How Leeds United overcame adversity to reignite Championship promotion dream
After a close defeat at West Bromwich Albion at the end of December, Leeds United’s chances of earning automatic promotion appeared remote, but the Whites have entirely turned their season around.
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If Leeds United supporters had thought their club had blown automatic promotion at the end of December, you could have forgiven them for leaving West Bromwich Albion. The Whites’ last 2023 matchup ended in a defeat at The Hawthorns, dropping them to fourth place, nine points behind Ipswich Town in second place.
After losing three straight away games on the road, it appeared to be a tall order for the Whites to pull in Southampton and Ipswich. Considering the form and performances of their competitors for promotion, many fans thought it was an impossible task.
Despite this, United’s manager Daniel Farke—a two-time champion in the Championship—remained calm. He had always thought his team would succeed in the end.
See more: Leeds United injury update: Bamford, Byram, and Struijk ahead of Plymouth Argyle
His guys swiftly moved past their awkward situation throughout the holiday season. They have now won seven straight league games, extending their unbeaten streak to ten games.
The Whites thrashed Swansea City 4-0 on Tuesday night, making yet another massive statement about promotion. With seven goals without a response in their last two games, United has shown a high level of confidence and, concerningly for the rest of the division, is beginning to be more merciless in the final third.
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Leeds United: Graham Smyth shares what 49ers chiefs did to Joel Piroe in Swansea City win
Graham Smyth reports that after Joel Piroe was replaced in Leeds United’s victory over Swansea City, the club’s executives got up and gave him a standing ovation.
In the last moments of the match, Angus Kinnear, Gretar Steinsson, and Adam Underwood got up from their seats to cheer the Dutchman as he left the pitch, according to a journalist for the Yorkshire Evening Post on Wednesday, February 14.
In Tuesday’s (February 13) 4-0 victory over his previous club, Piroe scored his 11th Championship goal of the season. Piroe was a substitute for Patrick Bamford, who was injured and could not play in South Wales.
Joel Piroe worth Leeds United and the 49ers’ money
Leeds United, which was severely damaged by their Premier League relegation, had to rebuild its playing roster this summer under the direction of Daniel Farke and the ownership of 49ers Enterprises.
The Whites spent a lot of money on players at Elland Road, but Piroe was the most expensive acquisition they made. Against Swansea, the Dutchman showed why he was worth the rumoured £12 million they paid for him [Wales Online, 24 August].
It was the perfect time for the 24-year-old to shine while the Whites’ executives watched from the seats. His performance in South Wales was outstanding, especially considering how late he was called up.
Though Piroe is making every effort to demonstrate that he should be regularly involved in Farke’s lineup as well, Bamford has been in excellent form and, when healthy, the Englishman simply must to lead the line at this point. He will push his way back into the team if he keeps scoring goals.
