If there was anyone still doubting if Leeds United possess the most fearsome frontline in the Championship, Saturday’s 7-0 thumping of Cardiff City emphatically dispelled such a notion.
Leeds obliterated Omer Riza’s side into claim their biggest home win since taking Southampton apart all the way back in 1972.
There were no fewer than six different names on the scoresheet, meanwhile. The outstanding Joel Piroe hit a brace to join Brenden Aaronson, Manor Solomon and Dan James, plus substitutes Willy Gnonto and Mateo Joseph, on the scoresheet.
An unstoppable James added two assists to his seasonal tally – former Leeds boss Simon Grayson raved about the Welshman at full-time – while this was another dazzling display from the snake-hipped Solomon.
That Daniel Farke could afford to bring Gnonto, Joseph and Largie Ramazani off the Leeds United bench, meanwhile, speaks volumes about the depth at his disposal.
But, in the view of former Elland Road striker Michael Bridges, the role of the two full-backs in Farke’s free-flowing, occasionally free-scoring system should not go unnoticed.
Leeds United hammer Cardiff City as Junior Firpo records three assists
Junior Firpo got the nod at left-back against Cardiff, with Jayden Bogle on the right.
Farke thinks Bogle has been Leeds’ most impressive performer since the turn of the year. The £5 million signing from Sheffield United was outshone by the man on the opposite flank on Saturday, however, Firpo doubling his assist tally for 2024/25 as he set up a trio of goals in the second half.
Bridges was keen the highlight the positions Firpo and Bogle take up when Leeds are in possession.
Pushed high up the pitch, operating more as genuine forwards than full-backs at times, they often create overloads while opening up spaces for Solomon, James, Piroe and co to pack the penalty area.
Shortly after crossing superbly for Dan James to put Leeds 3-0 up and out of sight just after half-time, Firpo could even be seen loitering in the six-yard box as the Welshman won a penalty which Piroe would convert with consummate ease.
With three goals and two assists to his name across 2024/25 himself, meanwhile, Bogle is also developing into one of Farke’s most useful options in the final third.
“The other thing I like about the set up for the penalty, [Leeds’ forwards] are all so narrow,” Bridges says. “The reason that allows them to be in a position to score the goals is the quality and the understanding of the full-backs, giving us the width.
“And when you’ve got three players narrow like this lot… Absolutely incredible. It’s a defender’s nightmare.”
Daniel Farke delighted as Leeds show Premier League credentials
It was the relentless ruthlessness of Leeds performance which pleased Farke the most.
Many teams would have taken their foot off the gas once Piroe put them 4-0 ahead just past the hour mark. There was no chance of Leeds doing that, however, instead slamming down upon the accelerator and revving the engine.
“When you have such an impressive scoreline, [a win is] even more enjoyable. I’ve mentioned this league is relentless. We have to relentless ourselves. This is what we showed,” Farke beams, feeling that the work-rate and the team-ethic never dipped for a second.
“When we were 5-0 up, we still had the desire to create and score. Quite often in such a game, players have the temptation to cheat a bit and want another goal or assist. But what we showed today, everyone chipped in for the team. We were fighting and pressing. We had full control to the last second.
“That was the reason why we were so clinical today. Days like this don’t come often in this league so definitely I’m in a good mood.
“One of my best moments? I’ve won the league already five times in my career so it’s something different when you achieve something over a long period. Of course, it’s good for the goal difference and self confidence.
“Of course I enjoyed it but I’m happy for my lads that they shined after criticism after the Burnley game and delivered such a performance.
“It’s also enjoyable when I look back over the season when we have achieved something. Great game. Hopefully we’ll have something to celebrate in May.”
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