Leeds overturned a 0-1 half-time deficit to win 3-1 at Derby, showing depth and second-half quality. Betting angle: Leeds’ strong comeback and rotation suggest value in backing them to progress in FA Cup ties vs lower-league opponents and considering Leeds to score in both halves or Leeds +0.5 in similar away cup matches.
Leeds Rally to Beat Derby 3-1 as Farke Dares to Dream of FA Cup Progress
Leeds United produced a powerful second-half response to beat Derby County 3-1 and advance to the FA Cup fourth round. After a rocky first 45 minutes that included a missed penalty, Daniel Farke’s side shifted up a gear, with Willy Gnonto, Ao Tanaka and James Justin turning the tie on its head.
Second-half turnaround
Derby took the lead after Joel Piroe’s penalty was saved and Ben Brereton Diaz converted a low first-time finish. Leeds, who made eight changes to the side that started at Newcastle, looked unbalanced in the opening period but emerged after the break with greater control. Gnonto rifled home an equaliser on 55 minutes, Tanaka followed with a quick second on 59, and Justin sealed the win late after a move down the left. The comeback underlined Leeds’ quality when the team settles into the game.
Tactical adjustments and squad rotation
Farke’s heavy rotation allowed fringe players to stake claims while protecting key men ahead of Premier League fixtures. The coach said the change in tempo was decisive: once Leeds matched Derby’s intensity, their superior quality showed. Defensively, Leeds coped with Derby’s early aggression and adapted to the Championship side’s physical approach, then exploited space in transition to finish the contest.
Injuries, debuts and individual displays
A half-time forced change saw James Justin replace Sebastiaan Bornauw with Justin later contributing the late third. Gnonto’s finish was a reminder of his pace and finishing ability, while Tanaka’s composed rebound finish added calmness in the box. Derby’s youngsters and late substitutes provided encouraging minutes for their manager despite the defeat.
Implications for Leeds and bettors
The win extends Leeds’ momentum and keeps Farke’s side in confident form heading into league duties. For punters, the tie suggests Leeds are strong value in cup ties against Championship opposition; markets to consider include Leeds to progress, Leeds +0.5 in away FA Cup matches, or backing Leeds to score in both halves when they are expected to dominate after the interval.
Match facts
DERBY (4-1-4-1): Widell Zetterström; Ward, Langås, Batth, Forsyth; Brereton Diaz, Fraulo (Adams 46); Travis (Ozoh 63), Blackett-Taylor (Brewster 63); Clark (Agyemang 73), Salvesen (Eames 73). Scorer: Brereton Diaz 35. Booked: Fraulo. Manager: Jon Eustace.
LEEDS UNITED (3-4-1-2): Darlow; Bornauw (Justin 46), Bijol, Ampadu; Gnonto (Byram 86), Tanaka, Gruev (Longstaff 73), Harrison; Piroe (Aaronson 86); Nmecha, Okafor (Stach 89). Scorers: Gnonto 55, Tanaka 59, Justin 90. Booked: Harrison. Manager: Daniel Farke.
Leeds move on in the FA Cup, buoyed by a second-half performance that will reassure supporters and sharpen hopes for a meaningful cup run.
How could Bradley's injury impact Northern Ireland?
ROSS HEPPENSTALL AT PRIDE PARK: Farke has not always been fully trusted by sections of the Leeds fanbase but the scenes at the end of this win told a story.
Mail Online
