Norwich City manager Johannes Hoff Thorup has delivered his verdict on Leeds United after his side’s 1-1 draw at Carrow Road.
The Canaries were able to preserve their 11-month unbeaten home league run but won’t have had many tougher challenges than Leeds on Tuesday night.
Josh Sargent had given the home side the lead early on from the spot in what was a half that Leeds actually dominated, with danger man Wilfried Gnonto hitting the post almost immediately after the opener.
Gnonto was able to play a huge part in Leeds getting back level, though, as he played Largie Ramazani through on goal, with the Belgian winger doing the rest.
On other night, Leeds would’ve left with all three points. However, a combination of Stephen Martin’s poor refereeing decisions, and Farke’s subs, meant Leeds had to settle for a share of the spoils.
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Johannes Hoff Thorup shares immediate Leeds verdict
Prior to the match, Thorup talked up both Farke and Leeds‘ chances of promotion. As such, the game was certainly an acid test for his new side.
Leeds will undoubtedly have ended the match feeling more frustrated at not coming away with a win, but Norwich did themselves push for a second late on.
Thorup was asked to give his assessment on the match in his post-match press conference, and was impressed with the ‘intensity’ of both sides.
However, Thorup did go onto admit his team are not at the stage where they can dominate a ‘strong side’ like Leeds, who he felt were able to pin them back for much of the game.
He said: “So much intensity. So much going on. The game changed a little from time to time with Leeds on the ball, then us, then them, then us. Would have liked more courage on the ball. Too much defending from my side. After we conceded there was a strong response from the team.
“We are not there yet where we can dominate a game against Leeds like this. They did a strong job. When I saw the players in the eyes they really believed they could win tonight.
“We were fighting for the three points. We took our chances. We had to defend and we were in our low block for too long at times, but that’s how it goes against a strong side like Leeds.”
What was Daniel Farke’s assessment of Leeds draw
Farke was of a similar opinion to Thorup in that he believes both teams will be fairly happy to come away with a point from the match.
However, Farke did tell his press conference Leeds were the closest to coming away with a win due to the chances they missed, and the decision not to award a penalty.
He said: “Good point on the road. Good advert for the Championship. Two in form sides. Good game. Tight game. Decisive moments are crucial. Norwich good side. Unbeaten at home.
“Two in-form teams on the pitch. We allowed one mistake in our defending over the last six games. Allowed the winger to cut inside and then tackled in the box for the penalty. Difficult here at 1-0 down. Stadium buzzing. Confident players. Not easy.
“We had chances. Gnonto hit the post. Unlucky we were back at half-time. Encouraged them to keep going. Not the easiest time. Injuries. Another important player out of the game. Played with a new centre. Praise my lads. Rothwell’s first start in a long time.
“We had the edge to win the game. Bogle great chance. Aaronson great chance. Penalty against Gnonto. Close to three points, but Norwich in form. Sainz and Sargent. Open game. Basketball game. Both teams can live with this point.”
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