Emotions always tend to run high in the sort of high-pressure situation Leeds United currently find themselves in.
And as the Yorkshire giants threatened to repeat the spring-time failings of 2019 and 2024 – results drifting and performances dipping at precisely the wrong time – Manor Solomon let his frustrations get the better of him.
The Leeds winger did not take well to Daniel Farke’s decision to sub him off late on during the 2-2 draw with Queens Park Rangers.
The Yorkshire giants had already thrown away four points in March against West Brom and Portsmouth. And, as Leeds United fought back from 2-0 down at Loftus Road, an exasperated Solomon understandably felt that he could provide the late winner Farke needed.
Fortunately, Farke is long enough in the tooth to understand that not everything is sunshine and smiles in the midst of a gruelling promotion battle. The Leeds boss actually praised Solomon’s desire in his post-match discussion, albeit while potentially issuing a few stern warnings behind the scenes.
Daniel Farke loves working with ‘tricky’ Manor Solomon at Leeds United
Speaking after Solomon scored the opener and assisted Jayden Bogle’s winner on Saturday afternoon – a March-time wobble well and truly overcome now as Leeds beat Preston North End at Elland Road to move five clear of Sheffield United in third – Farke admits that the Tottenham Hotspur loanee can be a rather ‘tricky’ customer at times.
Then again, he would rather a player struggle to keep his emotions in check due to a burning desire to win rather than one apathetic to the needs of his club.
“[Solomon is] always a joy to work with. A top character,” Farke says. “Yes, he can be tricky. He’s emotional, especially when he doesn’t finish a game.
“But top.”
After going eight games without either a goal or an assist either side of the March international break, Solomon now has three goal contributions in his last two outings against Middlesbrough and Preston North End respectively.
The Israel international is likely to end the campaign with a ‘double-double’ to his name. Double figures for goals [he is currently on eight] having already reached ten assists in all competitions.
To think, some were wondering if Farke should drop Manor Solomon after a largely ineffective showing against Luton a week ago.
Farke says Karl Darlow did not deserve a red card in Preston win
Farke will also feel vindicated having opted to bring in Karl Darlow between the sticks. Illan Meslier lost his place to Darlow after the Swansea City debacle. The veteran former Newcastle United, Hull City and Nottingham Forest glovesman has stepped up to the plate impressively.
Darlow did ride his luck against Preston, however. He picked up a booking in the 72nd minute after racing to the edge of his penalty area and punching the ball clear from just outside the box.
Farke was not having any of it when quizzed on the prospect of a straight red, though, pointing out that the visitors also avoided going a man down in similar circumstances earlier in the afternoon.
“If that was a red card, then the one with Joel Piroe breaking through in the first half…,” Farke says. “[The referee] gave a quick yellow card.
“Nothing more than a yellow card [was needed] for Karl.”
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