Social media was a hive of activity for fans of Leeds United as the Whites produced a sparkling second-half display to beat Southampton at Elland Road thanks to goals from Patrick Bamford, Stuart Dallas and Raphinha. Plenty of pundits, supporters and players reacted to the win – with Robin Koch and Barry Douglas both teasing Dallas over his goal, among other instances.
Bamford’s calls for an England call-up gained more strength as he took his goal involvements to 18 in 25 Premier League games – scoring his 13th of the season. Raphinha and Dallas both netted their fifth goals of the season, though Raphinha’s was certainly the pick of the punch – curling a free-kick into the bottom corner. Here is the best of social media after the win:
Koch and Douglas tease Dallas
It was a brilliant finish from £1.3million signing (Sky Sports) Dallas, but it also sparked a debate on social media. Picking the ball up after an incisive pass from Helder Costa, Dallas stuck the ball into the bottom corner with the ball swerving away from Alex McCarthy – but did he toe-poke it into the net, or flick it with the outside of his foot? Both Koch and Douglas seem to think it was the former, responding hilariously on their Instagram stories:
Deco and Matteo applaud Raphinha
With the scoreline already reading 2-0, it was a moment of genius from the new Leeds fan favourite. Substitute Costa was integral again, running from inside his own half before winning a free-kick 25 yards from goal – but with set-piece specialist James Ward-Prowse watching on, Raphinha curled a delightful effort past McCarthy into the bottom corner. Matteo praised him, while Deco applauded his celebration – which saw him send a heartfelt message to Ronaldinho following the death of his mother.
Leeds send message to Gareth Southgate and England
Southgate will be intensely watching Bamford. The Three Lions play their final three matches in the March international break before Southgate picks the squad he takes to Euro 2021 – which will be done before the two warm-up friendlies against Austria and Romania. Bamford will be desperate to earn a chance, and his goal has seen him equal Everton’s Dom Calvert-Lewin. Tammy Abraham is struggling for game time, Ollie Watkins form is inconsistent, Danny Ings too – given his injuries. Harry Kane and Calvert-Lewin are likely to be picked, but could there be room for Bamford? Here is what Leeds, cheekily, Tweeted: