Leeds United

Image source, Rex Features

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has questioned the sense of his suspension for being cautioned in the dramatic last-gasp victory over Sunderland in midweek.

Substitute Pascal Struijk's 95th-minute winner completed a thrilling comeback win against their Championship promotion rivals at Elland Road.

But Farke was shown a yellow card by referee Stuart Attwell, his third of the season, in the bedlam that followed - which means an automatic one-game ban.

The suspension means the German will miss the mouthwatering game against second-placed Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Monday.

"I overstepped the rules and was outside my coaching zone for six seconds," Farke told BBC Radio Leeds in a thinly veiled dig at the rules.

Farke said he can understand if a player is cautioned for a "nasty, aggressive tackle" or by "trying to create a tactical advantage by a tactical foul". But he questioned the wisdom of punishing someone for celebrating a goal.

Victory over the Blades would take Leeds five points clear at the top of the Championship and, potentially, as many as 10 points clear of third place - but Farke will have to watch the match from the stands.

"My lads are to blame because they just score too many goals," he added. "What should I do?

"Although the fire is burning and I try to channel my fire as much as possible, the lads are so brilliant and score so many goals that there are sometimes moments when I can't channel my emotions.

"If there is a late goal in the 95th minute, then even I want to celebrate.

"I am not a robot. I am just a human being, and sometimes the fire is still burning. If someone thinks I deserve a yellow card, I have to accept it. I will try not to celebrate at all next time.

"I won't ask my lads to score less goals. There are some times when I cannot control my emotions.

"It is difficult to say 'don't celebrate at all', but it is what it is, and we will find solutions."

Fair to say that Leeds' last-gasp victory over Sunderland was huge ahead of this game?

With just two points separating these two Yorkshire rivals at the top of the Championship, leaders Leeds go into this unbeaten in 15 league games and can go five clear at the summit with a win.

But they won't have boss Daniel Farke on the touchline at Bramall Lane after he picked up a yellow card following his goal celebrations in the Sunderland win.

Sheffield United have won their past four league games and will leapfrog the Whites into top spot if they pick up the three points.

• Sheffield United have lost each of their past two home league games against Leeds 1-0 - as many defeats as across their prior 13 at Bramall Lane combined (W6 D5).

• Leeds have won each of their past three league games against Sheffield United, last winning more in succession against the Blades between 1990 and 1992 (six games).

• Sheffield United have won seven of their past eight Championship matches (L1), with their other game in that run a 3-0 home Yorkshire derby defeat by Hull in January. The Blades are looking to win five league games in a row for the first time since December 2022.

• Leeds are unbeaten in each of their past 15 league matches (W11 D4), equalling their best unbeaten run under Daniel Farke (first 15 games of 2024). The Whites last had a longer unbeaten streak between October and February in their 1991-92 top-flight title-winning campaign (16).

• Daniel James is averaging 3.6 shots per 90 minutes for Leeds in the Championship in 2024-25, the highest ratio by a Whites player in a league season (min. 1000 minutes) since Patrick Bamford in 2019-20 (3.7). James has scored three goals in his past four away Championship appearances - as many as he scored in his first 45 away games in the competition.

Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

Image source, Rex Features

"Whoa! I don't think it's even sunk in yet!" admitted an emotional Joe Rodon to BBC Radio Leeds in the immediate aftermath of the dramatic 2-1 over Sunderland at Elland Road.

"Those ones are the best ones when you score in the last minute to win. It's a fantastic night and now I'm really looking forward to next week."

The defender is of course referring to Monday's top of the Championship clash at second-placed Sheffield United when he will be the first name on manager Daniel Farke's team-sheet.

The Wales international has played 40 full 90 minutes for club and country this season, not missing a minute of league action.

Rodon, 27, wears his heart on his sleeve, is often in the wars on the pitch and does not need an armband to lead by example.

He would rather reserve the praise for those who do, whether it be his compatriot and club captain Ethan Ampadu, or fellow centre-back Pascal Struijk whose brace as a substitute secured the points against Sunderland.

"For Pascal to come on, after he hasn't played in a couple of games, and do that is incredible and I'm very happy for him," Rodon added.

The former Spurs man was just as effusive about midfielder Joe Rothwell who assisted both goals after also being thrown into the fray from the bench.

"He's kind of our unsung hero is Joe," Rodon said.

"A brilliant technical player and you can see he has added to us this year with that more kind of direct play and by bringing the quality and lifting the level of the group. He changed the game but I'm not surprised at all."

