Mighty Leeds Weblog

By Stuart Rayner Oh how Leeds United needed their first away win of the season. Victory over Everton was only three Premier League games ago but for top-flight teams without cup football, matches usually only come week to week if that with the rash of early-season internationals. It makes momentum hard to generate and leaves plenty of time for negativity to linger. At a tinderbox club like Leeds it can spread like wildfire if you cannot dampen it down. When new to the world’s best league you need to find joy wherever you can and hold it tight. That too can be contagious at Leeds. "We've scored a goal," their fans sang after Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s header set them on the way to a 3-1 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers. "Two days off!" chanted the away dressing room after achieving it. Manager Daniel Farke caught the mood, slipping in a big statement: "We belong in this league." With that Everton win, a 0-0 v Newcastle United and a good display u...

By Graham Smyth The YEP's take on a brilliant performance and win for Leeds United at Molineux. Leeds United moved into the top 10 with what felt like a vitally important victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Regardless of how the table shapes up by the end of the weekend, the Whites were delighted with their afternoon's work and the fruits of their considerable labours. Answering question marks about their goalscoring abilities and heaping misery on the Premier League's bottom side, Leeds were well worth their three points. Here's the YEP take. Good day: Gabriel Gudmundsson A week on from the bitter disappointment of scoring a freak stoppage time own goal to lose his side the game at Fulham the left-back was a man possessed. Defended cleverly, strongly and when he had the ball he did good things with it. A brilliant way to bounce back. Good day: Dominic Calvert-Lewis Getting the goal could do wonders for his confidence. He looked like he was enjoying hims...

By Graham Smyth Now and then football presents you with an opportunity to do yourself some good and your rivals some harm and Leeds United did not miss at Molineux. For Leeds to participate in the 2026/27 Premier League they will need to be better than at least one of the establishment. The top flight has managed to get rid of newcomers in short order over the past couple of seasons and for Leeds to subvert the order they will have to be competitive in a way recent new boys were not. A win over Everton, a draw with Newcastle United and the vast majority of their performance at Fulham suggested it might just be possible but the lack of goals has been more than a concern. It was all anyone was talking about prior to the Wolves game. Wolves sat bottom prior to Saturday's encounter with no points. Even before a ball was kicked they were pinpointed as a possible candidate for the relegation battle. So even at this early stage of the season Leeds had in their hands an opportunity. ...

By Kyle Newbould Dominic Calvert-Lewin got Leeds United back in the game at Molineux before two more goals ensured all three points went back to Elland Road. Dominic Calvert-Lewin believes Leeds United put concerns over their goalscoring ability to bed with a convincing 3-1 win at Wolves on Saturday. Leeds picked up their first points on the road with Saturday’s victory at Molineux, bouncing back from early adversity to put themselves in the Premier League’s top half. The Whites fell behind to Ladislav Krejčí'’s eighth-minute opener but reacted brilliantly, scoring three goals in 14 first-half minutes to take the game away from their hosts. Calvert-Lewin pulled Leeds level with a brilliant header on the half-hour mark, with Anton Stach’s free-kick and Noah Okafor’s counter-attacking finish turning 1-1 into 3-1 in the blink of an eye. Daniel Farke’s side were then afforded the luxury to keep it tight in the second half and defended well. Having scored just one goal in thei...

The West Yorkshire team took their tally to seven points from five games with victory at struggling Wolves. Sunny Badwal Leeds boss Daniel Farke says his side have showed they “belong” in the Premier League following their 3-1 victory over Wolves at Molineux. Things started well for Wolves boss Vitor Pereira, who signed a new contract in midweek, when Ladislav Krejci put the hosts ahead after eight minutes. However, Leeds responded well and soon scored their first open-play goal of the season when Dominic Calvert-Lewin opened his account for the club since joining from Everton to bring the game level. The visitors were not finished there either, a stunning free-kick from Anton Stach put Leeds in front before Noah Okafor’s finish on the stroke of half-time rounded off the scoring as Leeds won on the road for the first time this season. It was the West Yorkshire team’s second win of the campaign but Farke wants his side to also stay grounded. The German said: “We stay humbl...

