Manor Solomon got his name on the score sheet once again for Leeds United on Friday evening as The Whites took another big step towards automatic promotion with a win over Oxford United.
Earlier in the day, pressure had been applied by both Burnley and Sheffield United. Scott Parker’s men had to come from behind but managed to beat Watford 2-1, before Sheffield United beat Cardiff 2-0.
With both sides picking up wins, Leeds had to beat Oxford United to maintain their five-point lead over Sheffield United and return to the top of the Championship. A first-ever trip to Oxford’s Kassam Stadium.
A first-half goal from Manor Solomon proved enough, with Karl Darlow forced into a couple of saves but Leeds largely dominating the match. Just a second career win for Daniel Farke against Gary Rowett.
Dom Matteo shares what he’s noticed about Manor Solomon
In the red-hot pressure cooker of the race for automatic promotion, the clubs involved need their big players to step up. Well, Solomon has certainly done that – two goals and two assists in three matches.
But Dom Matteo has noticed something about Solomon. The on-loan Tottenham man might be at his best again when Leeds needed it the most, but Matteo has noticed something else about the winger.
Matteo told LUTV: “Looks like our players have more energy than any other team at this stage. It’s so difficult to get these games over the line, you can have the best squad – but you need the work rate.
We’re working our socks off. Look at Solomon. At the start of the season, was he getting back? Probably not. But now, he’s all over the place, he wants to get back – that ethos has come from the manager.”
Manor Solomon’s stats for Leeds United in win vs Oxford United
With Joel Piroe going eight starts without a goal or an assist, Dan James injured – even if he came off the bench for Leeds on Friday – Leeds needed an attacker to come to the fore and Solomon is doing just that.
Manor Solomon stats for Leeds in win over Oxford:
- 87 minutes played, 7.7 FotMob rating (Leeds’ third-best)
- XG+XA: 1.06, one goal scored
- 44 touches, 32 successful passes, three unsuccessful
- 0 defensive actions, five recoveries
- 0 duels won, 5 lost
Where does Solomon’s future lie? While his goal against Oxford, albeit important, was a simple tap-in – he was in the right place at the right time. Leeds need Premier League experience and he has that.
Solomon would be a top signing if Leeds can get him permanently, and Leeds fully expect to sign the winger beyond his loan if promoted. It is said Solomon will cost Leeds a fee between £10m and £15m.
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