Leeds United handled their business in the FA Cup third round professionally, beating Championship outfit Derby County 3-1.
Although the Whites booked their place in the fourth round of the competition, not every member of Daniel Farke’s side impressed.
Jack Harrison was among those who struggled against Derby, further raising questions regarding his Elland Road future during January.
But whilst Harrison was poor, Willy Gnonto was one of the players who took advantage of being handed a rare start, with the quality of Leeds’ squad forcing Derby manager John Eustace to make a humbling admission.
John Eustace makes honest Leeds United admission
Prior to the game, Eustace referenced how much Leeds had spent over the summer, and although Leeds did not field their strongest starting XI, the quality difference between the two sides was evident.
After Derby went a goal up against the run of play, Leeds did not get disheartened and took the game by the scruff of the neck in the second half as their superior quality shone through.
Speaking after the game in an interview on Derby’s official website, Eustace gave his assessment of the game, whilst also singing the praises of Farke’s men.
“I thought it was a great effort, I thought first-half we were good, we went toe-to-toe with a top team and I thought the players that came in were exceptional that first half and then we ran out of legs second half… when you’re up against a Premier League team it’s always going to be difficult and I’m disappointed to lose the game but there’s loads of positives to take.
“Their squad’s an amazing squad, they had that in the Championship, that’s why they won it with 100 points or whatever it was, and they’ve added to that, so look, a bit of realism to where we are.”
Ao Tanaka gives Daniel Farke selection headache with Derby performance
To the surprise of most Leeds fans, Tanaka has found himself on the bench for the majority of United’s Premier League campaign so far, with the Japanese midfielder starting just seven Premier League games up to this point.
However, this could be set to change, with the 27-year-old reminding Farke why he should be one of the first names on the teamsheet with his performance against Derby.
Ao Tanaka – Match Stats vs Derby County
| Stat | Stat Value |
|---|---|
| Goals | 1 |
| Accurate Passes | 72/79 (91%) |
| Defensive Contributions | 3 |
| Tackles | 1 |
| Duels Won | 5 |
Particularly when Leeds play at Elland Road and are targeting three points instead of one from the game, Tanaka provides that extra bit of x-factor that is lacking in the Whites’ midfield at times when Ilia Gruev plays, although the Bulgarian has also been impressive himself as of late.
The fact that Tanaka is not a guaranteed starter every game showcases the quality that Leeds possesses, reinforcing Eustace’s point that Leeds and Derby as clubs are miles apart at this moment in time.
