Leeds United came from behind to secure a dramatic 3-1 victory over Derby County at Pride Park Stadium, booking their place in the FA Cup fourth round. The turnaround was swift, with two goals in just four minutes of the second half turning the tide in Leeds' favour.
The Rams had taken an early lead through Ben Brereton Diaz's penalty in the 35th minute, although Joel Piroe's effort from the spot was denied by Jacob Widell Zetterstrom. However, after Derby were unable to find a way back into the game, Leeds began to dominate and deservedly pulled level through Wilfried Gnonto.
The Belgian striker's goal was the result of a clever passing move involving Lukas Nmecha, Noah Okafor, and Piroe, who ultimately provided the assist before Zetterstrom could only parry the effort from the edge of the area. The rebound was tucked home by Ao Tanaka, leaving Derby stunned.
Leeds sealed their win in stoppage time through substitute James Justin's goal after a quick counterattack, securing a deserved victory and sending them into the fourth round with a convincing display.
Derby boss John Eustace praised his team's effort, saying they had been "really good value for money" despite being outclassed by Leeds. The Rams' struggles were exacerbated by the fact that several players needed minutes under their belts after not playing in midweek due to the congested fixture list.
Leeds manager Daniel Farke also expressed his pride with his team's performance, saying they had been mature and disciplined throughout. He acknowledged that his side was perhaps the favourite in a 50-50 match but praised Derby for their competitiveness before securing the victory.
The Rams had taken an early lead through Ben Brereton Diaz's penalty in the 35th minute, although Joel Piroe's effort from the spot was denied by Jacob Widell Zetterstrom. However, after Derby were unable to find a way back into the game, Leeds began to dominate and deservedly pulled level through Wilfried Gnonto.
The Belgian striker's goal was the result of a clever passing move involving Lukas Nmecha, Noah Okafor, and Piroe, who ultimately provided the assist before Zetterstrom could only parry the effort from the edge of the area. The rebound was tucked home by Ao Tanaka, leaving Derby stunned.
Leeds sealed their win in stoppage time through substitute James Justin's goal after a quick counterattack, securing a deserved victory and sending them into the fourth round with a convincing display.
Derby boss John Eustace praised his team's effort, saying they had been "really good value for money" despite being outclassed by Leeds. The Rams' struggles were exacerbated by the fact that several players needed minutes under their belts after not playing in midweek due to the congested fixture list.
Leeds manager Daniel Farke also expressed his pride with his team's performance, saying they had been mature and disciplined throughout. He acknowledged that his side was perhaps the favourite in a 50-50 match but praised Derby for their competitiveness before securing the victory.
I'm loving this comeback story! Leeds just showed everyone what it means to be CLINICAL in front of goal 
They took it to the Rams and didn't let up 
When the pen was mightier than the sword... but also a rebound 
#LeedsUnited #FA Cup
... just when you think it's all over, someone scores another goal to turn everything around 
. I mean, I guess Leeds United deserved that win, they looked really focused out there 
. And those Rams players were struggling with fatigue, poor timing on their subs 
. Now Leeds United gets to move on to the next round of the FA Cup and I'm sure we'll be hearing about how "mature" they played again 
... like that's something to brag about 
! Two goals in four minutes of the second half just changed everything! Their passing game really paid off, especially that clever move involving Gnonto and Piroe 
. And to think they were down after Ben Brereton Diaz's penalty... Talk about a turning point 
.
. And can we talk about Ao Tanaka's finishing skills? That rebound was pure class 
️!
also james justin scored in stoppage time lol what a finish! 
They literally came from behind to beat Derby by one goal, it wasn't like they dominated the whole game or anything. And that penalty from Ben Brereton Diaz was a total giveaway, shouldn't Derby have done better with that?