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Leeds United will have pondered before the start of the season what would be the key to them getting promotion to the Premier League.

 

It seems as though what they have found in the market is working, with the Whites flourishing at the top of the Championship.

 

Team MP W D L GD Pts

1 Leeds 28 17 8 3 34 59

2 Sheff Utd 28 18 6 4 22 58

3 Burnley 28 15 11 2 27 56

4 Sunderland 28 15 9 4 18 54

Despite their success, Daniel Farke still wants three signings at Leeds as they might not have the squad depth required to go all the way this season.

 

Farke has had many different elements as to why Leeds have been performing well, and despite a lack of recruitment in January, the signings of Manor Solomon and Jayden Bogle have proven to be brilliant transfers.

 

However, Farke outlined another transfer that could’ve had the biggest effect but hasn’t quite lived up to the billing.

 

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke wipes something off his jacket in the dug out during the Sky Bet Championship match between Hull City AFC and Lee…

 

Leeds have been searching for that missing piece ever since they didn’t quite have enough to achieve promotion last season, losing out to Southampton in the play-off final.

 

But Farke believed he found the right factor in Leeds being in the Premier League as opposed to the Championship.

 

 

Despite, Solomon and Bogle being successes, their transfers weren’t labelled as what could be the difference for Leeds this season.

 

In October, Leeds acquired Josuha Guilavogui on a free transfer following his short stint with Mainz, and Farke believed the signing was a game-changer.

 

Ahead of Leeds’ trip to Bristol City a few months ago, Farke spoke in his pre-match presser (6:24) about the acquisition of the midfielder.

 

“We are all happy and pleased that it was possible to bring him in,” the Leeds boss said.

 

“Naturally, a holding midfielder who is pretty physical and has good defensive skills. He has also played a lot in the centre-back role. He adds a bit of experience which we could do with in the dressing room.

 

 

“He one hundred percent understands his role. He spoke quite openly about what we want to see and to be a mentor for the younger players and help develop them.

 

“Perhaps if a younger player isn’t prepared or struggling under pressure, this is a guy who won’t crack under pressure, even in an away stadium.”

 

However, Farke’s wish in October hasn’t gone quite to plan.

 

Guilavogui is set to leave Leeds United for nothing

Now, this isn’t all completely true that Farke’s wish hasn’t gone to plan.

 

The midfielder has achieved the level of being a mentor, as Guilavogui has shown his leadership at Leeds despite having only made one start.

 

Farke has praised Guilavogui highly which gives the sense of success in his transfer plan, but it looks as though it’s coming to an end.

 

Farke will hope the 34-year-old stays until June, as his off-field antics have clearly been doing the trick.

 

 

 

 

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Leeds United boss Daniel Farke says he was sending a message with his starting line-up for the win over Norwich City.

 

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An unchanged Whites side opened the scoring inside the first minute at Elland Road with Manor Solomon’s fifth of the season from a pinpoint Daniel James’ cross. Norwich had a little spell in which they caused a few problems without creating a clear-cut chance, but the first half and Elland Road went flat with little in the way of exciting action.

 

It wasn’t until the introduction of Junior Firpo in the second half that things ramped up again and he was involved in the move that brought the second goal. This time it was a Solomon cross and a James finish that settled the game as a contest.

 

 

 

Both Solomon and Brenden Aaronson were injury doubts ahead of the game and the expectation was that there would be at least one change to Farke’s line-up, given they played on Sunday and will face fellow title hopefuls Burnley next. But Farke went with the same side and wanted everyone to see the Norwich game as they see the one at Turf Moor.

 

“Sometimes I have to surprise you guys and be a bit predictable,” he quipped. “We had three proper nights at home, no travel, there was enough time to recover, the time to the next game is enough to cover and I wanted to send the sign, perhaps people thinking massive game against Burnley you change a bit, that no we take this game seriously, we don’t underestimate any team.

 

“Manor was able to train yesterday with us. His data and scan were okay. I got the feeling I could give him a rest in a good situation for the last 20 minutes or so. You’re a bit nervous sometimes but the gut feeling was we needed to set the sign we were on it and thank God it paid off.”

 

 

 

Farke was obviously pleased with the result, the clean sheet and the sheer dominance of his men but their attention to detail in the first half annoyed him.

 

“It was perhaps not our most exciting game and most shining performance, for that we were too solid and dominant in our defending behaviour,” he said. “We literally didn’t give one opportunity away. I think xG in the second half was 0.0. Nothing out of the game, nothing out of set pieces.

We scored an important early goal. Sometimes we had so many good wins here at home, the last game here was a clear result and we scored early. Sometimes you think okay come on, nice easy evening, we normally win the game in the lead and you perhaps do one step less. We were not good in the details, bit slow in the head, not that accurate with passing.

