Good Morning. It's Tuesday 18th February, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Promotion finally in sight after late show
Elland Road witnessed a dramatic finale last night as Leeds United snatched a 2-1 victory against Sunderland with virtually the last kick of the game. Pascal Struijk’s 95th-minute header sparked jubilant scenes from the home side, securing a win that felt like poetic justice, given the reverse fixture earlier in the season.
On that night, Illan Meslier's late howler gifted Sunderland a point, and the Black Cats celebratrated like they won the World Cup. This time around, the shoe was on the other foot, and Elland Road erupted. A huge weight had just been lifted from the back of Daniel Farke; normally calm and composed, the enormity of the task in hand has just become that more manageable and the gaffer knew it.
While Struijk’s late intervention might not have been entirely out of the blue given Leeds' second-half pressure, the timing and manner of it stung Sunderland deeply. For the majority of the night, the Black Cats looked on course for at least a point, having taken the lead through a clinical Wilson Isidor strike in the first half.
Isidor’s goal capped off a disciplined and professional first-half display from Regis Le Bris’ side. Sunderland were resolute in defence, frustrating Leeds' possession-based play and posing a real threat on the counter. Meslier, keen to banish the memories of last October made crucial saves to deny Jobe Bellingham and Patrick Roberts early on, setting the tone for a tight and tense affair.
Leeds applied sustained pressure after the break, but Sunderland’s defence, marshalled impressively by Dan Neil in a holding midfield role, held firm. However, Daniel Farke's tactical switch, introducing Joe Rothwell and Struijk, proved decisive. In the 78th minute, Rothwell's teasing free-kick found Struijk, who headed home to level the scores.
After the equaliser, Sunderland started to look jaded. They were running on empty; their cool calm composure had deserted them, and spent much of the final ten minutes clinging onto hope that the final whistle wasn't far away; alas they buckled at the death. For Leeds, it’s a massive step forward promotion. Seven points divide Leeds from third placed Burnley (eight if you take into account the goal difference) and with 13 games left, the finishing line is finally in sight.
Best kind of win you can have in football
An ecstatic Daniel Farke labelled Monday nights performance as the 'best kind of win you can have in football.' Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, he emphasized the significance of such victories for both the fans and the team spirit, calling the points "priceless."
Farke acknowledged the challenge posed by their opponents, considered 'one of the best sides in the league.' Despite dominating possession with almost 70%, Leeds found themselves behind, making the victory even sweeter.
Farke himself received a yellow card for his passionate reaction to the late winner, and now faces a touchline ban for the upcoming game against Sheffield United. While accepting the rules, he questioned the logic of a booking for celebrating a last-minute goal, ending with a slightly bemused, "It is what it is."
These type of wins are the best kind you can have in football for the supporters and the whole group. They are priceless points. It's a great night for everyone connected to Leeds United. We haven't won anything yet but to do this against one of the best sides in the league in a difficult game. We were there with almost 70% possession so it was well deserved but once they led it is so difficult and complicated.
I had only one yellow card before this season and now I have had a couple of doubtful ones. If I miss the game at Bramall Lane because of a celebration to a 95th minute goal then I have to adapt to the rules. We live by the rules but I doubt if it makes sense. It is what it is.