Every side needs game changers at times but it also requires its stalwarts - Rodon is certainly that.

He was also savouring every precious drop of an ecstatic victory.

"It's important as a team to celebrate moments like this and especially for the fans and the club," he said.

In a season when others have caught the eye, particularly from the wings, they owe many of their moments in the sun to the guile and spirit of the warrior behind them who is steering them on the journey whilst milking every minute.

Sheffield United v Leeds United (KO 20:00 GMT) will be live from Bramall Lane on all BBC Radio Leeds frequencies with all the build up from 18:00.

Listen to West Yorkshire Sport Daily, weeknights at 18:00, and subscribe to BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast on BBC Sounds

"I always have to sing it but when it's on I always feel a little self conscious of singing my own song, but last night I was fully off the hook. It was better than the 7-0."

Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix joins up with Jonny Buchan and Adam Pope after one of the most dramatic nights at Elland Road, when a last-gasp winner against Sunderland saw the Whites return to the top of the Championship.

Episode 141 of Don't Go To Bed Just Yet is out now and you can find it on the BBC Sounds app or wherever you get your podcasts.

Adonis Storr
Fan writer

Image source, Rex Features

Most of the time being a football manager isn't joyous. It's hard work, being away from family, years of dedication, it is a misunderstood and often thankless task.

For fans too. Sometimes years go by without much joy at all. Early mornings, late nights, sacrifices made to stand out in the cold and rain and snow; just to watch a 0-0 draw, or your team lose again, fall into mid-table mediocrity, or worse, slide down the football league.

But all those moments are worth it when your team scores a 95th-minute winner and snatches victory against a stubborn promotion rival, from the threat of defeat.

When Pascal Struijk headed in Joe Rothwell's header it was the second time Daniel Farke's two substitutions combined against Sunderland on Monday night. And the first time in Leeds' history this had happened. There can't be any better feeling for a manager.

There were limbs flailing everywhere, with some fans ending up in different rows, hugging strangers, players were dancing, the Leeds bench raced onto the pitch to celebrate.

It is these moments that make football such a unique experience, that non-sport fans may not understand.

But amid the euphoria Farke was shown a yellow card that means he will not be on the bench against Sheffield United next week - the most important game of the season.

Farke had raced onto the pitch in a rare moment of unabashed joy. He made it about 10 metres before falling over, coming to his senses and returning to the technical area.

Football laws caution that celebrations "should not be excessive" and also must not "cause excessive time-wasting" – it might be pointed out that Sunderland's goalkeeper was far better at time-wasting than Farke could ever hope to be.

But if you can't celebrate a 95th-minute winner, the laws need changing.

Find more from Adonis Storr at The Roaring Peacock, external

Ian Woodcock
BBC Sport England at Elland Road

Image source, Rex Features

"We haven't won anything yet".

Leeds boss Daniel Farke rightly relished his side's late, late show to take all the points in their win over Sunderland on Monday night (to the point that his own celebrations saw him booked and he now faces a one-match touchline ban) but he also wanted to reiterate that the job of claiming promotion back to the Premier League isn't done yet.

Of course the German, twice a Championship title-winner with Norwich, is right; they don't hand out the medals in February.

That said, Leeds were in ominous form before Monday's clash with the Wearsiders. They went into the match unbeaten in 14 games, with six successive clean sheets and were the leading scorers in the top four divisions.

They came out of it having held their nerve and, through Pascal Struijk's unlikely double, found a way to win just when it looked to be beyond them. For so much of this season Leeds' promotion bid has been built on control. Last night they showed they can also embrace chaos.

Farke's men will now travel to second-placed Sheffield United two points ahead of their Yorkshire rivals, at least four points clear of third, and with the fate of the Championship title in their hands.

All the evidence suggests they are unlikely to allow it to be taken from them without an almighty fight.

Listen to Leeds boss Daniel Farke's full post-match interview with BBC Radio Leeds following their dramatic 2-1 win over Sunderland.

Image source, PA Media

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke will not be on the touchline at Sheffield United after picking up a yellow card following the goal celebrations in the 2-1 win over Sunderland.

Farke was booked by referee Stuart Attwell after Pascal Struijk's 95th-minute winner at Elland Road.

It was his third caution of the season, meaning he must now serve a one-match ban.

The German will have to watch from the stands at Bramall Lane next Monday (20:00 GMT) as the Whites' take on their fellow automatic promotion rivals.

