Leeds United extended their lead at the top of the Championship to five points ahead of Sheffield United playing on Wednesday night, with a huge 4-0 win over Watford away from home.
There was a concern going into Tuesday night’s game at Vicarage Road that Leeds might struggle after losing their unbeaten run on Saturday. There was a fear that the momentum may have faded away.
Twin that with Daniel Farke’s woeful record against Watford and in the same fixture last season, Leeds only managed a 2-2 draw. But, The Whites were majestic and cruised to a 20th win of the campaign.
A brace from Dan James, a deflected effort from Manor Solomon and a gorgeous team goal finished off by Joel Piroe saw Leeds score four. Watford had chances and hit the bar, but it was never in doubt.
What Leeds fans were heard singing when 4-0 up at Watford
A brilliant win, not only because Leeds he now scored 13 goals in their last three Championship games but because it was a sixth consecutive clean sheet for Illan Meslier and the Leeds defence in the league.
Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon are on fire together in defence, so much so that Farke opted to keep the skipper at centre-back instead of bringing back the fit-again Pascal Struijk alongside Wales star Rodon.
Leeds fans are getting confident. Sheffield United and Burnley play on Wednesday night but they sit ahead of them by five and eight points, now. Beren Cross shared what fans were singing when 4-0 up.
The Athletic’s Leeds United reporter posted on X: “Champions again, ole ole” from the away end.”
No striker in January? No need as Joel Piroe becomes lethal
Failing to sign a striker in last month’s window has been deemed a failure among some supporters. But perhaps, it’s given Joel Piroe a confidence boost knowing that he is the man to fire Leeds to promotion.
Five goals and assists in his last three games have arrived for Piroe, with Piroe having told Dutch media that he is very happy under Farke at Leeds. Four goals in those three matches, and an assist tonight.
He has now equalled last season’s tally of 14 goals and already doubled his three assists, with his pass for Dan James’ second goal his sixth assist of the campaign. With Piroe in red-hot form, Leeds are on fire.
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