Blackburn Rovers, and more singlularly, John Eustace are becoming sticky opponents for Leeds United since Daniel Farke took over at Elland Road back in the summer of 2023.
Having won three Championship games in a row, Leeds went to Ewood Park on Saturday afternoon with the belief that they could get revenge on a Blackburn side that beat Leeds during the run-in last April.
Since Farke took over at Leeds, the German had shared a touchline with manager John Eustace on two occasions – with different clubs. Both times, Farke and Leeds lost 1-0 to Birmingham City and Blackburn.
On Saturday, that became three. Todd Cantwell scored a first-half penalty after a foul by Ao Tanaka, as Farke’s old pupil turned into his tormentor. Three in a row for Eustace, to the utter frustration of Farke.
John Eustace shares how he masterminded win against Leeds
It sees Eustace secure a third 1-0 win over Leeds in his last three matches against them. So frustrated was Farke, that he and Blackburn Rovers captain Lewis Travis were involved in a war of words after full-time.
Speaking immediately after the full-time whistle at Ewood Park, Eustace shared how he got the better of Leeds. He said Blackburn only playing twice and not three times ove the past week may have helped.
“Outstanding performance. Proud of the group win, lose, draw. Pleasure to work with. Proud of the boys. Freshened a few things up. Only our second game, not our third. Played into our hands a little maybe.
“We were brave playing out from the back. Gave them a few opportunities, but tried to play the right way. Did not just sit in. Very important nobody gets carried away. This league is relentless,” Eustace said.
Where Leeds United now sit in Championship table…
Leeds were first going into this weekend’s fixtures. But Sheffield United’s 1-0 win over Sunderland on Friday night pushed the Blades ahead of Leeds by three points, into first. Sunderland remain in fourth.
Burnley are in action on Saturday afternoon against Stoke City away from home, with Scott Parker’s side not scoring many – but hardly conceding. A draw would not be enough to overtake Leeds, but a win does.
So as things stand at the time of writing, Leeds sit in second place but Burnley’s result against Stoke will determine whether Leeds remain there come the end of the current weekend of Championship football.
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