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke says the 2-1 victory over Sunderland was the most enjoyable way to win a game.

"These type of wins are the best kind you can have in football for the supporters and the whole group," Farke told BBC Radio Leeds

"They are priceless points. It's a great night for everyone connected to Leeds United.

"We haven't won anything yet but to do this against one of the best sides in the league in a difficult game.

"We were there with almost 70% possession so it was well deserved but once they led it is so difficult and complicated.

"You have to be patient to create and score when a team is sitting back deep.

"You have to fight in order to score a goal and this is what we did today."

Image source, Rex Features

Leeds United will introduce additional surveillance at Elland Road and have threatened to ban fans who participate in a chant aimed at Israel international Manor Solomon which contains an anti-Palestine lyric.

A club statement said:, external "Hate crime and discriminatory language or chanting is not acceptable at Leeds United and the club has a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination abuse of all kinds.

"The club has received a large number of complaints from Leeds United supporters regarding the chant and had hoped the initial strategy of condemning it through the media [in December] and working with supporter groups would prevent this from happening in the future, but it has sadly become more prominent in recent matches, including at Elland Road.

"After monitoring the situation at recent home games, the origins of the chant at Elland Road appear to come from the Norman Hunter South Stand, particularly in blocks FA5, FA6, SS5 and SS6.

"As a result, there will be an increased CCTV surveillance and stewarding presence in FA5, FA6, SS5 and SS6 at all home games between now and the end of the season and action will be taken against any person who participates in the chant, including the issuing of a club banning order."

The statement added: "Given what is at stake for the club in the weeks ahead, this is a time we need the fan base to be united, not divided."

Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds United will have to wait until closest rivals Sheffield United and Burnley have both played away before they face Sunderland on Monday (20:00 GMT).

Ahead of the game at Elland Road, manager Daniel Farke delivered his latest press conference and here are the standout lines...

• Big question... how many Valentine's Day cards did Farke receive? "Not many. I am getting older, you get less and less. The most important people have thought about me and that's crucial."

• With Max Wober (knee) ruled out for up to six weeks the only player Leeds are waiting to return to action is striker Patrick Bamford (hamstring), who was expected back in training this week. "Sadly, the last days were not ideal for his rehab. He will need another 10 days of individual rehab before team training. He is not able to sprint properly yet. He should join us after the Sheffield [United] game."

• Farke said it is a healthy position to only have two players out at this stage of the campaign: "Touch wood, apart from these two injuries, to have everyone available is quite good and crucial. There are many games to play and you want to have the players available and in the best possible shape. When everyone is ready to go and fit it's more or less the best situation you can have as a manager."

• At the Stadium of Light in October, Leeds dropped two points after a mistake from goalkeeper Illan Meslier deep into added time. Since then the Frenchman has kept 15 clean sheets in 23 matches. "He is a pretty self-critical young man. The only answer after a shaky period is to work even harder on the training pitch, which is what he has done."

• Farke added Meslier has received great support from fellow keepers Karl Darlow and Alex Cairns, and praised the contribution of goalkeeping coach Ed Wootton, who he said has been excellent in helping him through the tough moments.

• On the leadership skills Ao Tanaka is increasingly displaying, Farke said the Japan international leads by example. "Overall, its important he plays in a central role. It doesn't matter whether you are 18 or 34 or whether your English is not perfect. You have to lead and make sure everyone is on the same page. In the football world we have one language which everyone understands."

• Sunderland have a clear threat in Will Isidor, who has scored 11 league goals, but their back four like to score too. How much of a threat is that? "In general it's a brave side which scores many goals from many positions. But it is important to control their counter-attacks especially and their key players, but also to be switched on to avoid assist or goals from their defenders."

Listen to West Yorkshire Sport Daily, weeknights at 18:00, and subscribe to BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast on BBC Sounds

Saving the best 'til last this weekend? Title-chasing Leeds will welcome promotion rivals Sunderland to Elland Road on Monday night (20:00 GMT).

Daniel Farke's side could find themselves in second before kick-off, should Sheffield United pick up a win at Luton on Saturday while the fourth-placed Black Cats begin the weekend five points adrift of the Blades, albeit with a healthy 14-point lead over fifth-placed Blackburn in the play-off race.

• Leeds United have won only one of their previous seven league games against Sunderland (D3 L3), with those three draws coming in the past four meetings (L1).