By Graham Smyth Leeds United ticked a lot of boxes in beating Wolves 3-1 at Molineux. Daniel Farke says Leeds United have proved they belong in the Premier League but must stay humble after picking up seven points from five games. A 3-1 win at bottom side Wolves delighted the German and ticked important boxes in the bid for survival. Leeds had not scored a goal from open play yet in the top flight this season before Dominic Calvert-Lewin rose to cancel out Ladislav Krejčí's eighth-minute opener. Anton Stach fired in a spectacular free-kick and Noah Okafor heaped further misery on Wolves with a classy finish before the break. The second half saw Leeds on the back foot but repelling everything the home side threw at them. Victory pushed Leeds up to ninth in the table, at least temporarily, and kept Wolves rooted to the bottom with no points. "Really good first half, I think a dominant first half, excellent goals," said Farke. "We had a clinical edge in almost...

A big three points at Molineux! Leeds United produced an excellent display on the road to claim three points against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday afternoon, where they were backed as always by a loud contingent of travelling supporters in the West Midlands. Daniel Farke’s side came into the match looking to pick up their first points away from home and did just that, with all the goals coming in the opening 45 minutes. The hosts had nothing to show from any of their first four games prior to kick-off against the Whites. Four losses in a row for Vitor Pereira’s side had them languishing at the foot of the table, but in these early stages of the season, there remained plenty of time to turn that around. After the team news had been exchanged and the starting XI’s were announced, the warm-ups were then completed, before the whistle sounded that we were underway at Molineux. Despite a bright start from Farke’s side, who had created two good early openings, it was the hosts...

By Stuart Rayner Everton, now Wolverhampton Wanderers. So far this season Leeds United have made a good habit of ticking off wins they ought to. This one, 3-1 at Molineux, was pleasing because if featured two goals from open play, three to get new signings off the mark, and because they were forced to work hard defensively in the second half, and did so, with Karl Darlow stepping up to the plate once more. Although it was Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Noah Okafor and the excellent Anton Stach on the scoresheet, Gabriel Gudmundsson also shone to put the memories of his much less wanted goal at Craven Cottage seven days earlier behind them. There are no unwinnable games in the Premier League but for a newly-promoted side some come pretty close, so it is important to beat those sides who look a bit more vulnerable. Wolves are the only side yet to win a point in this season's Premier League. But just eight minutes into a sopping wet Black Country afternoon, Leeds had a familiar sink...

By Kyle Newbould Daniel Farke’s Leeds United recorded their first away win of the season at Molineux. Leeds United got their open play goal and another to boot as part of a convincing 3-1 win at Wolves on Saturday. Goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Anton Stach and Noah Okafor ensured all three points went back up to West Yorkshire. Leeds came from behind to produce an excellent victory and take a massive early three points. Things couldn’t have started much worse for Leeds, who after squandering an early chance of their own fell behind inside eight minutes. Wolves summer signing Ladislav Krejci was the goalscorer, breaking into the box from midfield before nicking the ball beyond Karl Darlow. Leeds grew into the game from that moment, however, and got their equaliser on the half-hour mark when Jayden Bogle's deep cross was brilliantly headed in by Calvert-Lewin. The Whites striker continued to impose himself physically and won a free-kick with just over five minutes of th...

By Stuart Rayner IT SEEMS a strange thing for a manager whose team scored 95 goals last season to say, but Leeds United’s Daniel Farke says it anyway: "We were not the most effective side." Back in the big league, that needs to change. At least a bit. "I doubt we will be the most effective side in this league,” he admits. Goalscoring, or lack thereof, has been the Leeds narrative this week and there has been no filter on Farke's honesty. He insists there is a difference between pointing out his forwards' flaws and doubting them, but is reluctant to shout from the rooftops about how good they are until they provide evidence. In this touchy-feely era, it seems a risky strategy. Somehow Farke must coax more goals out of his squad. Take away the Arsenal hammering – how they wish they could – and no opposition player has scored against them in this season's Premier League. Had Gabriel Gudmundsson not kindly done it for Fulham, Leeds would have three ...

