Leeds United need to keep their nerve says Daniel Farke after Whites move to within four points of promotion — Wakefield Express 19/4/25
By Tony Harber
Manor Solomon's 33rd minute strike took Leeds United to
within four points of promotion – and possibly fewer – as they came back with a
victory from their trip to Oxford.
The Whites were not at their best, but controlled large
parts of a game against a competitive but limited home team and were good value
for their 1-0 win.
It kept them on top of the Championship table, level with
Burnley and five ahead of Sheffield United.
And they now know that if they can beat Stoke City at Elland
Road on Monday afternoon they could be up by the end of the evening if
Sheffield United then fail to beat Burnley in their Easter Monday game.
Even if the Blades win it would also leave Leeds needing
just one further point for promotion or one more victory to go up as champions
because of their superior goal difference to their rivals.
The Whites could also be up if they draw with Stoke and
Sheffield United lose to Burnley.
Manager Daniel Farke, previously promoted twice with
Norwich, again warned there is still work to be done by his team despite their
strong position.
He said: "I have already too many games in this crazy
league, crazy things can happen.
“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."
Farke acknowledged the value of the latest victory.
He added: "Massive win at this stage of the season,
clean sheet against a team fighting against relegation.
“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.”
Leeds quickly settled to play their passing football, but
were caught out once early on when Cameron Brannagan was allowed to get a shot
in, but keeper Karl Darlow made a good save.
Several openings appeared at the other end without any end
product as Willy Gnonto slipped in a good position in the box, Brenden Aaronson
was not quick enough and tackled and Solomon's cross went over everyone in the
area.
Joel Piroe played in Aaronson only for the American's shot
to be well saved by keeper Jamie Cumming.
Solomon was the next to be played in, but his low cross was
well blocked by Ben Nelson with Whites forwards ready to pounce.
A goal looked like coming and finally it arrived in the 33rd
minute as a defence splitting pass from Joe Rodon saw Jayden Bogle in the clear
on the right and he delivered a brilliant low cross that was fired home by
Solomon at the far post.
Oxford's only response was from set pieces and long throws,
but Leeds – led by the outstanding Rodon – stood firm and they held their lead
to the finish.
Openings were rare in the second half, although Bogle fired
just wide, Ilia Gruev's free-kick was easily saved and Gnonto sent a shot wide.
The closest to a second goal came when Ao Tanaka's superb
strike from just outside the box was fingertipped onto the inside of the post.
Oxford had one last half-chance with a long range cross
headed over by Stanley Mills.