Karl Darlow Credit: Imago
Leeds United opened up an eight-point gap to the relegation zone on Saturday with a 3-0 win over Wolves at Elland Road, a result that could go a long way towards securing their Premier League status.
James Justin and Noah Okafor struck in the first half to settle any early nerves, before Dominic Calvert-Lewin added a third from the penalty spot in stoppage time to round things off.
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Wolves boss Rob Edwards was unhappy with how his side conceded the opening two goals and also questioned the decision to award Leeds a penalty.
Still, it could have been a more uncomfortable afternoon for Leeds if not for a superb moment from Karl Darlow, whose world-class save in the second half kept Wolves at bay.
Karl Darlow issues a statement after big win over Wolves
Daniel Farke has lavished praise on Karl Darlow for producing a big save at a crucial juncture to ensure Leeds had a comfortable end to the game on Saturday.
The Welshman has replaced Lucas Perri between the sticks since January, and is now the definite first-choice goalkeeper for the Whites.
Darlow has expressed his delight after producing two top performances against Manchester United and Wolves, which resulted in back-to-back wins.
He took to Instagram and wrote: “Top week, back to back wins!”
He will be between the sticks when Leeds travel to Bournemouth for a key Premier League clash on Wednesday night.
Lucas Perri has been the cup goalkeeper for Leeds, and his heroics against West Ham in the quarter-finals earned the Whites a place in the semi-finals.
It remains to be seen whether Farke sticks with the Brazilian or fields Darlow against Chelsea at Wembley against Chelsea on Sunday.
Leeds must offer him a new contract
Karl Darlow is set to be out of contract at the end of the season, and there’s some concern that Leeds United may already have decided against offering him a new deal.
It’s a decision that would be hard to justify, though. There’s a strong case for keeping him at Elland Road beyond this campaign.
Leeds are expected to look for a new goalkeeper in the summer, and Perri’s situation will likely be reviewed once the season wraps up.
Even so, Darlow has done more than enough to earn an extension. With so much uncertainty around that position, letting him go would feel like a risk the club doesn’t need to take.
Even if a new keeper arrives, the former Newcastle United man would likely be more willing to accept a backup role again, whereas Perri seems to view himself as a first-choice option.