Former Premier League manager Alan Pardew has praised Leeds United boss Daniel Farke for a crucial intervention in their battling draw against Sunderland.
Leeds were at risk of seeing their unbeaten run come to an end at half-time of the game at the Stadium of Light, having lost Joe Rodon to injury.
However, Daniel Farke will be pleased with the way his side responded in the second half, as Dominic Calvert-Lewin needed just two minutes to pull his side level, finishing a flowing team move.
Leeds had the better of the play in the second half as Brenden Aaronson produced another strong display in the Whites’ midfield.
After the game, Pardew was full of praise for Farke, explaining why he believes the Leeds boss should be “chuffed” with a well-deserved point.
Who was your MOTM for Leeds against Sunderland? 🤔
Some excellent performances again.
Alan Pardew praises Leeds United manager Daniel Farke
Speaking on Sky Sports immediately after Leeds’ draw with the Black Cats, Pardew praised Farke for inspiring his side to fight back to claim a point.
According to Pardew, Leeds turned the game on its head after half-time, and this was largely down to their manager.
Asked if a point was a bigger result for Leeds than Sunderland, Pardew said: “Much bigger, and I think the manager did a great job at half-time because in the first half, I thought Sunderland definitely had control of the game. Their focus was better. I thought they created better chances.
“The second half, Leeds for 20 minutes were just brilliant. They swarmed over Sunderland and just created chance after chance after chance.
Did Leeds deserve to take more from their draw with Sunderland? 🤔
DCL was the hero once again at the Stadium of Light
“That fantastic goal where all the players have been involved is a great testimony to the way they performed in the second half.
“Sunderland pushed a little bit because they’re the home team at the end. But I genuinely think both managers would be absolutely chuffed with the game.”
Leeds United will leave Sunderland with mixed emotions
While Farke will be delighted with the character that his side showed to fight back from a goal down in the second consecutive away game, the Leeds manager will leave the North East with a tinge of regret that his side did not take more from a winnable game.
According to the FotMob stats from the game, Leeds had more possession, more shots, more shots on target, more big chances, and a higher expected goals total than the home side.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, via the Yorkshire Evening Post, Farke admitted: “We take the point, a good point, especially coming back from a losing position. But no dancing tonight, because three was definitely also possible”
However, with his side now seven points clear of West Ham in third bottom and unbeaten in their last five games, Farke must be pleased with the character his side showed once again.
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