There was good and bad for Leeds United on Monday during their 2-1 comeback win over Sunderland. In the end, all is well that ends well.
Quite a many expected Leeds United to breeze past Sunderland on Monday night. But the Black Cats certainly made it difficult for Daniel Farke’s side who, in the end, might have counted themselves lucky to get all three points.
But champions make their own luck and Leeds are certainly on track to hand themselves the Championship crown at the end of the season; what’d be a third second tier title for Farke during his managerial career.
He inspired the win on Monday with his changes in the second half. He threw on Joe Rothwell and Pascal Struijk and the pair combined twice as Struijk scored twice, handing Leeds all three points on a chaotic yet memorable night at Elland Road.
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Daniel Farke praise for Joe Rothwell after Leeds United beat Sunderland
Speaking after the game, Farke reserved praise for Rothwell who’s been in and out of the XI of late, following the return to Ilia Gruev who had a bit of a stinker on Monday night. Rothwell came off the bench and provided both assists for Struijk.
Farke told the press: “We don’t have to speak about Joe’s quality. He’s a pure baller. One of the best players in this country with the ball. With his right foot: passing, technique, touches, outstanding. Set-pieces, driving the game forwards. If you enjoy football, you enjoy Joe Rothwell.”
So far this season, Bournemouth loan man Rothwell has provided four assists in 30 Championship outings for Leeds. The 30-year-old midfielder hasn’t started a league game since the 7-0 win over Cardiff City at the start of February but may come into Farke’s thinking for the trip to Sheffield United next time out.
What Joe Rothwell has said about his Leeds United future
Rothwell is set to return to parent club Bournemouth in the summer. As things stand anyway. The former Manchester United youngster has 18 months left on his current contract with the Cherries and certainly seems to face an uncertain future with the club.
But speaking recently, Rothwell spoke about his future beyond this season. He said: “It’s gone as well as it could have done, it took some time but when I got that chance I knew I could show what I’m about. It’s gone better than I could have expected. Who knows what will happen next season.”
If Leeds are promoted this season and Bournemouth decide they want to cash in, then it could be an easy decision for Leeds to snap him up, especially if he keeps on providing the goods like he did on Monday.
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