Leeds United returned to winning ways with a 3-0 victory over Birmingham City on New Year’s Day.
Leeds had endured a tricky festive period with back-to-back defeats for the first time under Daniel Farke, losing at both Preston North End and West Bromwich Albion.
But Elland Road has been a fortress for Leeds so far this season and they kept up their unbeaten home record with a comfortable win against Wayne Rooney’s side, with Patrick Bamford on the scoresheet for the first time since April.
Dan James and Crysencio Summerville both also found the net to continue their fine seasons in front of goal, as part of an ‘unplayable’ attack at this level.
Birmingham defender Dion Sanderson provided his verdict on the game to the club’s YouTube channel at full-time, and believes his side came up against a ‘Premier League’ quality team on Monday.
Leeds quality shines through
He said: “It was a difficult game, they are a top side, a Premier League side. Overall it is disappointing, the goals were way too easy. Even at 2-0 down there was still something in the game for us, putting them under pressure and playing in their half. We concede the third and find it hard to get back into the game.”
Birmingham played far more into Leeds’ hands than in their last two matches, where PNE and West Brom were both happy to sit back and absorb pressure.
Leeds have struggled to break down deep defences so far this season, but Birmingham persistently tried to play their way out from the back, which did not work.
When the likes of Georginio Rutter and Summerville are on form like yesterday, Leeds are a very difficult team to stop, and that is the Premier League quality Sanderson is alluding to.
Perhaps with Rutter dropping deeper and Bamford leading the line, Farke may have found a solution to Leeds’ recent troubles.
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