Leeds pulled nine points clear of the relegation zone after beating lifeless Burnley 3-1 at Elland Road to take a huge step towards Premier League safety.
Burnley, already relegated and managerless after Scott Parker left earlier this week, only have three games remaining of their miserable campaign to negotiate, and can still be caught by bottom club Wolves – just three points behind.
Daniel Farke’s side, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their last six and can finally start looking up instead of down. Anton Stach’s stunning opener set the tone and their intensity took the game away from pathetically passive Burnley in the second period.
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Leeds’ Anton Stach fires in from long distance to catch out Martin Dubravka!
Noah Okafor rounded off a sweeping team move to end any futile attempt at resistance from Mike Jackson’s team. Dominic Calvert-Lewin then rubbed salt in the wound by turning home the rebound from a sharp Ao Tanaka effort four minutes later. Game as good as over.
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Noah Okafor doubles Leeds advantage over Burnley!
Just as the visitors appeared completely drained of all effort and energy, Loum Tchaouna rocked up with his second goal of the campaign to make the scoreline slightly more respectable. Burnley upped the tempo in an improved second 45 minutes but were no match for Leeds on a night where their determination to survive in the top-flight was clear from the first whistle.
They overtake Newcastle in the table and draw level on 43 points with Crystal Palace in 13th – no team has ever been relegated with such a total. What a job Farke has done.
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Dominic Calvert-Lewin scores Leeds third at Elland Road against Burnley
Player of the match: Anton Stach
Jamie Redknapp called Anton Stach one of the signings of the season in the Sky Sports studio on Friday Night Football. Indeed his modest £18m transfer fee looks better value by the week.
In victory over Burnley, Stach created the most chances (3), had the joint-most touches in the opposition box (5) and took the most shots (5) of any player, having only played 72 minutes after returning from injury.
Anton Stach celebrates scoring Leeds’ opener against Burnley
Ability with both feet, from open play and set-pieces, is what sets him apart. Only Bruno Fernandes has created more chances than the German international in the Premier League this season. His command of the middle third is perfectly balanced with the combativeness of captain Ethan Ampadu.
Another standout display to add to a stellar debut season.
Farke example of keeping faith in a manager
Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp:
“Full credit to Daniel Farke. He took a lot of stick earlier in the season. They brought in good players, but the fact they stuck with him is a good example of not making rash decisions.
“When you get that connection with the fans, it gives you a good chance. It will be interesting to see next year. Do they put more money in and keep building?”
Farke delights in uniting Leeds
Leeds head coach Daniel Farke:
“The three points are massive for us. I’m really proud of my boys for delivering in a crunch time period – also with the additional load of important cup games, we had to play a long away win at West Ham, one game at Wembley.
“A few players had some problems, but to deliver 10 points out of the last four games in a nervy period, as a newly-promoted side, is second to none. Of course, it was a massive step for us tonight.
“When I walked in to Elland Road, it was a different scenario. Everyone was divided. But I said on my first day that this club is always at its best when, as the name says, Leeds [is] United. From owner, to chairman, to every board and staff member who works in the stadium, we need a big togetherness.
“The job is not done yet. We will celebrate properly when it’s mathematically done. But 43 points is good.”
Ampadu takes pleasure in Burnley ‘revenge’
Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu:
“We’re delighted. Personally for us the last couple of years, we haven’t been able to beat Burnley. So we wanted revenge.
“We have 43 points, we don’t know what that means, but we like to think we’ve put ourselves a good position. We’re going to enjoy the weekend.
“We wanted to give the fans a bank holiday weekend to enjoy. We have three more games, hopefully we can have three more good results.
“[Daniel Farke] gives everyone the confidence, the license to play with freedom and structure. We’re always well prepared for any game.”
