Leeds United battled to a draw at Premier League rivals Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon.
The Whites came within minutes of claiming a notable win against a Villa side that are still on the fringes of the title race after Anton Stach’s stunning free-kick gave them a first-half lead that remained in place until the final moments of the game. The former Hoffenheim midfielder produced a stunning effort from all of 30 yards as his whipped free-kick caught out hosts keeper Emi Martinez before nestling into the top corner of his net.
Daniel Farke’s men looked to be on their way to an impressive win that would have extended their advantage on the clubs in the relegation zone - but there was to be a late twist as Villa hit back with a last-gasp equaliser from Tammy Abraham as he netted his first Premier League goal since returning to Villa Park during the January transfer window. Despite that late disappointment, Leeds could reflect on a positive performance and extended their strong run of form to just two defeats in their last 16 games in all competitions.
Rooney praised the organisation and discipline shown by the Whites throughout a hard-fought affair and described two key players as ‘brilliant all game’.
Speaking on BBC Match of the Day, the former Manchester United and England star said: “They were really organised, disciplined, but also really brave as well. They were going man-to-man at times, but they were in a block but cut the space out in the middle of the pitch and forced Aston Villa out side. They’re really compact, Ampadu and Stach were brilliant all game. They are compact and they’ve been very good over the last few months. They’re very difficult to play against, they know what they are doing, they’re organised and in Calvert-Lewin up front, they’ve got someone who is scoring goals.”
What did Daniel Farke say about Aston Villa v Leeds United?
SELECTION: In from Leeds United boss Daniel Farke.placeholder image
SELECTION: In from Leeds United boss Daniel Farke. | Martin Rickett/PA Wire
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the Whites boss said of the late equaliser: "Probably we would fight for Europe [without the late concessions]. We have also scored several late goals. It's only crazy that you travel away from one of the title contenders, one of the best sides in the country and in Europe and are slightly disappointed with just one point. If you concede so late and have a chance to score the second goal, keep in mind the goal was avoidable and second phase out of a corner in the 89th minute, you feel a bit disappointed at first. But my warriors deserve all the praise and compliments, top away performance, came so close to winning all three. I think well deserved point."
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