Leeds United did something for just the second time in their entire 105-year existence in the 2-0 victory over Sheffield United at Elland Road.
The Whites were coming up against the only remaining unbeaten side across the entire EFL heading into the game but were very deserving of their three points on the night.
So much was Chris Wilder’s fear of Leeds, he changed to a back five for the first time all season, a tactical alteration that very much backfired.
Wilder says Leeds were comfortably the better team over the course of 90 minutes, even if it did take scoring directly from a corner for the first time in 10 months to break the deadlock.
Pascal Struijk and Mateo Joseph were the men on the scoresheet for Daniel Farke’s side, who climbed above Sheffield United with the win.
What Leeds did for the first time in 72 years
Farke’s preparation for such a big game was far from ideal as several of his players had been away on international duty over the last two weeks.
Four of Leeds’ starters in Wilfried Gnonto, Brenden Aaronson, Ao Tanaka and Junior Firpo were all in action for their respective countries over the course of Tuesday and Wednesday.
Farke has mentioned the lack of experience in Leeds’ squad on more than occasion this season, but perhaps it is a testament to their youthful freshness and fitness as to why they were able to show no signs of fatigue after the international fixtures.
And the youth in Farke’s squad was highlighted by an incredible statistic that emerged in Leeds’ win against the Blades.
According to Opta’s Jonny Cooper, Farke has named a starting XI consisting of no players over the age of 30 in each of Leeds’ opening 10 matches of the season.
This is the first time this has been done at Leeds since the 1952/53 season, a period which spans 72 years. It is also just the second time it has happened in the entire club’s history.
Leeds close to adding experienced midfielder Josuha Guilavogui
In the likes of Patrick Bamford, Sam Byram and Karl Darlow, Leeds do have some experienced players in their squad.
They are all very much taking a back seat this season but could well be joined by another senior face in Josuha Guilavogu.
Guilavogu was at Elland Road last night for Leeds’ win against the Blades and is one of several free agents that have been looked at by the club.
At 34, he was just about pip Darlow to the tag of Leeds’ oldest player, and is set to be brought in as cover for Tanaka and Joe Rothwell.
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