Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored deep into injury time to hand Leeds United a dramatic 1-0 victory over Brighton at Elland Road on Sunday.
In their final home match of the season, Leeds gave the supporters the perfect send-off, with Calvert-Lewin’s late winner sparking huge celebrations around the ground.
The result moved Leeds up to 14th in the Premier League table, and if other results go their way and they beat West Ham on the final day, the Whites could still finish as high as 11th.
Few people would have predicted that at the start of the season, particularly when there were growing calls for Daniel Farke to be replaced because of his past struggles in the Premier League.
Instead, the Leeds manager has proved his doubters wrong and now looks to have firmly secured his long-term future at Elland Road after the win over Brighton.
Gary Neville drops special recognition for Daniel Farke
The Leeds manager has been criminally left out of the contenders for the Premier League Manager of the Season, when it’s clear that he deserves to be in that list, at least ahead of Manchester United’s Michael Carrick.
However, Manchester United legend Gary Neville has made it clear that not only does Farke deserve to be one of the contenders, but he should also be winning the Manager of the Season award.
He has picked the German coach as his manager of the season, ahead of Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who could finish the season winning the Premier League and the Champions League double.
The Sky Sports presenter said: “Jamie has gone for Mikel Arteta, who could be winning a unique double; only Liverpool twice, Manchester United twice and Manchester City once have managed to win the English top division and the European Cup double.
“Gary has gone for the Leeds boss, Daniel Farke.”
Leeds need him to sign a new contract soon
Although some Leeds supporters still had doubts about Daniel Farke last year, he has completely won them over this season by guiding the club to Premier League survival.
The German manager turned Leeds’ season around during a difficult spell in October and November, changing the system and finding an approach that got the best out of the squad.
Since then, Leeds have become one of the hardest teams to beat in the division, losing only four of their last 24 Premier League matches.
If Farke were to walk away from the club this summer, it would be a huge setback for the 49ers both on and off the pitch.
The owners now need to show the same level of ambition, persuade Farke to stay long term and give him the backing he needs in the transfer market to keep pushing the squad forward next season.
