Leeds United
Nuno Espirito Santo Credit: Imago
On Sunday, Leeds United were cruising to a place in the FA Cup semi final with 75 minutes gone. No fan in the stadium could have predicted what happened after.
Looking like they had sealed the game, Leeds buckled under the pressure and let in two goals after 90 minutes as the Hammers mounted a comeback. The Whites lost composure after the first goal came in, and the team could not control the game and ultimately let in a second. The game went to extra time, but Leeds held on until the penalty shootout where they managed to win the game.
Most Read on The Leeds Press
Leeds United star points out huge problem after West Ham win
The FA Cup triumph is yet another game where Leeds United have managed to conceded late goals this season. The Whites are one of the only Premier League sides to have conceded more than 10 goals after 85 minutes, and that showed on Sunday. When Pascal Struijk was asked about the team nearly blowing a two goal cushion, he said they would work on it and do better.
“It shows great composure afterwards with the penalty because I feel like when we are 2-0 up in these moments, we have to see the game out, so we’ll work on that and try to do it at Wembley.”
Leeds face Chelsea in the FA Cup semi final, which is set to be a huge clash that will take place later this month.
READ MORE: “The best I’ve seen” – West Ham legend makes huge claim about Leeds United
Daniel Farke explained the situation earlier this season
When the Whites fell to a shocking 4-3 defeat to Newcastle in February, Daniel Farke shed some light on why the team had previously conceded so many goals in the dying stages of games. According to the Leeds boss, fatigue and inexperience are some of the factors, as well as lack of quality substitutes to bring on to close games for the club.
”Overall there is never one easy reason. Several reasons. We have to go over the line physically and once we’re in the lead, sometimes due to their quality they’re capable of scoring.
”Also it’s our first season in the Premier League, and comes with experience on how to deal with these situations. Also has to do with quality opponents can bring off the bench, also if you could be more effective to score the second goal
”We’ve also won important points in the last minutes against Liverpool, Everton, Fulham. Sometimes you’re a bit lucky and sometimes lose a point late.”