Leeds fans certainly delivered for Daniel Farke on a raucous night inside Elland Road.
Supporters knew just how important it was to secure all three points against West Ham, as both sides found themselves playing in a cauldron of noise – one that quickly grew louder as Brenden Aaronson and Joe Rodon put Leeds two goals ahead within 15 minutes.
Tribalism was on show as Leeds fans heckled Crysencio Summerville on his return to Elland Road – but supporters also showed their classy side after an injury to Oliver Scarles.
Oliver Scarles surely appreciated classy Leeds response
There were 13 minutes of stoppage time in the first half after the West Ham No.30 suffered a serious shoulder problem and was forced off in the 25th minute.
The injury somewhat ruined the momentum Farke’s side had created in the opening quarter of the match, but Leeds fans put that to one side to applaud Scarles as he trudged off the pitch – evidently in some pain as he required oxygen.
On a tense night where emotions were running high amid a relegation six-pointer, it speaks volumes that Leeds supporters applauded the 19-year-old off the field despite his status as an opposition player.
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Lengthy stoppage gave Daniel Farke time to deliver vital instructions
Sean Longstaff – who Rodon has praised – and Ao Tanaka were fantastic as Leeds secured an important win, and the stoppage for Scarles gave Farke some time to speak to the duo, as Leeds Live spotted.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke gives instructions to his players.
Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images
The German was seen engaging in a conversation with his midfield duo as the Bromley-born defender received treatment, and he also managed to have a word with Jayden Bogle before the game resumed.
So, while the stoppage did admittedly spoil the momentum for Leeds somewhat, it also gave Farke a chance to deliver some crucial instructions to his players.