Leeds United beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-1 and Anton Stach was the shining light for Leeds United at Molineux.
Anton Stach will be crucial to Premier League survival for Daniel Farke and Leeds United this season. The 26-year-old signed from Hoffenheim and Stach will cost Leeds £19.9 million if all add-ons are met.
It means Stach is one of the most expensive Leeds signings ever. However, Stach’s strong August for Leeds was then followed by a below-par showing against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
That said, Stach was the standout player vs Wolves. Even without that stunning display yesterday, Stach has stood out statistically thus far and Leeds’ German midfielder is in good company in the Premier League era already..
Leeds United supporters are in love with Anton Stach after free-kick vs Wolves
Stach’s hilarious Instagram posts began in pre-season and he hasn’t stopped since, with Stach teasing Wolves pre-match and then underlining why he was vindicated to do so with a stunning free-kick at Molineux.
In so many ways, Stach should be a ‘game changer’ and ceiling-raiser for Leeds but it is perhaps Stach’s set-piece ability that is most surprising, given that he is 6’4″ and many want him in the box attacking the ball.
The free-kick was a moment of magic, and it has aged incredibly poorly in the end, but numerous Leeds fans wanted Stach dropped against Wolves prior to kick off.
Instead, many are eating their words and waxing lyrical about the goal, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate. One said: “Might be in love with Anton Stach me 😍”
Another simply put: “anton stach i love you.”
Others were more excited, stating: “HAHAHHAHA ANTON STACH IS THE BEST PLAYER THAT HAS EVER PULLED ON A LEEDS SHIRT. HE HAS GONE GOAL SIDE AND THAT IS UNBELIEVABLE FROM ANTON STACH. ABSOLUTE STUD.”
Some, like Andrew, could not believe what they were seeing. Leeds have seldom scored direct from free-kicks since Pablo Hernandez and Raphinha left the club.
Another Leeds fan commented: “What a strike by the way. Keeper’s Side and absolutely struck.”
Anton Stach breaks 22-year long wait for Leeds with free-kick
Stach has been branded the signing of the summer for Leeds and moments like that when the strike is so pure and powerful, but also so sweetly struck, are part of the reason why he has been labelled as such.
However, he also broke a streak with his free-kick. Not only was it Leeds’ first direct goal from one since Ilia Gruev against Norwich City in the play-off semi-final at Elland Road back in May 2024, but so much more than that in terms of its significance.
Per Opta’s Jonny Cooper, Stach’s free-kick was the first scored by a Leeds player in an away Premier League match since Ian Harte scored in the famous 3-2 win over Arsenal at Highbury in May 2003. It was well worth the wait.
In scoring, Stach became one of three record breakers for Leeds at Molineux, with a trio of new signings all scoring in the same game. He also got the assist for Noah Okafor as well.
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