Leeds United
Leeds United could cap off a great week when they face Birmingham City in the FA Cup this weekend. The Whites have taken a big step in their fight for survival, picking up crucial points in the last 10 days.
After being brutally beaten by Arsenal, there were worries around the club that they could be dragged back into the relegation zone. But Leeds bounced back, beating Nottingham Forest comfortably, and gaining a 3-point advantage in the process. Forest fired Sean Dyche after the next game.
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Against Chelsea, no one gave Daniel Farke’s men a chance; and 24 minutes into the match at Stamford Bridge, things looked shaky. And after 60 minutes, the score was 2-0 and it looked like Leeds were down and out. Daniel Farke decided to look to his bench, bringing on Noah Okafor. The forward was the catalyst needed as the Whites came from two goals down to draw the game.
Lukas Nmecha continues to step up for Leeds United
Okafor is not the only Leeds player who deserves praise from that game. Lukas Nmecha was equally instrumental; the German coolly slotted a penalty in the comeback. And when Okafor came on, Nmecha and him stretched the backline during counter attacks and one lead to the equalizer. The striker has not been available for much of the season, but whenever he has played, he has made his impact felt.
Going forward, Daniel Farke could rely on Noah Okafor more; his goal against Forest and his goal against Chelsea make a strong case for him going forward. He is peaking at the right time as Leeds United edge towards the end of the season.
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49ers made the right decision
The 49ers made a huge gamble not pursuing the deal for Jorgen Strand Larsen in the January window. He was the main target, but Wolves wanted the money up front and did not agree to the structure the club had in mind. Leeds did not pursue an alternative either, banking on both Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha, with Joel Piroe as backup.
The season is not over yet, but it looks like their decision is paying off – Nmecha has been a brilliant signing, and the Whites got him on a free transfer this summer. Hopefully the striker and Calvert-Lewin’s goals will be enough to guarantee Leeds United are in the Premier League next season.