Good Morning. It's Tuesday 18th February, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Promotion finally in sight after late show Elland Road witnessed a dramatic finale last night as Leeds United snatched a 2-1 victory against Sunderland with virtually the last kick of the game. Pascal Struijk’s 95th-minute header sparked jubilant scenes from the home side, securing a win that felt like poetic justice, given the reserve fixture earlier in the season. On that night, Illan Meslier's late howler gifted Sunderland a point, and the Black Cats celebratrated like they won the World Cup. This time around, the shoe was on the other foot, and Elland Road erupted. A huge weight had just been lifted from the back of Daniel Farke; normally calm and composed, the enormity of the task in hand has just become that more manageable and the gaffer knew it. While Struijk’s late intervention might not have been entirely out of the blue given Leeds' second-half pressure, the timing and manner of it stung Sunderland deeply. For the majority of the night, the Black Cats looked on course for at least a point, having taken the lead through a clinical Wilson Isidor strike in the first half. Isidor’s goal capped off a disciplined and professional first-half display from Regis Le Bris’ side. Sunderland were resolute in defence, frustrating Leeds' possession-based play and posing a real threat on the counter. Meslier, keen to banish the memories of last October made crucial saves to deny Jobe Bellingham and Patrick Roberts early on, setting the tone for a tight and tense affair. Leeds applied sustained pressure after the break, but Sunderland’s defence, marshalled impressively by Dan Neil in a holding midfield role, held firm. However, Daniel Farke's tactical switch, introducing Joe Rothwell and Struijk, proved decisive. In the 78th minute, Rothwell's teasing free-kick found Struijk, who headed home to level the scores. After the equaliser, Sunderland started to look jaded. They were running on empty; their cool calm composure had deserted them, and spent much of the final ten minutes clinging onto hope that the final whistle wasn't far away; alas they buckled at the death. For Leeds, it’s a massive step forward promotion. Seven points divide Leeds from third placed Burnley (eight if you take into account the goal difference) and with 13 games left, the finishing line is finally in sight. please log in to view this image Best kind of win you can have in football An ecstatic Daniel Farke labelled Monday nights performance as the 'best kind of win you can have in football.' Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, he emphasized the significance of such victories for both the fans and the team spirit, calling the points "priceless." Farke acknowledged the challenge posed by their opponents, considered 'one of the best sides in the league.' Despite dominating possession with almost 70%, Leeds found themselves behind, making the victory even sweeter. Farke himself received a yellow card for his passionate reaction to the late winner, and now faces a touchline ban for the upcoming game against Sheffield United. While accepting the rules, he questioned the logic of a booking for celebrating a last-minute goal, ending with a slightly bemused, "It is what it is." "These type of wins are the best kind you can have in football for the supporters and the whole group. "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. "I had only one yellow card before this season and now I have had a couple of doubtful ones. "If I miss the game at Bramall Lane because of a celebration to a 95th minute goal then I have to adapt to the rules. We live by the rules but I doubt if it makes sense. It is what it is." please log in to view this image
A brilliant night and two great substitutions from Farke in Rothwell and Stryuk. Gruev had wasted countless set pieces all night and we had no target man even when ball did make it near six yard line. Rothwell's delivery is a different class and Pascal is a great header of the ball. Delighted too for Meslier who finally got to put the ghost of his gaffe at Sunderland to bed mocking their fans at the end
Drama at it's finest bar non....Bogle, Solomon tops last night and the only one who can head a ball the pirate to the rescue ....hope Norway gets the right flight home
Good feckin morning I walked into work like Conor Mcgregor this morning Mon the whites. med my week. Got nowt to say but geeeeet up sausage
I said at half time that they wouldn't be able to cope 2nd half and they did eventually run out of energy at the end. Credit to Sunderland, every tackle was like their lives depended on it. They left everything out there but we just had our foot on their necks all 2nd half until they ultimately couldn't hold on any longer.
I'm that happy I'm watching highlights again in me dinner time . 4 wins ahead of Sunderland and 3 wins ahead of Burnley massive asks when we only lost 3 in 33.
Can but imagine what that last 15 minutes did to Burnley or their fans. They'd have been thinking gap closed to four with fifteen minutes remaining, and they were correct in settling for a draw against us whereas now the nil nil experts will have to win probably eleven of their remaining games to stand any chance
Good result last night, ensured that we are now safe from relegation, as out of the bottom 3, the most points available, is 70 for Plymouth (barring the EFL finding some excuse to deduct us points of course )
On the basis that over the last 15 years the average number of points that the team finishing in 6th has obtained is 74 points, I think I won't take that bet, although of course that still means we need a further 3 points, just based on that stat
He should never have been booked. I do think once he was taken out by our player they dragged him along so extenuating circumstances I'd say!
