EP 142: Trench Coat Parachute
Leeds United extended their lead at the top of the Championship to five points after another dramatic victory at closest rivals Sheffield United on Monday night.
Daniel Farke was 'up a height', the game was tight and there was a fight on a night to remember for Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Kaiser Chiefs' bassist Simon Rix.
We asked for your views on Monday's dramatic win at Sheffield United.
Here's what you've had to say...
Neil: This is the best Championship side we've had.
I'm pretty certain, barring unforseen injuries we'll be promoted. Champions? Ask me again in a month. I wouldn't be so bold.
Chris: Why can't we just play the last 20 mins all the time?
Seljuk: The rabbit jumps out of the hat again! Brilliant stuff.
But it's clear that - assuming promotion - we must sign an experienced, reliable goalkeeper if we're to have any chance of surviving the PL.
And a few more battle-hardened PL players for the team's spine.
Jesse Marsch made the mistake of signing all players abroad when he got his first full season at Leeds. The answer is at home.
Rich: It's the team unity, that's impressed me the last 2 weeks.
There's a belief amongst the players. They believe no matter what the game situation they can get a result.
Farke had also showed so great tactical changes in the last few games.
Image source, Rex FeaturesJunior Firpo says Leeds need to 'stay humble' despite taking a commanding lead at the top of the Championship.
Firpo scored the equaliser and teed-up the second for Ao Tanaka as the Whites came from behind to win at second-placed Sheffield United on Monday night.
The victory took them five points clear of the Blades, with a seven-point cushion in the race for automatic promotion with a dozen games remaining, though the 28-year-old told BBC Radio Leeds "It's not done yet".
He said: "We started a little bit slow, a little sloppy, and conceded the goal, but after 25 minutes we started to play.
"We went into half-time knowing in the last 25 minutes we are the best team, we have to keep going and create chances like we used to do. The second half was much better."
After coming from behind to beat Sunderland in dramatic fashion seven days earlier, Leeds repeated the trick at Bramall Lane to spark wild celebrations.
Firpo said: "There's a big togetherness. It's the best group I've ever been in – everyone is focused, everyone is going in the same direction. You can see the reaction from players and staff – players who play 20 minutes, one minute or don't play at all, everyone is together and we have one clear target and I think this win is massive for that happening.
"Obviously to win at Sheffield United, second in the league, fighting with us to win the league, to go five points clear feels unbelievable.
"There are still a lot of games to play, we have to stay humble, it's not done yet. We want to keep going and win as many games as possible."
Skipper Ethan Ampadu missed the game and is set to undergo surgery on his knee, but led a post-match huddle on the Bramall Lane pitch.
"He's the most important player for the squad, we all know this," Firpo said. "He's such a good leader, a good captain, but it's not just him, it's the whole team, it's not just one leader, it's a team of leaders.
"Sometimes with Leeds people are too negative and thinking the five points is not enough – it's a good distance but we have to keep humble, it's not done yet.
"I have one message (to the fans) – we will go for every game."
Adonis Storr
Fan writer
Image source, Rex FeaturesSome players wilt under the weight of the famous white shirt, not Junior Firpo. His Leeds United career has been mired with intermittent bouts of poor form and injury, but he is now enjoying his best spell at the club and proved pivotal again last night against Sheffield United in a man-of-the-match-worthy performance.
His goal - a wonderfully headed equaliser - showed the instincts of a forward, it's clear to see why he plays in attack for his country. A second header teed-up Ao Tanaka to push Leeds into the lead, but it is Junior's constant and consistent work rate on and off the ball that has truly impressed this season.
Firpo seemingly never tires running up and down the wing for the Whites, but the ex-Barcelona man is also running down his contract. A situation which makes seemingly less and less sense the closer Leeds get to promotion.
The 28-year-old is coming into his peak years and at worst would be a fantastic weapon off the bench in the Premier League.
Criticised at times for his defending, he has shown in recent months - at least at Championship level – it is not a problem. Aggressive tackles and blocks, impressive pressing and when out of position he tracks runners relentlessly.