By Graham Smyth There is nothing new under the sun and Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been here before. Fresh off a 1-0 defeat Daniel Farke sat down with the media at his next pre-game press conference to face questions. One of which brought the answer: "No, I don't feel pressure in these terms because I have followed this club for three decades and always had a soft spot for Leeds. I know more about this club and fell in love with it. After one bad result, everyone panics. It's not a bad thing - just everyone cares so much and is passionate about this club." He faced calls from the fanbase for a more adventurous team selection. Supporters wanting to see a defence-minded player replaced by a more attacking, creative profile. There was a question over a lack of goals from set-pieces and what he was doing about it. He was asked about the struggles of his next opponent and what that meant for his approach to the game. This particular press conference took pla...

By Stuart Rayner Leeds United have been working this week to try to build the confidence of their misfiring forwards with small-sided training matches rather than mind games. The Whites have only scored once in their opening four Premier League matches, and that was a Lukas Nmecha penalty on the first night. Clearly that will have to improve to achieve their objective of staying in the top division. After drawing a blank in defeat at Fulham, manager Daniel Farke pointedly said: "Willy Gnonto, Daniel James, Jack Harrison, Brenden Aaronson, they were all with us when we were (last) relegated from the Premier League (James was on loan at Fulham) and they were all called hopeless and not good enough for the Premier League. This is reality. "We shouldn't expect miracles. I can't expect something from a player he's not capable of delivering." Farke needs them confident in front of goal, not least with a trip to a Wolverhampton Wanderers side yet to claim ...

By Graham Smyth One of Leeds' most historic pubs has become the headquarters for a campaign to properly honour a Leeds United legend. The Old Peacock on Elland Road has been the watering hole of choice for Whites fans for generations thanks to its location directly across the road from the football stadium. This week it was announced that the pub had been temporarily renamed in honour of Patrick Bamford and the association with Leeds United is at the heart of the owners' decision to get behind the WILKO92 cause. A supporter-led campaign, WILKO92 aims to raise funds in order to build a statue of Howard Wilkinson who took Leeds into the top flight and then two years later won it. Wilkinson is also credited with a major role in the development of homegrown talent through the Thorp Arch academy and training base. He remains the last English manager to win the English top flight title. Jamie Lawson, Ossett Brewery and The Old Peacock owner, said: "The Old Peacock has al...

Kris Smith Leeds United’s owners the 49ers Enterprises have been keen to consistently grow their portfolio and open up the floor to new investments, which has been confirmed this week. United’s success in the Premier League this season is the only way that the 49ers are going to see a swift return on their investment at the club. Survival in the top flight would mean huge potential for the Whites to grow even further. In the meantime, the 49ers are clearly selling the project very well to investors outside of the UK. IDC Network confirm significant Leeds United and Deportivo Cali investment alongside 49ers On-field displays leave a lot of room for improvement at both of the 49ers’ current ventures, Leeds and Rangers. However, they are still looking to grow United with outside help. This has been confirmed by the latest party to invest in the club, IDC Network. An investment firm with roots in North America, Central America and Europe boasting a venture capital arm with asse...

One of the most historic pubs in Leeds, The Old Peacock on Elland Road is set to play a central role in honouring one of the city’s greatest football figures. The legendary public house, just a goal kick from Elland Road, has been named the official headquarters of WILKO92 — the supporter-led campaign to raise the funds for a statue of Howard Wilkinson, the last English manager to win the top-flight title and the man who guided Leeds United to glory in 1992. Jamie Lawson, Owner of Ossett Brewery and The Old Peacock said:  "The Old Peacock has always been more than just a pub - its part of the fabric of Leeds United’s history and the community that surrounds Elland Road. We’re proud to make it the headquarters of Wilko92 and to raise a glass to Howard Wilkinson, a manager who brought unforgettable memories to this city. Just as generations of fans have gathered here before every match, we hope they’ll now gather to celebrate and support the campaign to honour one of Leeds Un...

