It has been a brilliant fortnight for Leeds United, even if Daniel Farke’s side failed to beat West Brom on Saturday – the Baggies arguably producing the best away display at Elland Road all season.
Leeds have lost at home in the Championship but Burnley will admit they were lucky to come away with a 1-0 win at the beginning of the season. Over the last fortnight, Leeds have faced three tough opponents.
The first was Sunderland at Elland Road. A game which saw Leeds score two late goals to win 2-1, with Joe Rothwell laying on two assists for Pascal Struijk to score with both having come off the sub’s bench.
Against Sheffield United, Leeds also came from behind to win late at Bramall Lane. Again, Rothwell came off the bench to shine for The Whites – with Jon Newsome describing Rothwell as “the difference”.
Bryn Law shares Joe Rothwell chat after Sheffield United win
The on-loan midfielder was handed a start on Saturday as Leeds failed to beat West Brom, drawing 1-1 with Tony Mowbray’s Baggies. It was his first start since the 7-0 hammering of Cardiff City on February 1.
Rothwell was superb against Sheffield United having starred as a sub in the win over Sunderland and yet, LUTV commentator Bryn Law says Rothwell “wasn’t happy” immediately after beating Sheffield United.
“I made the big mistake of having a chat with Joe Rothwell in the tunnel on Monday [after the win over Sheffield United],” Law said during commentary of Leeds’ draw with West Brom on LUTV (16th minute).
“I said, ‘another great cameo, Joe’. He wasn’t happy with that. He said ‘I don’t want that’. I said, ‘fair enough, I apologise’,” Law continued, recalling his conversation with Rothwell a few days later.
How Tony Dorigo reacted to Bryn Law’s Joe Rothwell chat
Rothwell’s frustration is likely to be deeper than it would have been, had he been a Leeds player. But the 30-year-old is only on loan and is likely to be desperate to show why he deserves a permanent move.
Whether that to be to Leeds, or the game time required for Rothwell to put himself in the shop window this summer. Leeds have been told Rothwell will cost £7.5m, if The Whites want to do a permanent deal.
Dorigo responded on LUTV to Law’s comments: “Anytime you do come on and show what you’re about, you’ve got to make the most of it. That’s what Joe has done and here he is playing today.”
It remains unclear if Leeds will try to sign Rothwell, but Daniel Farke did say nothing will be decided on Rothwell or Junior Firpo until Leeds decide what division they are in, prior to the draw against West Brom.
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