Leeds United, under the guidance of manager Daniel Farke, clinched a decisive 2-0 win against Plymouth, marking their eighth consecutive victory in the Championship and elevating them to second place.
Farke highlighted the team’s early goal as a critical factor in their success against a formidable Plymouth side, noting, “I am a happy man first of all because no other side since October has managed to come away from here with three points. We got a really good start with the goal early on… it was a very good opening 10 to 15 minutes for us.”
The match saw Leeds open the scoring with Wilfried Gnonto finishing a setup from Georginio Rutter in the 10th minute, showcasing the team’s sharp attacking prowess. Rutter himself found the back of the net with a powerful strike in the 72nd minute, securing the win for Leeds. Farke praised the team’s focus and execution, stating, “We stayed focused throughout and scored a really good second goal… So overall, I am really pleased with the maturity we showed to win this game.”
Goalkeeper Illan Meslier received special commendation from Farke for his outstanding performance, with the manager pointing out, “Melier was outstanding today… Today he did everything right.” This win not only highlighted Leeds’ consistency, a key attribute in the relentless Championship, but also the maturity of one of the league’s youngest sides.
Plymouth’s head coach, Ian Foster, reflected on the match with a sense of pride in his team’s efforts, despite the defeat. Foster acknowledged Leeds’ quality, noting, “Overall, performance-wise, I am pleased. We have limited an unbelievable team in this division to two shots on target.” He also emphasised the need for Plymouth to be more assertive in the initial stages of the game and to capitalise on possession.
This match underscored Leeds United’s potent attack and strategic discipline, traits that Farke believes will be crucial as they prepare for their upcoming home game against Leicester.
Leeds United Fixtures – February & March 2024
| Date | Competition | Match | Time | Watch | Bet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday 23rd February | Championship | Leeds United vs Leicester City | 20:00 | On Sky | Planet Sport Bet |
| Wednesday 28th February | The FA Cup | Chelsea vs Leeds United | 19:30 | ITV4 | Planet Sport Bet |
| Saturday 2nd March | Championship | Huddersfield Town vs Leeds United | 12:30 | On Sky | Planet Sport Bet |
| Tuesday 5th March | Championship | Leeds United vs Stoke City | 19:45 | On Sky | Planet Sport Bet |
| Friday 8th March | Championship | Sheffield Wednesday vs Leeds United | 20:00 | On Sky | Planet Sport Bet |
Championship Table as of 18 February 2023
| S.# | Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leicester City | 32 | 25 | 3 | 4 | 44 | 78 |
| 2 | Leeds United | 32 | 20 | 6 | 6 | 33 | 66 |
| 3 | Southampton | 31 | 19 | 7 | 5 | 23 | 64 |
| 4 | Ipswich Town | 31 | 18 | 9 | 4 | 19 | 63 |
| 5 | West Bromwich Albion | 31 | 15 | 7 | 9 | 16 | 52 |
| 6 | Coventry City | 32 | 12 | 12 | 8 | 13 | 48 |
Is the Chelsea vs Leeds United match televised?
The upcoming match between Chelsea and Leeds United has been chosen for live TV broadcast later this month. Fans can catch the action live on ITV4, and it’s anticipated that the match will also be available for streaming on ITVX, the broadcaster’s streaming platform.
Match Highlights – Plymouth 0-2 Leeds United
Leeds United’s manager, Daniel Farke shares his thoughts
In the aftermath of a successful away game, Leeds United’s manager, Daniel Farke, shared his thoughts, exuding contentment with the team’s display of maturity and resilience. Farke emphasised the significance of the clean sheet and the team’s defensive solidity, particularly praising their ability to remain composed and compact during the more challenging periods of the match.
Farke remarked on the team’s adeptness at not conceding opportunities to their opponents, which he saw as indicative of a “pretty mature performance.” Despite not being the most spotlight-stealing display, the ability to secure a win after a demanding schedule filled with extensive travel was a point of satisfaction for him.
Acknowledging the absence of key players, Farke appreciated the way the team stepped up, stating, “To win three points, and to win it with a clean sheet, especially when the last team who was allowed to travel here with three points in the league was back in October, says a lot about Plymouth at home.”
The team’s offensive players were also commended for their scoring efforts, with Georgie’s win of the ball and deep play leading to a fortuitous control and a well-finished goal. Farke highlighted the importance of starting strong in the game, which set the tone for the ensuing performance. He reflected on the offside situations and a penalty call that was instead given as a free kick, but he focused on the team’s continued efforts and their eventual success with a second goal born out of sheer determination.
The togetherness and will to secure the three points were central themes of Farke’s reflection, as he saw these qualities mirrored in the performance. He conveyed a sense of pride in the team’s ability to control the game even during their weaker spells, emphasising the growth and pragmatic play that defines a team capable of extraordinary feats.
Looking forward, after a taxing week, Farke underscored the need for rest, not just physically but mentally, to alleviate the pressures that come with competition and constant travel. He expressed an understanding of the challenges faced by a young side navigating the pressures of fighting for promotion, emphasising the importance of adapting and adopting good habits in preparation for games.
In conclusion, Farke looked ahead to the team’s return to their “living room” for the next game, signalling a return to home advantage and the comfort of familiar grounds, setting the stage for another crucial match in their campaign.