 📢 We’re excited to share the very first edition of Connecting to WILKO92 ! This new regular newsletter will bring you all the latest updates on the campaign to create a lasting tribute to Howard Wilkinson — the man who led Leeds United to the 1992 league title. ⚽💛💙 Take a look at the first issue here 👉 https://sway.cloud.microsoft/K8xDIFRx2iFAb5Md?ref=Link?play We’d love you to read, share, and help us spread the word about this campaign! Together we can make the Wilko92 Statue a reality. 🙌 #LUFC #Wilko92 #LeedsUnited

By Graham Smyth An Elland Road pub has changed its name in tribute in tribute to a two-time Leeds United promotion hero. The Old Peacock, opposite Leeds' Elland Road ground, is now synonymous with the club and its fans. On matchdays it serves as both a watering hole and a pilgrimage for supporters coming from near and far to watch their team play. Earlier this year Patrick Bamford put £5,000 behind the bar of The Old Peacock so that fans could enjoy a pre-game drink ahead of the game against Bristol City, when promotion back to the Premier League was to be marked with celebrations before and after. Now the establishment is out to repay his generosity and recognise his contribution to Leeds United during a seven-year stint that came to an end this summer. A post on The Old Peacock's Facebook page revealed that the pub will be renamed in his honour until Tottenham Hotspur visit early next month. It read: "To celebrate the unforgettable years of service from Patrick B...

If you didn't laugh... Written by: Rob Conlon Midway through the first half and with Leeds United starting to get a grip of possession, Anton Stach wandered forward to briefly stand near Dominic Calvert-Lewin up front. They have been teammates for less than a month but for Calvert-Lewin it must have felt like being reunited with a long lost friend. Lord knows he needed the company. It was one of the few times all afternoon he could read the name on the back of another Leeds shirt without straining his eyes and peering into the distance. Before long Stach was strolling back into position and getting an earful from his captain Ethan Ampadu, who moments earlier had looked for a simple pass to his left only to realise his fellow midfielder wasn’t where, in theory, he was meant to be stationed. On another occasion Stach shuffled over to the right-hand side of the pitch trying to find space, but that was where Sean Longstaff was being told to play. Longstaff was diligent enough to ...

Leeds United could go seven points clear of their West Midlands relegation rivals with a win Saturday’s visit to Wolverhampton Wanderers was already a big game for Leeds United but what happened in London at 4.50pm on Saturday turns the pressure dial up a few notches. Wolves are bottom of the Premier League table with no points from their opening four games, despite scoring one more goal than Leeds have. A win for the Whites would take them seven points clear of their expected relegation rivals - a huge gap at such an early stage. United need to bank as many points as they can before November with a horrid run leading into December, including games against Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea. Brighton & Hove Albion away, Nottingham Forest away and Aston Villa at home are precarious preceding fixtures too. Not getting points on the board at Wolves would heap yet more pressure on Daniel Farke and the home games against Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur. Leeds have three no...

By Graham Smyth Graham Smyth with things you might have missed from Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Fulham London has often been where Leeds United go to suffer heartache and the trip to Fulham was no different. The worst thing about this latest disappointment in the capital was how late in the day Fulham's winner arrived. A draw was on the cards, the fifth point was almost in the bag and then a freak goal changed everything. Including the mood. Here's the YEP take. Leeds United Good Day Karl Darlow. He won't consider it a good day, however he was good on the day. A first Premier League game for four years and a point to prove after the Sheffield Wednesday game but he produced some sublime saves. His performance was everything it needed to be and there was no fault to attach to him whatsoever for the goal. He deserved a point at least. Leeds United Bad Day Anton Stach. The midfielder's overall performance wasn't terrible but it wasn't his best. Far from i...