Leeds United are sitting pretty at the top of the Championship table with five points separating Daniel Farke’s side between The Whites and both Sheffield United and Burnley.
Sheffield United and Sunderland have now played a game less than Leeds and Burnley, given the latter two remain in The FA Cup. It saw Leeds going to Coventry, and Burnley facing Oxford brought forward.
On Tuesday night, Burnley went ahead of Sheffield United on goal difference into second place and only two off Leeds. But Daniel Farke’s men reaffirmed their position at the top by five points, against Coventry.
Goals from Joel Piroe and Jayden Bogle saw Leeds secure a 19th Championship win of the season in their 31st outings, and a 19th clean sheet. But in truth, the 2-0 scoreline could have easily been five or six.
Junior Firpo sends hilarious message to Joe Rodon after 2-0 win
Leeds could and probably should have scored more goals with Joel Piroe, Dan James and plenty more missing golden chances. But at the other end, Illan Meslier pulled off two excellent saves to secure a win.
Daniel Farke described Meslier’s saves as “outstanding”, while Leeds fans also applauded the Frenchman. But the defence in front of him were excellent too, a defence that included Joe Rodon and Junior Firpo.
Taking to Instagram following the win, Rodon posted a picture of himself and Firpo after full-time, with the latter looking lovingly at Rodon. Firpo replied, saying: “Not even your girlfriend looks at you, like I do.”
Leeds form with and without Junior Firpo in the starting line-up
Largely due to injury and a three-match suspension, Firpo has only started 18 of Leeds’ 33 games in all competitions this season. His long-term future is a doubt, even if Firpo is willing to sign a new contract.
| Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals | Clean sheets | PPG | |
| Leeds when Firpo starts | 18 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 32 | 10 | 1.88 |
| Leeds when Firpo doesn’t start | 15 | 10 | 5 | 0 | 30 | 10 | 2.33 |
Interestingly, the stats show Leeds have been better in games without Firpo. Indeed, all four losses have come with Firpo not in the starting line-up and without him, Leeds are yet to actually suffer a defeat.
The same clean sheets and same wins in less games, only two goals less. Perhaps, these are the metrics The 49ers are considering when they are discussing new terms for Firpo, before his deal ends in June.
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