Here are our four talking points from Leeds United’s 4-3 victory against Middlesbrough at Riverside Stadium in the Championship, as the visitors take a precious win into the last 11 days of the season.
Leeds United have not played in a seven-goal thriller since their trip to Ipswich Town eight months ago. Following a difficult first few weeks, Daniel Farke’s team appeared to have arrived as promotion contenders with their first win of the season at Portman Road.
Last night’s 4-3 victory was another signal in Ipswich’s direction: this will not be easy, and you will be need to win all three of your remaining games to get that piece of the big time. At Middlesbrough, the Whites demonstrated defensive tenacity, last-gasp blocks, sparkling assaults, fast counters, and a superb team goal (although offside).
Since returning from the international break, United has struggled to maintain their top-two position, leaving everyone feeling uneasy. They headed to Riverside Stadium risking their longest winless streak of the season, just when they needed wins the most.
Nonetheless, there was difficulty, a challenge, and the chips were down, and they persevered to achieve the desired outcome. Anything less, and everyone would be expecting a miraculous implosion from the top two, despite all odds.
It doesn’t matter that they conceded three goals and lost control of the game for long stretches, with their lowest possession rate of the season. The goal for the night was to win by whatever means necessary.
That seventh-minute capitulation, following a promising start, could easily have triggered the self-destruct button. Farke stated anxieties were visible in training ahead of last night’s game, and with confidence dwindling, Isaiah Jones’ opening could have been devastating.
They persisted, however, and took the lead in the 18th minute. Responding to another home goal before halftime was essential for their team’s communication and mindset. The kitchen sink was thrown in the closing 15 minutes, but Leeds stood tall and should benefit from having overcome so much to win.
Summerville hits a score.
With last night’s brace, Crysencio Summerville now has 20 goals in all competitions from 44 games this season. That’s a great performance from the winger, demonstrating not only his immense talent in the final third but also his durability.
This season, the 22-year-old has missed only four matchday squads, and not all of them have been due to injury. Summerville’s availability has been crucial for Farke this season, as he has proven to be a game-winning asset for the Whites.
Georginio Rutter’s footwork earned him the penalty, but he also played an important role in setting up the third goal. Summerville and Archie Grey drove the squad through the heart of the field, resulting in a magnificent goal.
Summerville’s ball handling and protection in the home box created the opportunity for Wilfried Gnonto. The second goal was similar to several we’ve seen this season. It speaks volumes when you can nearly expect that goal to be met without surprise.
The celebrations spoke to a confident footballer, one who, if he continues on his current path, might have the world at his feet in a few years, having been named the league’s best player eight days earlier.
Firpo’s ingenuity continues.
Only three of the 28 players with more than five Championship assists this season have a higher minutes-per-assist rate than Junior Firpo. Leif Davis scores every 207 minutes he is on the pitch, Morgan Rogers (currently at Aston Villa) assists every 218 minutes, Rutter every 224 minutes and Firpo, from left back, scores every 229 minutes.
Firpo’s two assists on Monday bring his season total to seven, despite making only 17 starts under Farke. Firpo’s attacking contribution to this club cannot be overstated, despite his defensive flaws, which may be severe.
The cross into Patrick Bamford for the second goal was perfectly pitched along the corridor of uncertainty, where Matt Clarke and Seny Dieng had no idea what to do, leaving the striker to bundle in.Firpo, like he frequently does, found himself as one of Leeds’ three most advanced players when they turned the hosts over in the second half.
His excellently weighted and timed ball to Summerville set up the fourth goal. Firpo also contributed defensively, clearing the ball from his own box several times as Boro cranked the screw.
The 27-year-old has become a cult figure on the terraces. Firpo’s mistakes can be overlooked in the Championship, where errors are punished less frequently, because he is contributing so much to an overburdened front four in attack.
Part One of the Plan in the Books
If the Whites want to reclaim control of this promotion fight, they must apply as much pressure as possible on Ipswich. While the turnaround may be tighter than Farke would want (thank you, Sky Sports), playing twice before the Tractor Boys return to the pitch at least plants the seed of doubt.
Winning on Monday was the critical first step in that approach. Leeds are presently second, although only by one point, with one game to go. Win at Queens Park Rangers on Friday, and four points may appear to be a touch too many in Suffolk.
Although Ipswich has more games in hand than Leeds, even a win over Hull on Saturday night would not be enough to surpass United. A draw is unlikely to be enough for Ipswich; they know they must win all three games to prevent Leeds from catching up with their goal difference.
From a Leeds perspective, Monday will restore much of the team’s confidence that has been eroded over the last three weeks. Just watching Summerville convert that penalty and reminding everyone what it was like to see United score took a huge weight off the club’s collective shoulders.
Coming through such a challenge and surviving such adversity, tails must be up as they walk down Loftus Road. They’re in this title race for a reason, and QPR’s fight for relegation is for a reason, and it’s time to demonstrate it.
A win in the capital will ensure that Southampton cannot beat Leeds without an enormous change in goal difference.
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