Daniel Farke cut a relieved figure as he applauded the Leeds United fans after his side claimed a 2-1 win over West Ham at Elland Road.
Although Leeds had enjoyed an acceptable start to the season, the pressure was starting to build on Daniel Farke after back-to-back defeats for his side.
Farke has overseen a strong start to Leeds’ attempt to stay in the Premier League, having steered his side to 11 points from their first nine games, with three wins.
Several pundits questioned Farke’s credentials ahead of the season, as the German struggled in his previous two seasons in the top-flight.
Now, Farke has silenced his critics after overseeing a strong start to the season, leading pundit Chris Sutton to voice his longstanding regret over Farke.
Daniel Farke celebrates after Leeds United v West Ham United - Premier League
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How Daniel Farke’s start with Leeds United compares with his time at Norwich
Farke suffered two challenging seasons in the Premier League with Norwich as the Canaries suffered relegation in his first, before Farke was dismissed in November 2021 with his side cut adrift.
As a result, after nine games with Leeds, Farke is currently enjoying his best-ever start to a Premier League campaign as manager.
In his first season with Norwich in 2019/20, the Canaries sat in 19th place after nine games, with two wins, one draw and a total of seven points, according to Football365.
Daniel Farke’s Premier League Record 2019/20 2021/22 2025/26
Games 9 9 9
Won 2 0 3
Drawn 1 2 2
Lost 6 7 4
Points 7 2 11
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Two years later, Farke’s Norwich side sat bottom of the table with two points from two draws, having lost seven games in total. In September 2021, Farke became the first manager to lose 15 consecutive Premier League games, across his two seasons in the top flight, as reported by Norfolk Live.
As a result, Farke’s 11 points from nine games represent a significant improvement for the German, shutting down any suggestion that he is not capable of managing in the top flight.
Pundit Chris Sutton speaks prior to Leicester City v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League
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Chris Sutton voices regret over Daniel Farke
Former Premier League forward Chris Sutton started his playing career with Norwich, spending three years at the club between 1991 and 1994.
Posting on the social media site X (formerly Twitter) after Leeds’ win over West Ham, Sutton expressed his regret that Farke had not been given the chance to succeed during his time with Norwich.
Sutton posted: “Delighted for Daniel Farke for showing what a good manager he is and making Leeds United competitive in the Premier League… if only Norwich City hadn’t sacked him all those years ago.”
If Farke can keep Leeds in the top flight this season, it would surely represent the biggest achievement of his career and a vindication of his undoubted coaching ability.