Rocco's Round-Up (23/2/24 to 29/2/24)

Friday, 23rd February 2024

It was one of those rare nights that words could never do justice. Elland Road was bouncing, perhaps like never before, as Farke's fighters produced an astonishing three-goal salvo to defeat Leicester City, extending the winning league run to a record-equaling 9 matches and reducing the gap at the top to 6 points. Oh, and Archie Gray scored the first goal of his career. He has around 20 years to score another that draws a more riotous reaction, and if he ever manages it I hope to god I’m there to witness the scenes.

Saturday, 24th February 2024

Today was mostly spent scrolling through Twitter, watching replays of our beautifully imperfect goals and fan videos of LGFM and IPAR. Elsewhere, Southampton lost again to continue their wobble and are now 5 points behind Leeds, though Ipswich seem to have found their feet and only trail the Whites on goal difference.

Sunday, 25th February 2024

The good times continued to roll as Wednesday night's FA Cup opponents, Chelsea, were forced to play extra-time in the League Cup final at Wembley. Unfortunately they lost to a late goal, meaning the FA Cup is their last chance of salvation from another terrible season, and Gary Neville provided their teamtalk for Wednesday when his 'blue billionare bottlejobs' comment went viral.

Monday, 26th February 2024

Daniel Farke made no attempt to shy away from his promotion priorities in the pre-Chelsea presser. With a huge, huge game against Huddersfield to come on Saturday lunchtime, the reported injuries to Rutter, Bamford, James and Summerville seem a little too convenient to worry about.

Tuesday, 27th February 2024

There was more extra-time joy for United tonight, with Leicester taking the mighty Bournemouth the distance before beating them 1-0 to ensure more fixture congestion for the flapping foxes.

Wednesday, 28th February 2024

A first defeat of 2024 failed to dampen spirits as United proved what a fine side they are by matching, and even outplaying Chelsea for most of the match at Stamford Bridge. Mateo Joseph bagged a brace, Archie Gray proved he is ready for top level football by outshining two 100m midfielders, and the relentless Leeds fans had me bursting with pride from the ‘secret away end’ in the West Stand Upper. 90th minute 3-2 defeats don’t get better than this!

Thursday, 29th February 2024

A fantastic week was capped off by the under-18s overcoming Liverpool 3-1 at Elland Road in the FA Youth Cup quarter-final, with Archie Gray watching on and perhaps planning a guest appearance in the semi-final. Earlier in the day, Daniel Farke walked into his pre-Hudds presser with a beaming smile, then confirmed my suspicions with the news that Rutter, Bamford, Summerville and James are all awhalable for El Flatcapio on Saturday. The Leiblingsfuhrer spoke insightfully about the challenge of lunchtime kick-offs, and his hatred of them, although he did point to the advantage of getting back to his sofa a little earlier. Lets hope he’ll have earned a slice of cake by then.