Leeds beat a lackluster Burnley 3-1 at Elland Road, moving them nine points clear of the relegation zone and taking a big step towards Premier League safety.
Burnley have already been relegated and are without a manager following the departure of Scott Parker earlier this week, but with just three games remaining in their disastrous season, there is still a chance they could catch up with Wolves, who are bottom of the table with just three points.
On the other hand, Daniel Farke’s team is unbeaten in their last six games and is finally able to look up instead of down. Anton Stach’s superb opener set the tone for the match, and their intensity in the second period drew them away from a pathetically passive Burnley side.
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Leeds’ Anton Stacchi fires a long-range shot past Martin Dubravka!
Noah Okafor capped off a team-wide move to end a futile attempt at resistance from Mike Jackson’s team. Dominic Calvert-Lewin rubbed salt in the wound four minutes later when he slotted home the rebound from Ao Tanaka’s sharp shot. The game is as good as over.
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Noah Okafor doubles Leeds’ advantage against Burnley!
Just when it looked as if the visitors had completely used up all their effort and energy, Lum Chaouna came back to life with his second goal of the season, making the scoreline slightly more respectable. Burnley upped the tempo in the second 45 minutes but were no match for Leeds on a night where their determination to survive in the top flight was clear from the first whistle.
They have overtaken Newcastle in the table and are level with Crystal Palace in 13th place on 43 points. No team has ever been relegated by such a total. What a job Falke did.
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Dominic Calvert-Lewin scores Leeds’ third goal against Burnley at Elland Road
Best player: Anton Stach
Jamie Redknapp named Anton Stuch as one of his signings this season on Friday Night Football’s Sky Sports studio. In fact, his modest £18m transfer fee is looking more and more valuable by the week.
In the win against Burnley, Stasch created the most chances (3), took the most touches in the opposition box (5) and took the most shots (5), despite playing just 72 minutes since returning from injury.
Anton Stach celebrates Leeds’ opening goal against Burnley
What sets him apart is his ability with both feet, from open play to set pieces. Only Bruno Fernandes has created more chances than the German international in the Premier League this season. His command of the middle third is perfectly balanced with captain Ethan Ampadu’s combativeness.
Another outstanding display to add sparkle to a brilliant debut season.
Falke’s example of maintaining trust in his manager
Jamie Redknapp of Sky Sports:
“Full credit to Daniel Farke. He suffered quite a bit early in the season. They brought in a good player, but the fact that they stuck with him is a good example of not making rash decisions.”
“If you can connect with the fans, it gives you a good chance. Next year will be interesting. Will they put more money into it and keep building?”
Falke delighted with Leeds unity
Leeds head coach Daniel Farke:
“Three points are huge for us. I’m really proud of the players for their results in a difficult period. We also had important cup games at the same time, with a long away win at West Ham and one game at Wembley.
“We had some problems with some players, but for a team that has just been promoted, 10 points from the last four games is second to none in a nervous period. Of course it was a big step for us tonight.”
“When we walked into Elland Road, things were different. Everyone was divided. But I said on the first day that this club lives up to its name and is always at its best when Leeds are United. We need great unity, from the owners to the chairman to all the executives and staff who work at the stadium.”
“The job isn’t done yet. Once it’s mathematically done, we’ll celebrate properly. But 43 points is nice.”
Ampadu delighted with Burnley’s ‘revenge’
Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu:
“I’m very happy. Personally, we haven’t been able to beat Burnley for the past few years, so we wanted to get revenge.
“We have 43 points, I don’t know what that means, but I’d like to think we’re in a good position and we’re going to enjoy the weekend.”
“We wanted our fans to enjoy the bank holiday weekend. We have three games left so we hope to get good results in the next three games.”
“[Daniel Farke]gives everyone confidence and gives them the right to play with freedom and structure. We are always well prepared for any match.”
