The last cup game Leeds United played early this season went terribly. Daniel Farke named a rotated side to take on Sheffield Wednesday who were having a poor start to their season.
The Championship side shocked everyone and knocked the Whites out of the EFL Cup. So it was understandable why some fans were concerned ahead of this weekend’s clash with Derby County in the FA Cup.
However, things went much better this time around. Despite rotating, and giving a chance to players like Sam Byram, Ilia Gruev and Jack Harrison, Leeds won 3-1 away from home.
Robbie Savage makes Leeds United claim after FA Cup victory
Their performance was so good on Sunday, and even had Robbie Savage very surprised. The former Premier League player admitted that he was impressed with how Leeds played despite rotating many players ahead of the cup tie.
“Leeds were fantastic, you know the players that came into the side, eight changes, the substitutions, every single Leeds player played their part today and thoroughly deserved the victory, they were the better team…you can see the celebrations now, great away following.”
Brereton Diaz gave the home side a shock lead after 35 minutes, with John Eustace’s side going into half time with a 1-0 advantage. In the second half, Leeds unleashed a flurry of goals, with Wilfried Gnonto, Ao Tanaka and James Justin ending up on the scoresheet. The team selected on Sunday gave a lot of joy to the travelling supporters.
49ers proven right after summer window
In the summer, fans had a lot of complaints about almost all of the signings that came through the door. Dominic Calvert-Lewin joining was criticized very game, but now the striker is scoring and leading his team to safety. Fans questioned Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw not starting games, but after seeing them in action, they have been impressed.
The midfield duo of Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff have also been brilliant this season, they have been key to how well the team have played. Aside a few deals where there is genuine concern over how they could pan out, the window can be seen as a good one. Leeds United added key depth, and they did not disappoint this weekend, as noted by Robbie Savage. Hopefully these players will continue to perform when called upon between now and the end of the season with Premier League safety on the line.
