Report and highlights of the Sky Bet League match between Leeds United and Leicester City at Elland Road on Friday; goals from Connor Roberts, Archie Gray, and Patrick Bamford lead Daniel Farke’s team to an impressive comeback victory.
Leeds initiated the competition for the championship title by overcoming a 1-0 deficit and defeating Leicester 3-1, narrowing the Foxes’ advantage to six points at the summit.
After 15 minutes, Wout Faes scored a header that gave the Foxes the lead in the final 10 minutes of the match. However, a second goal by Patson Daka was disallowed due to a controversial offside call just before the hour mark.
Leeds, who were unable to produce a single shot on goal in the initial 67 minutes, discovered a way to make a stunning comeback.
Connor Roberts netted his inaugural goal since joining on loan from Burnley in January, followed by a distracted attempt from teenager Archie Gray that was deflected by Hamza Choudhury, then Faes, and ultimately nestled behind Mads Hermansen, causing Elland Road to erupt in celebration.
Patrick Bamford, the replacement player, had sufficient opportunity to increase the advantage even more. He also helped with Daniel James’ last-minute free kick, ultimately securing Daniel Farke’s team their ninth straight win in the league.
How Leeds stunned the champion-elect
With Leeds having won eight consecutive matches and Leicester understandably determined to maintain their long-held first place position, it was anticipated that this highly-anticipated showdown would ensue.
The teams traded half-opportunities in a captivating beginning before an unforeseen contributor emerged at the start, easing the anxiety of the Leicester Persuaders.
Leeds remained resilient, but faced difficulty in penetrating the Foxes’ defense. Despite having opportunities, such as Willy Gnonto’s attempt on goal and Crysencio Summerville’s impressive shot that was blocked by Jannik Vestergaard, they were unable to register a single shot on target in the first half.
Leicester could have scored a second goal as Daka successfully placed the ball into the net following Vestergaard’s header rebounding off the woodwork. However, referee Craig Pawson deemed it offside and disallowed the goal.
The call was incorrect, as the officials determined that Hamza Choudhury had touched the ball before it reached the Zambia striker. However, upon further examination, it was revealed that Georginio Rutter had attempted to clear the ball, meaning Daka was not in an offside position.
Daka could have easily scored a header soon after, but for some reason, he missed the opportunity after Ricardo Pereira’s impressive run and pass.
He likely regretted not taking advantage of this opportunity. Roberts tied the game after Rutter’s pass was redirected to him, and just three minutes later, 17-year-old Gray shifted the game in Leeds’ favor for the first time, once again with the assistance of two distractions.
In the 95th minute, the points were secured as James’ free-kick went beneath the wall and was then headed in by Bamford, making for an enthralling final.
Daniel Farke from Leeds:
Tonight is a fantastic evening for all those affiliated with Leeds United.
The record statistics are piling up as we secure our ninth consecutive victory at Elland Road this season, remaining unbeaten.
However, the emotions and atmosphere hold even greater significance. This could be sensed in the lively celebrations throughout the entire stadium.
The significance was evident for all those connected to this team, following a tumultuous period filled with numerous letdowns and moments of hardship.
Experiencing a time when you sense a strong sense of unity among players, staff, fans, and the entire club.
We offer these services and achieve these outcomes. It’s fantastic and I am grateful for our supporters. You can definitely make the most of your weekend.
What is the next step?
The upcoming games for both teams will occur during the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Leicester will be traveling to the southern coast to face Bournemouth on Tuesday, February at 7:30 pm, while Leeds will be playing against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge the next evening at 7:30 pm.
The two will return for Sky Bet championship action on Saturday, March 2.
Leeds will be playing against Huddersfield at the John Smith’s Stadium, with the match starting at 12:30 pm and being broadcast live on Sky Sports Football. In the meantime, Leicester will be facing QPR at 3 pm.
