Dan James scored the only goal of the game to secure all three points for Leeds United on Tuesday against Stoke City at Elland Road – but Aidy White says he was “absolutely shattered” at the end.
After injury against Norwich back in January, James has had to recover from the knock and then wait his chance to get back into the side – with Willy Gnonto showing glimpses of quality. But he got his chance.
James was one of three changes made by Daniel Farke on Tuesday night, with Sam Byram and Connor Roberts also coming in for Archie Gray and Junior Firpo. James replaced Gnonto on Leeds’ right flank.
It was James that got the all-important goal, twisting and turning before firing in a right-footed shot that deflected past Daniel Iversen. Leeds held on to the 1-0 win, getting back to winning ways – crucially.
Former Leeds defender White spoke to BBC Radio Leeds after the victory and he said that James was “absolutely shattered” after the game – with James not playing much football in the past few weeks.
“Great performance, we ground it out and had to work hard for it. Look at Dan James, he was excellent tonight – but he was absolutely shattered come the end of it, they could barely carry him off at the end.”
Aidy White says Dan James was shattered after Leeds win
James continues to shine for Leeds, his 11th goal of the season – supplied by a moment of genius from Georginio Rutter, who turned to Stoke players inside out before feeding James. White was astounded.
Leeds were far from their best but what they did do, was grind out a result. The kind of win that only teams right at the top of the league are capable of doing. Joe Rodon summed it up in the tunnel after.
James and Leeds will now have a quick turnaround once again. Leeds go up against rivals Sheffield Wednesday on Friday evening, just 72 hours after the win over Stoke. Another pivotal match.
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