Leeds United returned to the top of the Championship table on Saturday afternoon with a comfortable 2-0 win over Derby County at Elland Road, bouncing back from defeat at Blackburn.
Having lost against Blackburn, Leeds were forced to wait for a full week before returning to action when they took on Derby on Saturday. The first time Leeds have faced their Spygate rivals Derby since 2020.
Daniel Farke’s record against Derby is a poor one, but the German manager picked up his second career win over The Rams in what was his seventh game against them. But, two incredibly unlikely goalscorers.
Joe Rodon has only ever scored one professional goal at club level, coming while on loan at French side Rennes but on Saturday he changed that. The Wales star headed in the first from a Joe Rothwell corner.
Joe Rodon admits frustration at lack of goals for Leeds United
Leeds were not done there, as substitute Max Wober came off the bench for his first meaningful league outing – replacing Junior Firpo in the first 45. Playing on the left of defence, he netted his first Leeds goal.
Lovely play from Brenden Aaronson saw the USA star centre the ball and a deflection saw it fall to Wober, who slammed home from close range with his weaker right foot. Rodon spoke to LUTV after the victory.
He admits frustration at not scoring until now: “Hopefully the first of many. Very frustrating but to finally score, a great day overall, in the top two. The chance before is easier but I had too much time to think.”
It’s about time but the floodgates now need to open for Rodon
Farke spoke after the match about Rodo’s lack of goals and says that the former Tottenham defender “misses loads of chances”. But, the Welshman took his goal on Saturday with the expertise of a striker.
Having failed to score in his previous 180 club appearances in English football, you would like to think that Rodon might manage to net his second a bit quicker. Certainly, his finish proves he is capable of it.
Leeds need to score goals from set-pieces when facing a low block to open up a defence. Pascal Struijk did so in the win over Sheffield United and if Rodon can add goals, then he becomes a real Leeds force.
Farke has said that Rodon and Struijk are the best two central defenders in the Championship and with a new string to his bow in terms of goals scored, Rodon can become one of the best in the league, full stop.
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