Leeds United scored a 3-1 win over Derby County in the third round of the FA Cup to progress in the cup and showed the strength of their overall squad.
Daniel Farke’s men went to break 1-0 down at Pride Park after Ben Brereton Diaz gave the home side the lead in the first half. However, they came out firing in the second half.
Wilfried Gnonto levelled things up in the 55th minute, and just minutes later, Ao Tanaka scored a goal that gave the away side the lead. James Justin added more panache to the scoreline with an injury-time strike.
Farke changed his team, but his players did the job despite the first-half scare. They scored early in the second half and ensured that an FA Cup upset didn’t happen at Pride Park.
Robbie Savage makes a huge Leeds United claim
Former Premier League midfielder Robbie Savage was more interested in talking about Leeds’ survival chances than the win they recorded against Derby.
He insisted that he never really thought Leeds would go down, and now he is more confident that they are on course for survival in the top flight.
Savage stressed that the biggest thing going for Leeds is Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s form and is certain that his goals will keep the Whites in the Premier League.
He said on TNT Sports: “Yeah, I thought they’d stay up before a ball was kicked, so yeah, with the run they’re on now, they want to get to that 34,35 points.
“I think they’ll be comfortably safe.
“The biggest thing for them is, they’ve got a goalscorer in Dominic Calvert-Lewin, his goals will keep Leeds in the Premier League.”
Leeds can look forward to the Premier League now
With progress in the FA Cup sealed, Leeds can now again focus on the league, where they sit 16th in the table at the moment.
Leeds have built an eight-point lead over teams in the relegation zone and will be taking on Fulham at Elland Road next Saturday. They should be favourites to win.
The Whites have looked imperious at home, and Farke will bring his best players back to the starting eleven for the visit of the London club next weekend.
With West Ham faltering and scheduled to take an away trip to Tottenham next weekend, Leeds have a big chance to further widen the gap with the Hammers in the Premier League table.
