Leeds United’s win over Sunderland on Monday night was a memorable one for those at Elland Road, as the Whites secured a dramatic comeback win.
The visit of Sunderland on Monday promised to put Leeds United to the sword. And that it did.
Sunderland had the lead at half-time and as Leeds tried and failed to find a way back into the game, fans were wondering what the rest of this season had in store for the club.
A win for the Black Cats would’ve kept Sheffield United in 1st place of the Championship table whilst simultaneously opening the promotion race wide open.
But a bit of Daniel Farke magic won the game. He brought on Joe Rothwell and Pascal Struijk and Rothwell was the provider for both of Struijk’s late headed goals on the night.
The winner came in the final minute of injury time. Elland Road erupted as Struijk headed home for the 2-1 win, causing scenes in the stands which actually injured one unlucky supporter.
Pascal Struijk gesture to Leeds United fan injured during Sunderland celebrations
One Leeds United fan went viral on social media after the Sunderland game, after he dislocated his shoulder during the celebrations for Struijk’s second goal. His post on X did the rounds as he jokingly said ‘hope Struijk is expecting an invoice’.
But days later, Struijk has picked up on the post and responded. He’s reached out to the fan and posted on X: “Hope you’re well, mate. How can we sort this out?” suggesting that he’s ready to compensate the Leeds fan in some way.
So far this season, Dutchman Struijk has featured 28 times in the Championship and has scored an impressive five goals from centre-back. But he’s not started a league game since New Year’s Day, owing to injury which has seen Ethan Ampadu take the centre-back spot.
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Daniel Farke’s brilliant thinking behind Pascal Struijk change vs Sunderland
During the second half against Sunderland, Leeds fans were confused when Farke took off Ao Tanaka and replaced him with Struijk, with Rothwell also coming off the bench.
But speaking after the game, Farke explained his thinking behind the changes, saying: “Normally, you bring offensive players in [to a game like this].
“I brought two midfielders out and brought a centre-back on because the feeling was we were creating set-piece after set-piece.
“So, I wanted to bring my best set-piece taker, Joe Rothwell, on the pitch. I also wanted my biggest target, Pascal Struijk.”
Struijk’s goals proved Farke’s thinking right, and also reminded everyone including Farke of his aerial presence which is beneficial at both ends of the pitch.
After Ampadu’s poor performance against Sunderland, we could now see Struijk returned to the XI for the upcoming game against Sheffield United, with the Dutchman having had enough time now to get over his previous injury.
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