It was only earlier this month that Derby County manager Paul Warne was lauding Leeds United as the best side in the Championship and on Sunday night, he was at it again.
Having beaten Derby at Elland Road earlier this month, Leeds went to Pride Park on Sunday night to take on the newly-promoted outfit away from home. A Derby side with a decent home record, this season.
A Leeds team, that have proved a bit frail of late when on the road. However, the return of Ethan Ampadu made a different as Leeds secured a second successive win and clean sheet away from Elland Road.
Indeed, Jon Newsome says Ampadu gives Leeds that bit of nous and he’s not wrong. There is no hiding that Leeds are back to winning ways with Leeds captain Ampadu in the side when away from Elland Road.
Derby boss Paul Warne shares what he’s noticed about Leeds
Earlier this month, Warne said Leeds have made feel more uncomfortable than any other side. He praised Leeds’ ability to press after this month’s 2-0 win, describing the difference between the two as “a gulf”.
Brenden Aaronson scored a late winner for Leeds on Sunday, to do the double over Derby. Speaking after the game, Warne said Leeds’ strength in depth is frightening – making four changes, but no weaker.
“They are the best team they have ever seen. They are the strongest team we have played against. They are the hardest. They shuffled the pack but were no weaker. That is the squad they have produced.”
What changes does Daniel Farke make for Blackburn clash?
On Sunday night, Farke made four changes. Ao Tanaka, Wilfried Gnonto, Largie Ramazani and Mateo Joseph all started – but the subs made the difference. Leeds fans were unimpressed with Ramazani.
Joseph, Ramazani and Gnonto were replaced by Joel Piroe, Manor Solomon and Dan James and Leeds were transformed. Solomon played in James moments later and the Welshman really should have scored.
Then, after a breathtaking passage of incisive passing, Solomon played the ball into Piroe’s feet. He laid off Aaronson who took a touch before netting his seventh goal of the season. The subs won the game.
On New Year’s Day, Leeds take on Blackburn and Farke will be desperate to finally beat John Eustace after losing all three games against Eustace as Leeds boss. Who starts? Perhaps, all four changes are reversed.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
