Leeds United are back on top of the Championship table albeit until Sunday evening after an easy win over Derby County at Elland Road on Saturday – an eleventh win, and an eleventh clean sheet.
Leeds had lost a run of three straight wins at Blackburn last weekend but were back to their controlling best against Derby. First Leeds goals for Joe Rodon and Max Wober did the job as Leeds were victorious.
There were a couple of talking points from the win and below, here are three things LeedsUnited.News learned from the victory over Paul Warne’s side – including how one player can save Leeds some money.
Three things learned from Leeds United’s win over Derby County
Max Wober can save Leeds some cash at left-back
Junior Firpo came off early on Saturday injured, having missed four games recently due to suspension. The left-back will need replacing short-term, and possibly long-term if his contract is not renewed.
Leeds have been linked with numerous options at left-back in the likes of Daniel Svensson, Archie Brown and Dennis Cirkin. But judging by Wober’s display, the Austria defender could save Leeds some money.
Yes, Derby are hardly the strongest of opponents and Wober will face a tougher test on Tuesday if he starts. But, the Austria star has played left-back before and could easily save Leeds buying a replacement.
Ao Tanaka blip was just that, a blip
Tanaka has been sensational since joining Leeds. He has been a revelation in midfield, but Tanaka’s showing against Blackburn was his worst in a Leeds shirt. He looked jaded, a rabbit in the headlights.
There may have been some concerns that the honeymoon period was over and Tanaka’s early shine had worn off. But he reminded all what he is capable of in the win over Derby, dictating the game once again.
Simon Grayson was blown away by Tanaka during commentary and it proves that Tanaka’s good start is not just form, but permanent class. His blip at Blackburn was only a blip, and Derby will reassure fans.
A penny for Patrick Bamford’s thoughts?
The one-time England man came on earlier than Mateo Joseph at Blackburn and in the week, Daniel Farke said Bamford had his confidence back in training. He might have hoped for more game time on Saturday.
But instead, Farke overlooked Bamford completely. He started Joel Piroe and bring on Mateo Joseph, with £10m Bamford left as one of four unused subs alongside Isaac Schmidt, Ethan Ampady and Karl Darlow.
With Leeds 2-0 up and cruising, Bamford might have hoped he may be afforded 20 minutes at the end of the game but he was left on the bench and with January close, Bamford may have a decision to make.
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