February 25, (THEWILL) – Leeds United secured a much-needed win in their fight for survival as they beat Southampton 1-0 at Elland Road.
Javi Gracia, in his first game in charge of Leeds, made a bold decision to keep Junior Firpo in the starting lineup, and it paid off as the left-back scored the winning goal in the second half. Gracia can also claim credit for the introduction of Crysencio Summerville from the bench, who helped create that winning goal.
Leeds adopted a slightly slower, more measured approach under Gracia, who suggested he was open to modifying the aggressive, high-intensity, pressing game the team had played under previous managers. The changes initially had little success against a deep-sitting, well-organised Southampton side, who restricted Leeds to half chances in the first half.
Despite enjoying plenty of possession, Leeds struggled to break the deadlock and the Elland Road crowd grew edgier as the game wore on. Gracia’s decision to bring on Summerville proved pivotal as the young winger helped create the winning goal. A clever pass wrong-footed two defenders and enabled Jack Harrison, to play Firpo in for a fine finish.
The win lifts Leeds out of the relegation zone, while Southampton remains bottom of the Premier League as new signing Paul Onuachu, is yet to find his scoring boots in the EPL. It was an exuberant celebration for Gracia, who was back in the technical area after an eight-month sabbatical following his sacking by Al Sadd. Both sides are in FA Cup action with Leeds versus Fulham on Tuesday and the Saints versus Grimsby the next day.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
