Leeds United manager Daniel Farke, Graham Smyth in a circular insert.
Leeds United climbed to 15th in the table after an impressive 2-2 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Leeds’ bench was instrumental in helping the Whites overcome a two-goal deficit.
Leeds United left West London on Tuesday night with a point that was massive in the relegation battle.
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Trailing 2-0 with 25 minutes remaining, Daniel Farke’s side dug out a 2-2 draw that moved them above Tottenham into 15th place. The gap to the relegation zone remains six points, but the manner of the comeback suggested they are a team that believes survival is possible.
There were several players earning praise. Jayden Bogle won the penalty that shifted momentum. Lukas Nmecha dispatched it with composure. Ethan Ampadu had a decent outing as well. Yet one Leeds player in particular impressed Graham Smyth.
Graham Smyth impressed by Noah Okafor’s cameo against Chelsea
Smyth gave his verdict of the game on the Inside Elland Road Podcast and was unequivocal about which Leeds player caught his eye. The journalist highlighted the impact of Noah Okafor, who has hit form at a crucial point in the season.
“I think Okafor is in a really good moment,” Smyth said. “I think Leeds need to really utilise that, they need to really try to get this out of him consistently because he’s got the bit between his teeth, hasn’t he. He’s showing real aggression to win the ball, not only to run at players.”
Okafor entered the fray in the 58th minute with Leeds already two goals down and Chelsea dominant. Within 15 minutes, he had bundled home an equaliser from close range after a goalmouth scramble. It was his second goal in two appearances, following his strike against Nottingham Forest last week.
“You can see his confidence is up,” Smyth continued. “The fact that he didn’t start was harsh because his best game for Leeds so far came against Forest, but I can understand why, when Farke is talking about the wingers will have to defend a lot, and they did but when he comes on, he definitely makes an impact. The change made an impact.”
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Data suggests Noah Okafor was impressive against Chelsea
After not having a goal contribution in his previous 17 outings prior to his goal against Forest, it is good to see Okafor finally adding some end product to his game as United enter the backend of the Premier League campaign.
Farke’s initial setup against Chelsea was far too defensive and invited too much pressure from the hosts, but Okafor provided a valuable outlet for the Whites following his introduction into the game.
Noah Okafor – vs Chelsea Match Stats
Stat Value
Minutes 35
Shots 1
Goals 1
Dribbles (Successful) 1 (1)
Carries 4
(Sofascore)
Whether Okafor’s impressive cameo off the bench was enough to make Farke trust him enough to start him in these tough away games going forward remains to be seen; however, with some tough fixtures on the horizon for Leeds, they have a player bang in form at just the right time.
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