It was not easy, the pitch was not great. The last game was just two and a half days ago. It was not our best performance but in January after many games, in a busy week, this is how you should win such a game.

 

“With the 2-0 the game was more or less won and we concentrated on being rock solid. We could relax a bit more instead of investing too much. It was then a pretty controlled performance. An important three points and it gives us more confidence.”

 

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Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka was lucky not to be sent off in their home win over Norwich City

 

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Ex-Premier League referee Keith Hackett has claimed Ao Tanaka was lucky not to be sent off in Leeds United’s home win over Norwich City. The midfielder, who has been a big hit since moving to Elland Road last summer, was booked in the first half by referee Matthew Donohue for a late challenge on Emiliano Marcondes.

 

The Japan international upended Marcondes again in the early stages of the second half but his mistimed challenge went unpunished. Canaries head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup and his coaching staff remonstrated vehemently with the fourth official, questioning why Donohue did not issue Tanaka with a second yellow card and send him off.

 

Tanaka was withdrawn in the 55th minute as part of a double substitution, with Ilia Gruev replacing Tanaka in the centre. Junior Firpo took over from Sam Byram at left-back.

 

Former PGMOL general manager Hackett told MOT Leeds News: “Tanaka should have received a second yellow for this reckless challenge. Well done to his manager, Farke.

 

“He witnessed what had happened and discreetly did the right thing to stop his team from going down to 10 men.”

 

The Whites eased to a 2-0 win to regain top spot. Tottenham loanee Solomon fired the quickest goal in the Championship this season, finding the back of the net after just 31 seconds. He then teed up Daniel James for the second in the 65 minute to seal the Whites’ 12th home win of the season.

 

Victory extended their unbeaten run at Elland Road to 13 matches across all competitions.

 

 

 

YEP chief football writer Graham Smyth offers his verdict on the Leeds United players’ performances at home to Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday, January 19.

 

The Whites ensured it was derby day delight for the home supporters at Elland Road as Leeds returned to the top of the Championship with a professional victory over Danny Rohl’s Wednesday.

 

It finished 3-0 with goals from Manor Solomon, Largie Ramazani and Ao Tanaka on the day. Here are the ratings.

 

Flapped at a first half cross, even if it was handled en route to him, but made a good stop from Gassama. Little else to do.

1. Illan Meslier: 6/10

Flapped at a first half cross, even if it was handled en route to him, but made a good stop from Gassama. Little else to do.

 

2. Jayden Bogle: 8/10

Brought a lot to the game going up and down his flank. Was physical when he needed to be. Drove the Whites forward down the right. | Getty Images

 

3. Joe Rodon: 7/10

A couple of lovely passes down the right, some solid defending. Windass got in behind him once in the first half. | Getty Images

 

4. Ethan Ampadu: 7/10

It wasn’t perfect as he resumed his partnership with Rodon – gave it away once or twice – but he made some big interventions, tackles and headers. |

 

5. Sam Byram: 7/10

Won tackles and headers. Going forward it was a mixed bag. Involved in a couple of nice moves. | Danny Lawson/PA Wire

 

6. Ao Tanaka: 8/10

Made a big block to prevent a first half goal, quietly effective in the first half. A little wobbly at the start of the second but came on strong and finished with a flourish, scoring a deft flick.

 

Flapped at a first half cross, even if it was handled en route to him, but made a good stop from Gassama. Little else to do.Flapped at a first half cross, even if it was handled en route to him, but made a good stop from Gassama. Little else to do.

Flapped at a first half cross, even if it was handled en route to him, but made a good stop from Gassama. Little else to do.

 

YEP chief football writer Graham Smyth offers his verdict on the Leeds United players’ performances at home to Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday, January 19.

 

The Whites ensured it was derby day delight for the home supporters at Elland Road as Leeds returned to the top of the Championship with a professional victory over Danny Rohl’s Wednesday.

 

It finished 3-0 with goals from Manor Solomon, Largie Ramazani and Ao Tanaka on the day. Here are the ratings.

 

Dribbled the ball well to go past players when it was on, passed it well for the most part.

7. Joe Rothwell: 7/10

Dribbled the ball well to go past players when it was on, passed it well for the most part.

 

8. Brenden Aaronson: 7/10

So close to an eight but dallied on the ball a couple of times too many. Showed he can look after possession well, linked up and made clever runs. Lots of energy.

 

9. Dan James: 8/10

Produced some great crosses, tested Beadle with three efforts. Got at his markers, kept them guessing with his variety.

