Leeds United Good Friday declaration after rivals' wins with injury fears addressed — YEP 18/4/25
By Graham Smyth
Daniel Farke saw his Whites take a huge step towards sealing
promotion at Oxford United.
Daniel Farke declared Good Friday Leeds United's day as they
responded to Burnley and Sheffield United's wins in a 'top class way.'
The German watched his Whites take a first-half lead at
Oxford United through Manor Solomon's goal and then hold firm against a U's
side that never went away.
Leeds could have made life more comfortable with a second
goal and Ao Tanaka hit the post in the second half but Karl Darlow was well
protected in the away goal even when Oxford's Will Vaulks bombed the box with
his long throws.
Seven minutes of injury time was not enough for Oxford
United to find a leveller and Leeds moved back to the top of the table on 91
points, level with Burnley but with a superior goal difference. The victory
also restored their five-point lead over third-placed Sheffield United.
"Massive win at this stage of the season, clean sheet
against a team fighting against relegation," said Farke at full-time.
"Very happy. We played against a very good Oxford side,
you don't create many chances against them. We had good control. We scored a
beautiful goal, Manor just had to pass the ball into the goal. We had lots of
control but his sides are so well structured and competitive. You have to bury
such a game by scoring the second but sadly we hit the post or the goalkeeper
was there.
“They were still in the game and in the second half they
tried everything to push for it. We didn't allow them anything. I was quite
pleased with this. If you don't score the second you have to show steel and
resilience and this is what we've done in a top class way.
“It was a hard-fought and deserved win. Massive three points
for us. It's always your game day when you're the league leader and win your
game. We travel hopefully quick but proud home."
Leeds' defensive solidity was underpinned by centre-backs
Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon, the latter in particular playing a starring role.
Defending the long throw was something Norwich City, Sheffield United and
Sheffield Wednesday had all failed to do in recent games against the U's but
Leeds managed it.
“I'm pretty happy with this, no other team has done this”...
"Big compliment for all my defensive row," said
Farke. "Oxford have an unbelievable player with Vaulks, he throws it from
near the halfway line and you have to win headers.
“Joe Rodon needed to win one or 27 headers today. Although
we're not the most physical side, that we were able to deal with all the
situations I'm pretty happy with this, no other team has done this here in
recent games."
Leeds now need four points to confirm automatic promotion
but could be celebrating on Monday if they beat Stoke City and Sheffield United
drop points against Burnley later in the day. Farke is not allowing anyone to
think too far ahead.
"I have already too many games in this crazy league,
crazy things can happen," he said.
"We are in a really great shape, back to-back-to-back
wins in the crunch time period is always good. But nothing is done yet. You
have to fight for each and every point.
“All the upcoming games will be difficult and you have to
keep your nerve. You have to be relentless, the league is relentless. All our
competitors are strong and show resilience. We have to keep going. If we keep
going in this focused and committed way we'll definitely have something to
cheer."