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Highlights and coverage of the complimentary Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United and Leicester City at Elland Road on Friday; goals scored by Connor Roberts, Archie Gray, and Patrick Bamford lead Daniel Farke’s team to a remarkable comeback win.
Leeds initiated the competition for the championship crown, after suffering a 1-0 defeat to triumph over Leicester 3-1 and narrow the gap between the two teams to six points.
Wout Faes’ 15th minute header brought the Foxes within the final 10 minutes of the 90, while Patson Daka was controversially called offside for a second time just before the end of the game.
However, Leeds, who failed to score a single shot in the first 67 minutes, managed to make a stunning comeback.
Connor Roberts netted his initial goal since joining on loan from Burnley in January, followed by a strike from teenager Archie Gray that deflected off Hamza Choudhury and Faes, ultimately finding its way past Mads Hermansen to ignite a frenzy at Elland Road.
Patrick Bamford, the replacement player, had sufficient opportunity to increase the advantage even more. He also assisted Daniel James with a last-minute free kick, securing a ninth consecutive victory for Daniel Farke’s squad.
How Leeds stunned the elected champions
Leeds, with eight rotation wins under their belt, was expected to deliver a hit shock against Leicester, who were understandably reluctant to give up their long-held top spot.
This is definitely true. The two teams had equal opportunities in an intriguing beginning before an unforeseen contributor appeared with the first goal that eased the worries of Leicester supporters.
Daka sprinted diagonally towards the near post to retrieve the corner kick from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. He then skillfully headed the ball towards the far post, where Faes was positioned to tap it in and score.
After that, Leeds took control, but faced difficulty in penetrating the Foxes’ defense. Despite having opportunities – Willy Gnonto faced trouble at the goal, and Crysencio Summerville’s last chance was excellently blocked by Jannik Vestergaard – they ended the first half without a shot on target.
Leicester could have scored a second goal as Daka found the back of the net after Vestergaard’s header bounced back into the field, but referee Craig Pawson disallowed it for being offside.
Farke: Leeds supporters can fully enjoy their weekend!
Daniel Farke from the University of Leeds:
Tonight is a fantastic evening for all those connected to Leeds United.
To achieve a ninth consecutive victory and maintain an unbeaten record at Elland Road this season is an impressive feat, with numerous record-breaking statistics.
The feeling and spirit are of utmost importance, as seen in the exuberant celebrations throughout the entire stadium.
Following a period of immense challenges, numerous letdowns, and countless days of hardship, the significance of this club was evident to all involved.
Experiencing a moment where there is a sense of true unity among players, employees, fans, and the entire club.
We provide these accomplishments and outcomes. It’s fantastic and I am pleased for our followers. You can definitely enjoy your weekend in a suitable manner.
Enzo Maresca from Leicester:
To be completely truthful, I did not verify, therefore I am unable to comment on the disallowed goal.
However, we were in control and dominated the game until the 80th minute when we scored the goal.
We generated numerous chances for ourselves, but ultimately it came down to the opportunities that we failed to capitalize on.
In the past 10 minutes, in this type of match at this venue, it is common for us to lose focus or for the opposing team to have a mental advantage after we concede a goal.
We are disappointed by the loss of points, but I am extremely proud of the personality we displayed while being here.
What’s next?
The upcoming games for both teams will take place during the fifth round of the FA Cup.
On the South coast, Bournemouth will play against Leeds on February at 19:30, while Chelsea will take on Leeds at Stamford Bridge the following evening at 19:30.
Both will make their return to the Sky Bet Championship on Saturday, March 2.
Leeds will take on Huddersfield in a live match on Sky Sports Football at the John Smith Stadium at 12:30, while Leicester will welcome the struggling QPR at 15:00.