Leeds United returned to winning ways with a stunning 4-3 victory over Middlesbrough on Monday night.
It was a sensational game at the Riverside that swung back and forth, with Leeds having to survive a bombardment of pressure in stoppage time to secure the victory.
Boro took the lead early on thanks to an Isaiah Jones goal, but Crysencio Summerville and Patrick Bamford struck quickly to put Leeds ahead.
In-form striker Emmanuel Latte Lath then leveled the game for the home side before Willy Gnonto and Summerville scored goals either side of halftime to put Leeds comfortably in charge.
Latte Lath came out of nowhere to give Boro hope with just three minutes to play, but Leeds held on to secure a crucial three points and climb back into second place.
A BBC journalist explains what Cooper did to help Summerville achieve their aim.
Liam Cooper, Leeds’ club captain, was once again on the bench, and his 10-year tenure at Elland Road is drawing to a close.
Cooper has confessed he wants to stay but is not expecting a new contract, since his current one is set to expire in the summer.
With only two league starts in 2024, the 32-year-old has been more of a supporting role for Leeds this season, but that doesn’t mean this promotion drive is any less important to him.
And according to BBC journalist Jonathan Buchan, that was telling in his celebration of Summerville’s second goal of the afternoon, as he shared what Cooper did on the bench when it went in.
He went on to say: “Liam Cooper off of the bench, right out onto the edge of the pitch celebrating that goal as well, shows what it means to him even if he is not out on the field.”
Promotion would be excellent. Leeds sends off Cooper.
Given some of the stars going, this summer feels like the beginning of a new era for Leeds, regardless of whether they are promoted or not.
Stuart Dallas has already announced his retirement, and Luke Ayling’s loan to Middlesbrough effectively ended his Leeds career.
Cooper is the only one who is still actively involved, but for all of them, Leeds’ promotion with fans in the stadium would be the ideal send-off.
