Leeds United recorded a big win this weekend when they beat Derby County in the FA Cup.
The build up to the game was a bit chippy between the two sides; they have had history since the Championship play-off final. Before the game, Rams boss John Eustace tried to play mind games by saying that the Whites were the better team because they spent more money.
The game on Sunday was evenly matched in the opening period; the home side took the lead thanks to Brereton Diaz. Derby went into half time with a 1-0 lead which made the away fans a bit nervous.
The second half saw Farke’s side mount a comeback; they managed to score three goals in the second period to kill off the game. What made the win more impressive was the fact that the team had rested a couple of players.
Daniel Farke gave a chance to some of the Leeds United fringe players on Sunday: James Justin, Ilia Gruev and Lukas Nmecha all featured. The game was a chance to rest key players while testing the current options off the bench.
Some delivered while others did not make the best of their time on the pitch. Nmecha was outstanding against Derby; he was physical, made his presence known throughout the game and had some nice link up play in attack.
Daniel Farke should take notice
Nmecha had a very good run in the team a few months back. When Dominic Calvert-Lewin was struggling, Farke benched him for the German. That run saw him find the net in some games
When the system shifted to the 3-5-2, he and the England striker formed a serious partnership. Their second half performance against Manchester City might be the best football Leeds have played recently.
Nmecha was out with injury and lost his spot in the team, but Sunday showed that he should ideally be the second striker in the formation. He just manages to be a good strike partner no matter who he is matched up with – he and Joel Piroe were lovely to watch against Derby.
Daniel Farke had a huge decision to make in the coming games; Brenden Aaronson has been in good form and Noah Okafor although inconsistent, is useful with his pace up top.