 

10. Manor Solomon: 8/10

In the right place to score his goal, which was well taken and composed. Gave the Owls some issues when he ran with it and made some nice passes. Tracked back.

 

11. Joel Piroe: 6/10

Linked up with the midfield nicely on occasions. Chances were few and far between. Saw one shot from a great position deflected over. | Danny Lawson/PA Wire

 

12. Ilia Gruev (sub): 7/10

Added energy and bite. Kept things calm in possession. | Danny Lawson/PA Wire

 

Flapped at a first half cross, even if it was handled en route to him, but made a good stop from Gassama. Little else to do.Flapped at a first half cross, even if it was handled en route to him, but made a good stop from Gassama. Little else to do.

Flapped at a first half cross, even if it was handled en route to him, but made a good stop from Gassama. Little else to do.

YEP chief football writer Graham Smyth offers his verdict on the Leeds United players’ performances at home to Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday, January 19.

 

The Whites ensured it was derby day delight for the home supporters at Elland Road as Leeds returned to the top of the Championship with a professional victory over Danny Rohl’s Wednesday.

 

It finished 3-0 with goals from Manor Solomon, Largie Ramazani and Ao Tanaka on the day. Here are the ratings.

 

Took his goal really well and almost had another but Tanaka wanted to make sure with his flick.

13. Largie Ramazani (sub): 8/10

Took his goal really well and almost had another but Tanaka wanted to make sure with his flick.

 

 

YEP chief football writer Graham Smyth offers his verdict on the Leeds United players’ performances at home to Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday, January 19.

 

The Whites ensured it was derby day delight for the home supporters at Elland Road as Leeds returned to the top of the Championship with a professional victory over Danny Rohl’s Wednesday.

 

It finished 3-0 with goals from Manor Solomon, Largie Ramazani and Ao Tanaka on the day. Here are the ratings.

 

Flapped at a first half cross, even if it was handled en route to him, but made a good stop from Gassama. Little else to do.

1. Illan Meslier: 6/10

Flapped at a first half cross, even if it was handled en route to him, but made a good stop from Gassama. Little else to do.

 

2. Jayden Bogle: 8/10

Brought a lot to the game going up and down his flank. Was physical when he needed to be. Drove the Whites forward down the right. |

 

3. Joe Rodon: 7/10

A couple of lovely passes down the right, some solid defending. Windass got in behind him once in the first half.

 

4. Ethan Ampadu: 7/10

It wasn’t perfect as he resumed his partnership with Rodon – gave it away once or twice – but he made some big interventions, tackles and headers. | Danny Lawson/PA Wire

 

5. Sam Byram: 7/10

Won tackles and headers. Going forward it was a mixed bag. Involved in a couple of nice moves. | Danny Lawson/PA Wire

 

6. Ao Tanaka: 8/10

Made a big block to prevent a first half goal, quietly effective in the first half. A little wobbly at the start of the second but came on strong and finished with a flourish, scoring a deft flick.

 

Mateo Joseph says he is aware he needs to be more prolific but is refusing to place undue pressure on himself amid his goal frustrations.

 

The Leeds United striker has not scored since mid-October and failed to find the net against League Two Harrogate Town in last Saturday’s FA Cup tie, having played the full 90 minutes. The 21-year-old has featured in every Championship match this season but has only started three league fixtures since the start of November.

 

More focus is being placed on Joseph amid Patrick Bamford’s hamstring injury, which will sideline him until the end of January. And while Joe Gelhardt had not played since October 1, his loan to Hull City means Daniel Farke has one less striker to turn to. Joel Piroe might be set to return this weekend having sat out the FA Cup clash with a minor concern, but his absence on Saturday highlighted the onus that is on Joseph when other fellow attackers are not available.

 

The player himself is aware of his tally of just two goals this season but believes more will soon come. “I want more goals, definitely,” Joseph told SportsBoom. “But at the same time I don’t have to be too hard on myself, because even when you watch teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid, even the best strikers in the world miss good chances.

 

“Every situation is different, but I’m just going to keep going because the goals have always come. The goals will come, for sure, with the work that I do. I’m confident of that. I’m going to keep the head relaxed and do my thing.”

 

Joseph has only started 11 Championship games this season but he has underlined that he is enjoying the campaign with Leeds top of the table. However, he admitted he still has growth to fill.

 

Joseph added: “I’m really enjoying the season, playing at a club like Leeds is great. I’m enjoying every moment, but I believe I can still improve a lot of things. But I’m just enjoying the process and enjoying the team’s form, we are in a good moment and just need to keep going.”

 

Joseph hailed manager Farke’s training methods and his demand for high levels, which he believes is producing its fruit. “He’s [Farke] really good. In training he’s always focused on the attention to detail,” the attacker explained.

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