• Sunderland are unbeaten on each of their past five Football League trips to Leeds (W3 D2), having gone 21 consecutive visits without a win before this run, losing their previous seven in a row.

• Leeds have won 12 of their past 13 home league games (D1), keeping 10 clean sheets in that run and scoring 37 goals.

• Sunderland are looking to win three consecutive away league games for the first time since September 2023.

• Since the start of November, Leeds' Daniel James has been involved in nine goals in 10 league games at Elland Road (6 goals, 3 assists), both scoring and assisting in his last two games (2 goals, 3 assists).

Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

Image source, Rex Features

Twenty league victories, 20 clean sheets and, let's be honest, it could have been 20 goals in the past three Championship games alone instead of the 13 Leeds United have delivered without reply.

Four of them came at Watford on Tuesday night as Daniel Farke's side showed once again why they are the best in the division - and by a long way - when they click into gear.

Once Leeds are in front they stay in front. A Dan James brace in the first half meant United went in at the break with at least a two-goal lead for three consecutive league games for the first time since Don Revie's great side did so in 1971, according to @JRCooper, external.

James' double put him in illustrious company too by taking him into double figures in the Championship for two seasons in a row. The last Welshman to do so for the club was the great John Charles in the 1950s.

James had hoped to be speaking with the match ball tucked under his arm after the victory at Vicarage Road, having spurned a couple of chances for his hat-trick.

"When you score two early goals against a side you always want to push on for that extra one. I've never scored a hat trick before so it would have been great to do so," he admitted.

But it's never about him with James, although he was given a rousing send-off from the traveling support as he was substituted.

His humility meant he immediately referred to the team and how well they had done to take more of their chances compared to the inefficiency at Coventry a week prior, when only two were converted from the plethora created.

"We've got to be ruthless, especially away from home," added James. "I thought we were today."

That's 66 goals for the campaign. Route 66 towards the Premier League.

Listen to West Yorkshire Sport Daily, weeknights at 18:00, and subscribe to BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast on BBC Sounds

Daniel Farke conceded Leeds were in good shape with a five-point lead at the top of the Championship but insisted his side must guard against complacency.

Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds after the 4-0 win at Watford, Farke said: "It is so far so good. After 32 game days to be there with 59 points is outstanding but judgement is in May when we have played 46 games.

"We know we have a good momentum and are in great shape but we have to use and ride this moment and keep going. For that we want to keep this momentum, stay awake and stay on it.

"We have to stay focused and professional."

Leeds were quickly into a 2-0 lead courtesy of two goals from Dan James. They added a third before half time through Manor Solomon and a fourth just after the hour mark from Joel Piroe.

"We were excellent on the counter attack and excellent in the way we scored the goals but we needed good structure," added Farke. "I predict not many teams will leave here with three points so I am pretty happy with the win and the scoreline and clean sheet.

"Today we were really excellent in executing our counter attacks and the fourth goal was poetry in motion. You have to say the individual performance of the players up front was of a top level.

"If we perform like this our offensive row is really unplayable at times. They were excellent."

Watford welcome Championship leaders Leeds United on Tuesday night (19:45 GMT) looking to end a run of four games without a win (D1 L3).

The Hornets have won just one of their past nine matches (D2 L6) but are still only three points off the play-off spots.

Meanwhile, Leeds are two points clear at the top and are undefeated in their previous 13 league games (W9 D4).

• Watford are winless across their past five league games against Leeds United (D1 L4), conceding 2+ goals in each of their past four meetings with the Yorkshire side.

• Leeds United have lost just two of their past 10 away league games against Watford (W5 D3), despite only scoring one more goal in total (14) more than the Hornets across that time (13).

• Watford have lost their past four home league matches, losing every game by a one-goal margin. Outside of the top-flight, the Hornets haven't lost five in a row at Vicarage Road since December 2013.

• Leeds United are unbeaten in their past 13 league games (W9 D4), keeping five clean sheets in a row. The Whites last kept six clean sheets in a row in August/September 2017.

• Manor Solomon has been involved in nine goals in his past nine Championship appearances (4 goals, 5 assists) for Leeds United. His six overall assists are the joint-most of any Leeds player along with Junior Firpo and Daniel James.

"I feel like Saturday was the debate about the transfer window, in a football match."

Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix discuss whether Leeds United's exit from the FA Cup is a positive for the Whites' Championship campaign or showed a weakness in depth.

Episode 140 of Don't Go To Bed Just Yet is out now and you can find it on the BBC Sounds app or wherever you get your podcasts.