Leeds United extra coaching staff, humble pie served and post-match drama in off-camera moments — YEP 22/10/23
Leeds United put together a comeback for the ages at Carrow Road, overcoming a 2-0 Norwich City lead to win 3-2 and spark wild scenes.
By Graham Smyth
It was a day full of emotion for Daniel Farke, back at the
ground where he masterminded such success, but he kept a clear head when all
around were in danger of losing theirs and plotted an impressive victory for
the Whites. Here's the YEP take.
Good day
Crysencio Summerville
His talent has never been in question but turning flashes of
brilliance into Man of the Match performances and consistency is beyond many
players. Summerville showed at Norwich that he can give Leeds far more than
glimpses. He was outstanding and the two goals were fully deserved. His quick
feet and skill will attract plaudits but his work-rate is fantastic too.
Daniel Farke
Farke played down his own importance before the game, showed
his faith in his players during the game and then played his hand at the right
time to take it away from Norwich City. In short, he played it perfectly. From
the change in formation and attacking substitutions to the muted, classy
celebrations, it was another day that drew Farke yet closer to his new fanbase.
The win drew Leeds up to third in the table, too, and it feels like they're
building something now.
Bad day
David Wagner
Hearing boos from the home fans as Farke walked round and
received applause from them must have stung the Norwich City manager. He was
magnanimous in defeat though and credited Summerville for the quality of his
strike for the equaliser. Make no mistake, though, at 2-0 up Norwich should
have put this one to bed.
Adam Forshaw
The midfielder would have been craving a start against his
former side but had to make do with a place on the bench and a second half
cameo. Being left in a one-v-one situation against Summerville late on was
never going to end well but his side's decision making created that mess. There
was a chance right at the end to be a hero for Norwich and a villain for Leeds
but he got the volley wrong and the response from the away end was inevitable.
A tough day for a fierce competitor.
Everyone calling for change
This correspondent and everyone expressing surprise or
frustration at the lack of half-time changes, or imploring Farke to take Archie
Gray off before the hour mark, had a slice of humble pie waiting for them at
full-time. The manager got it right, held his nerve and trusted the players on
the pitch to start the job of coming back from 2-0 down. When it was time, he
made bold changes and got his reward. As for Gray, he stuck at it and was still
there making important challenges in stoppage time.
Off-camera moments
Luke Ayling's high five for the Leeds mascot. Ian Poveda,
Willy Gnonto and Jaidon Anthony all made sure to greet the delighted youngster
as they made their way back down the tunnel, too.
Summerville imploring Byram to give him an option to play
forward as he was forced to turn back with the ball in the first half.
Ayling, Gnonto and Patrick Bamford all giving Forshaw a hug
as they went to warm up in the first half. Forshaw then had a catch up with
Ayling by the advertising boards while the game was ongoing.
Bamford coming onto the pitch during a break in play to give
Rutter some advice, then approaching Summerville for more of the same. The
striker evidently felt he had spotted something the duo could exploit.
Gray, who looked knackered but never stopped, being offered
an energy gel with 13 minutes left, only to decline and carry on. Ethan Ampadu
geeing players up as Leeds awaited the restart at 2-2.
Ayling organising a Leeds throw from the right-back area
despite not being on the pitch in the game himself. The right-back got
increasingly involved as Leeds pressed to try and win it.
Cooper's leap of delight as he raced to greet Summerville
and Ayling coming onto the pitch celebrating Leeds' third. Farke later lauded
his leaders for their role in the victory, despite not starting. They and
Bamford took on the role of extra coaching staff down the touchline during the
game.
Cooper telling the centre-backs to switch on and keep
concentration as Norwich restarted after going 3-2 down.
Farke's hug for Summerville and a rub on the head as the Man
of the Match came off in stoppage time.
Ampadu shoving Summerville forward out of the pack of
players as they approached the away end so he could receive special
recognition.
Farke taking his time to walk round and applaud every side
of Carrow Road before going to his own fans and almost apologetically declining
his customary celebration, out of respect for Norwich. The home fans and the
away fans both recognised the situation and showed their appreciation for it.
Leeds fans did get their moment to have the cheers
conducted, though, as Meslier saluted them with fist pumps in the way Kalvin
Phillips used to at Elland Road.