"I think it's the best group I've been in, everyone is moving in the same direction," Firpo told BBC Radio Leeds after the game. "We are a team of leaders."
Since New Year's Day 2024, only Ballon d'Or contender Mo Salah has more assists in the top four tiers of English football than the Dominican Republic international.
If we were waiting for a sign that Junior Firpo deserves a new contract, last night's match-winning display was it.
Find more from Adonis Storr at The Roaring Peacock, external
Image source, Rex FeaturesWho made the difference for Leeds in the win at Sheffield United?
Can anything stop Daniel Farke's side from going up now?
Have your say by clicking here.
Ian Woodcock
BBC Sport England
Image source, Rex FeaturesFans of Leeds United probably have a sense of deja vu today.
On successive Mondays the Whites have faced a Premier League promotion rival, gone a goal down in the first half, levelled with less than 20 minutes to go and then won it with time almost up.
For Sunderland at home last week see Sheffield United away this.
This raucous win moved them five points clear of the Blades at the top of the Championship and seven clear of third-placed Burnley.
There are still 12 games to play and boss Daniel Farke, who like counterpart Chris Wilder refused to call the game a title-decider before the match, said he was not thinking about automatic promotion yet.
The reality is that these games were a test of Leeds' quality, depth and mettle. They have passed with flying colours.
There were times in the opening 25 minutes of this game where, missing skipper Ethan Ampadu and with boss Farke in the stands, they could have buckled and perhaps might have done last season.
Not this time. They gritted their teeth, worked their way back into and then wrestled the game in their favour with a towering header from their left-back Junior Firpo and ultimately won it at a canter as their vanquished hosts left the stadium near-empty other than the jubilant Leeds fans behind the goal come full-time.
Now 16 unbeaten in the league and on 75 points from 34 games, on the evidence of the past two games and indeed the season so far, the title and 100 points are both well within their capability.
Lewis Deighton
Fan writer
Image source, PA MediaThis week marks a year since Leeds United's dramatic victory against Championship promotion rivals Leciester City – as we trailed 1-0 in the 79th minute and won 3-1.
It felt as though we'd got one foot in the automatic promotion race that night, having played catch-up all season.
How fitting that one year on we should beat yet another promotion rival in dramatic fashion – this time defeating Sunderland with a 95th-minute winner, having this time trailed 1-0 going into the 78th minute.
While there are many parallels between the two games in terms of late drama and sheer euphoria, our comeback against Leicester still seems quite unbelievable to this day.
Not a single person inside Elland Road saw that coming. The comeback against Sunderland, however, is something I, and certainly the people around me, felt would happen – there was just something in the air.
When substitute Joe Rothwell stepped up for a Leeds free-kick as we approached the final 10 minutes, I muttered "come on Pascal" in the hope that Pascal Struijk, another off the bench, would head home the cross for 1-1.
Sure enough he did, and with enough time to go and the atmosphere pumping I think even the Sunderland fans knew what was coming.
"We will win this now," I told my mate as the board went up for five extra minutes, and we even joked about Struijk scoring a brace as the ball went for a corner with less than 60 seconds remaining.
Elland Road was an absolute zoo when it happened – a sea of people piling on top of each other, swinging from the rafters or generally just not knowing what to do with themselves. Poetic justice having so cruelly conceded in the dying seconds away to Sunderland earlier in the season.
Never mind the automatic promotion race, this win feels like one foot in the Premier League – and the stuff of champions. Who better then to play next than seemingly our title contenders in Sheffield United. All eyes on Monday night.
Image source, Rex FeaturesDaniel Farke will miss Monday's meeting between the Championship's top two as a result of being cautioned three times this season
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
EP 141: Hokey Cokey!
"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.
Adonis Storr
Fan writer
Image source, Rex FeaturesMost 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.
Farke full of praise for 'baller' Rothwell
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 MediaLeeds 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 ImagesLeeds 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 FeaturesAdditional stewarding and CCTV surveillance will operate in the Norman Hunter South Stand
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 ImagesLeeds 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."
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