Without a doubt, the victory over Blackburn Rovers on Saturday at noon was a struggle. Leeds United defeated a formidable opponent despite not playing their best game, as they persevered in wind and rain during a day that was more likely to occur in Mordor.

The trip to Lancashire was typified by Daniel James and Crysencio Summerville’s finishes, both in terms of timing and quality. Blackburn never had Leeds on the rack for an extended period of time to dominate, with only two saves required of Illan Meslier throughout the entire day, but the visitors had to hold firm.

Goals from United eased the tension and provided some relief for all parties in both situations. Blackburn had started significantly better and appeared to have a far better chance of scoring the game’s second goal, particularly in the second quarter.

Archie Grey then found a gap to cut loose, bounce the ball off Georginio Rutter, and feed Summerville—all against the flow of the play. In order to succeed in this league, you had to take advantage of this opportunity, and the Dutchman demonstrated his superiority in this division with a flawless dink.

As Daniel Farke would say after the game, Leeds had been held to the flame by the hosts, but they never gave up and seized their chances when they arrived with ice-cold finishing. This was about a team persevering through one of the several storms that can arise during a championship and winning three points.

Summerville’s competence has never been called into doubt at Leeds. Even though he was just playing for the Under-23 or U21 teams, the winger was convincing enough opponents of his ability to have faith in him as he developed into the starting lineup. He had demonstrated enough flair, dribbling, agility, and finishing to be regarded as a formidable opponent.

 

James, on the other hand, had never before been associated with Leeds. Prior to his recent arrival at Swansea City, no one had heard of him until his name showed up on Marcelo Bielsa’s desktop. Despite this, he scored just five goals in 38 appearances, which was enough to make Leeds take notice and convince Manchester United to pay James approximately £15 million. Ultimately, though, he has never been a prolific scorer or assister, and he became one of the many lightning rods for criticism during the Whites’ torturous Premier League collapse.

 

It was hoped that relegation would bring out something in a football player who, on his day, was obviously skilled enough to impress both Wales and the Old Trafford team. Though the campaign didn’t exactly get off to a barnstorming start, Farke has clearly hinted something from him.

After providing four assists in his first eight games of the season, he has scored seven goals in his past ten games. That’s an incredible comeback, and Saturday’s outcome was just as significant and noteworthy as Summerville’s. Just five players in the league had more goal involvements than James, who now has 11 for the season entering Saturday’s games.

James is no longer the team’s fourth-choice attacker, circling the periphery and occasionally stepping in to support the big stars. In these games Leeds is grinding out, the 26-year-old is proving to be just as significant as the other three.

James is more than just the 100-meter sprinter wearing football boots these days. He has a good eye for goal and the poise to cause opponents harm.