You would maybe think, after Leeds United cruised past Watford at Vicarage Road thanks in part to a Manor Solomon strike, that all the post-most coverage would centre upon Daniel Farke’s free-scoring backline.
After Dan James destroyed Cardiff City in Leeds’ biggest home win in over 50 years a week-and-a-half ago, the Welsh wizard was at his magical best once again down south. James scored twice as the visitors stormed into a 2-0 lead after just 28 minutes in Hertfordshire.
Manor Solomon added a third before the break, before turning provider as Joel Piroe maintained his own terrific form.
Leeds United have now won their last three Championship matches while scoring 13 goals in the process. Solomon, however, was keen to paint this as another team effort; Everyone from Piroe all the way back to Illan Meslier doing their bit.
Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon were rock-solid once again at the heart of Daniel Farke’s backline. Combined with the excellent Jayden Bogle and Junior Firpo, plus the protection provided by the tireless midfield duo of Ilia Gruev and Ao Tanaka, Leeds’ tally of clean sheets now stands at 20 across 32 Championship matches.
The record for a second-tier campaign, by the way, is just 25.
Scott Parker’s near-unbreachable Burnley may beat Leeds to that particular record – James Trafford is two clean sheets clear of Meslier in the Golden Glove race – but Solomon is determined to ensure that he James, Piroe and the club’s stacked array of talented forwards do not hog the headlines alone.
Manor Solomon hails Leeds United’s backline after Watford thrashing
“[Our defence] has been really incredible in the last few weeks. They help the attacking players to get more chances because they play really good balls forward,” Solomon explains. “We try to help them as much as we can in the defence.
“The whole team defends. We are one unit and we are really proud.”
Taking their tally to 66 goals this season – 16 more than any other team in the division – it was Leeds’ high-pressing and their rampant transitions which tore Watford apart like wet tissue paper.
Solomon himself snatched back possession as Piroe fired a shot into the arms of Hornets goalkeeper Egil Selvik shortly before James’ 20th minute opener.
The former Manchester United winger delivered a heavy blow to another ex-Red Devil in Watford boss Tom Cleverley when he pounced on a loose pass to fire home. James’ second, lashed into the roof of the net, came after some super approach work from Aaronson and Piroe.
Meslier pulled off a ‘world-class’ save to deny Coventry City a goal a week ago, and the Frenchman needed to be alert again as he kept out veteran Moussa Sissoko.
A deflected Solomon strike from range and a glorious effort from Piroe then took the game away from Cleverley’s beleaguered side, Leeds extending their advantage at the top to five points in the process.
Solomon loves playing alongside Dan James, Joel Piroe and Brenden Aaronson
“We know its one of our strengths, after we recover the ball we know we need to go forwards as fast as possible,” Solomon smiles, his calves aching after another evening trying to keep up with the turbo-charged James
“Dan is super-fast so I need to go as quickly as I can! When I go with the ball, Joel, Brenden and ‘DJ’, they know I will carry the ball and try and look for them.
“We are one unit [at the front and the back]. We are in great momentum and we want to carry on like this. [Victories like this] are the moments to enjoy. During the game, you enjoy but at the same time you suffer because you need to run and invest a lot.
“We won 4-0 today but it was a great effort from everyone defensively and offensively. We just wanted to go to the fans and enjoy this feeling of winning. [The fans] came all the way from Leeds so we are playing for them.
“Happy to see them happy.”
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