Leeds United (Credit: Imago)
Leeds United moved eight points clear of the relegation zone on Saturday with a 3-0 win over Wolves at Elland Road, which could end up guaranteeing them Premier League safety.
James Justin and Noah Okafor scored in the first half to ease nerves at Elland Road, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin netted from the penalty spot in stoppage time to add sheen to the scoreline.
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Wolves boss Rob Edwards was frustrated at the way his team conceded the first two goals and didn’t agree with the decision to award a penalty to Leeds.
However, the afternoon could have become a bit more uncomfortable for Leeds if not for a world-class moment from Karl Darlow, which denied Wolves a goal in the second half.
Daniel Farke hails a world-class Karl Darlow moment
Leeds looked more or less comfortable after taking a 2-0 lead. However, the home side had a couple of nervy moments, which could have made it a more uncomfortable afternoon.
Karl Darlow produced a brilliant save in the second half from a corner as Wolves came close to eating into Leeds’ lead in the second half.
Daniel Farke lavished praise on the Welsh goalkeeper and was happy to see him stand up and produce that save at a crucial juncture for Leeds.
“There were one or two nervy moments, but it was important to protect the clean sheet”, the Leeds manager said on Match of the Day.
“And then the one moment we needed our goalkeeper, Karl, was there with a world-class save and good to score the third goal, overall very proud of my lads.”
The 49ers must offer him a new contract
Darlow will be out of contract at the end of the season, and there are worries that Leeds may have already decided against offering him a new deal.
There’s no real reason for the club not to hand him a new deal and keep him at Elland Road beyond this season.
Leeds are expected to go into the market for a goalkeeper, and Perri’s situation will likely be reviewed once the campaign ends.
Even so, Darlow has done enough to deserve an extension. With so much uncertainty in that position, letting him leave would feel like an unnecessary gamble.
Even if a new keeper comes in, the former Newcastle man would probably be more open to taking on a backup role again, whereas Perri clearly sees himself as a first-choice option.