It was fitting that, as Oxford United threw another desperate cross into the mixer, one of the final touches of a ball at the Kassam Stadium saw Leeds United’s imperious Joe Rodon stride out towards the edge of his penalty area and boom a header towards the halfway line.
Has there been a more complete central defensive performance in the whole of the Championship this season, let alone at Leeds United?
Daniel Farke knew the danger Oxford would pose on home soil. It is only a couple of weeks since promotion rivals Sheffield United fell victim to one of Will Vaulks’ trademark long throws, Siriki Dembele kicking off a potentially season-ruining run of three successive defeats.
As such, the most physical and aerially dominant of Leeds’ players was always likely to take centre stage in Oxfordshire. That he most certainly did.
Joe Rodon, before the game, was averaging 4.9 clearances per game in the Championship. At the Kassam, he managed nine. Not only that, the Welsh international was also the man who set the wheels in motion for the goal which puts Leeds just days away from a return to the Premier League.
Joe Rodon ‘sensational’ as Leeds United see off Oxford United
With Oxford defending in numbers, Leeds were always going to need someone with not only the ability but also the bravery to break the lines. Now, Rodon is not exactly renowned for his piercing passes.
But, as you might expect from a centre-half so integral to a Daniel Farke system, the £10 million signing from Tottenham Hotspur is not just steel but silk too.
“Joe Rodon has had a sensational game,” former England international Andy Hinchcliffe said during his commentary role for Sky Sports, Leeds’ number six taking home the Man of the Match award.
“We mentioned Ao Tanaka being in the Championship Team of the Season but Rodon would absolutely have to be in it as well. He’s been a colossus in this game
“An incisive pass for the winning goal but defensively outstanding. His aggression, his desire is off the charts, his leadership, directing team mates around him…
“An outstanding individual performance from him.”
If you were looking to find the perfect away performance, this would not be far off.
Leeds absorbed the pressure, restricted a physical Oxford outfit to half chances at best, and took their opportunity when it presented itself. In a game of relatively few openings, Rodon split open the home backline while setting Jayden Bogle away down the right.
Bogle’s cross was converted at the far post by Manor Solomon. As such, the £5 million signing from Sheffield United is now just one away from reaching ten goal contributions for the season from right-back.
Leeds United News awarded Rodon a perfect ‘ten’ for his defensive masterclass. But Bogle was not far behind his Leeds teammate with nine.
“He is the outstanding right-back in the Championship,” Hinchcliffe added. “A wonderful cross.”
Rodon hails Leeds teammates after hard-fought Kassam Stadium victory
Having leapfrogged Burnley back to the top of the table, Leeds United can officially be promoted on Monday. That is, provided Sheffield United fail to beat Scott Parker’s Clarets and Leeds pick up all three points in a very winnable fixture at home to Stoke City.
“I guess playing last, its always going to play on our mind,” a battered, bruised but delighted Rodon said at full-time, Leeds responding after Burnley and Sheffield United picked up wins earlier on Good Friday.
“But the boys put in a great performance. First-half, we possibly could have scored another. But they are dangerous in the transition and we dug in until the end.
“Over the last couple of weeks, we have just focused on ourselves, going back what we are good at. Quick with the ball, clever, limiting other teams with chances. All we do is concentrate on ourselves. That is all that matters
“Not just me but the whole team did everything we needed to do. We will never give up. We will go to the end.”
“The resolve, the determination, the togetherness to hold out and get the 1-0 result… It wasn’t happening at the other hand but they sat back, absorbed pressure, and Joe Rodon – Man of the Match,” beams former Leeds striker Michael Bridges.
“[Rodon was] absolutely colossal, and Solomon came up with the goods with the goal. It’s gonna be interesting next Monday. What a day!”
For Leeds United, the finish line is in sight. And the best is still to come.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
