Leeds United defeated Daniel Farke’s team 2-0 at Elland Road on Wednesday night, returning to the top of the Championship table, but the game was not without controversy.
Manor Solomon gave Leeds the lead after 31 seconds, completing a beautifully-worked goal that contained excellent passing from Brenden Aaronson and Jayden Bogle, with Dan James providing an assist.
Norwich were constantly in the game and did get near the Leeds penalty area, but they never really tested under-fire Illan Meslier. Leeds, on the other hand, added a second goal when Solomon assisted James.
A good win, as Daniel Farke maintains his excellent form against his former team. Leeds and Farke have now won five and drawn one of their six meetings against Norwich in the last 18 months.
Johannes Hoff Thorup’s ‘bizarre’ incident with Leeds United fans.
Ao Tanaka received a yellow card for diving into a tackle. The Japanese star could have been sent off for a second yellow card, but happily for Leeds, he stayed on and was replaced shortly after.
Thorup, Norwich’s manager, was unhappy on the sidelines. Thorup, who was frequently seen conversing with Farke and the fourth official, then attempted to engage fans following Tanaka’s substitution.
Beren Cross of The Athletic covered X: Bizarre from Johannes Hoff Thorup. Whips his arm around his head, eliciting louder and more shouts from Elland Road as Tanaka is removed a few moments after he believes he should have been fired.”
Ao Tanaka perhaps slightly lucky to get away without sending off
Farke’s decision to take Ao Tanaka off just after the hour mark demonstrates that he was aware that even if he was fortunate not to be sent off, a red card was imminent. Tanaka is rarely substituted before the 80th minute.
Perhaps the return of Ilia Gruev allows Tanaka to be rested a little more, but there is no doubt that Farke’s decision to pull Tanaka off the pitch was to prevent the £3.4 million man from receiving his marching orders.
Tanaka will now be available for Leeds’ crucial clash with Burnley at Turf Moor next Monday. Leeds go top again, but all four automatic promotion rivals picked up victories.
