Fans, pundits, players and even Daniel Farke might have been forgiven for going into Friday night’s clash against Sheffield United with a bit of caution given the Blades’ recent form.
Prior to Friday’s 2-0 win over Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United, the Blades were unbeaten in the League and had not conceded a goal since August. New goalkeeper Michael Cooper had six clean sheets in a row.
But Pascal Struijk broke that when he expertly turned in Joe Rothwell’s low corner. That goal also saw a run of eight months without a goal from a set-piece come to an end for Leeds, Rothwell’s first assist.
Mateo Joseph got Leeds’ second late on to the delight of the Elland Road crowd as Leeds secured a fifth league win from 10 Championship games. A brilliant assist from Joel Piroe, turned home by Joseph.
Joe Rothwell stat shows he is adding extra Leeds dimension
When Leeds use Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu in midfield, The Whites look solid. But any attacking creativity is left to the four players in front of them. However, it is different with Rothwell and Ao Tanaka.
While that level of defensive solidity might be gone, there is an extra focus on attack with Rothwell and Tanaka. The latter is incredibly technically gifted but adept at breaking the lines with his passing.
Rothwell’s confidence is rapidly growing and on Friday, he was seen driving forward with the ball into space and is willing to lose the ball to make something happen. Even then, he wasn’t really losing it.
Alongside his assist from a corner, his low corner a tactic Farke confirmed Rothwell was working on, he produced seven successful long balls from seven attempts. Something Ampadu and Gruev rarely try.
What Joe Rothwell said on Instagram after Sheffield United win
Rothwell was excellent once again and really, he has been since coming on against Norwich City. What was initially seen as a midfield crisis and still is in terms of numbers, Rothwell and Tanaka have eased.
Rothwell’s passion and desire already in a Leeds shirt was seen in his celebration when Struijk turned home his corner. Utter delight, mixed with an added level of confidence and a sign he is getting better.
His caption read: “That one felt good. Onto Tuesday.” Rothwell will almost certainly be in the starting line-up on Tuesday, even if Leeds do sign a free agent with the likes of Christoph Kramer linked with Leeds.
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