Derby and Leeds United faced off in a highly anticipated FA Cup clash. The two sides have had history ever since that 2019 Championship play off final result.
This weekend, the Whites were expected to win, but fans had some doubts especially after the defeat to Sheffield Wednesday earlier in the season. In the EFL Cup clash early in the campaign, Farke decided to rotate some players, and it backfired. They crashed out in the competition very early on, but that was not the case this time around.
Derby fans admit being outplayed by Leeds United
And on Sunday even though they did not play a full strength team, Leeds delivered the win. The game was very tense in the first half after the home side took a shock lead. But goals from Ao Tanaka, Wilfried Gnonto and James Justin sealed the game in the second half. The Derby fanbase eventually accepted the result, acknowledging that they had been beaten by a much better team:
One user posted on X: ”Was actually impressed with us today, we just lost out to a better quality team!”
”1st half promising, 2nd half fell off but expected against PL Leeds.” another posted.
A derby fan added: ”Leeds stepped it up a notch in second half & got the job done. That’s how a PL side beat a Championship side.”
Another fan said: ”A decent showing against Leeds but the PL class shone through. Onto Preston”
One Derby fan did not like how his team ended the game: ”Positive start followed by the usual aimless rubbish. Leeds stepped up a gear and we didn’t have a sniff.”
READ MORE: talkSPORT pundit makes sensational Danilho Doekhi Leeds United claim – ‘I think…’
Whites must carry this form into the Premier League
Fans may think an FA Cup victory over a Championship side is nothing, but this weekend, the win offered the perfect high after losing to Newcastle previously. This game gave Daniel Farke the perfect opportunity to rest and rotate some key players, and they will be fresh enough when the next Premier League game comes around.
Performances from the likes of Jack Harrison, James Justin and Wilfried Gnonto have also been noticed. Farke would no doubt been have looking for a reaction from the players who have not featured much this season – and these three delivered.
READ MORE: Daniel Farke reveals what was said in the dressing room at half-time against Derby County
