaronsson. Then a linesman had to be replaced by the fourth official. With the momentum of the match lost, the arrival of the new linesman gained the biggest cheer.
After spending the season being the team that concedes late goals, sub Gnonto laid on a pinpoint ball to DCL in the box, who was shoved to the ground for an undisputed penalty. After the embarrassment of missing the net with his penalty against Crystal Palace, he scored this one with aplomb.
Three goals. Three points. And a clean sheet. Leeds march on to safety. United are back.
Man of the match- Justi – he mahy be a utility player but he can also score goals.
