Leeds boss Daniel Farke, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: “It’s a massive step forward for us. I am proud of the boys because to deliver at the crunch point of the season with the additional load of cup games, to hold the nerves and to take points from the last four Premier League games. This is the crunch period where everybody is normally nervous so to already be on 43 points at this stage feels amazing.
"Many, many compliments to the players for the work ethic, work load, unity and quality for the last weeks but also for showing through the season. We are definitely on a good path."
On the early goal: “It is always important that you don’t over motivate and then run into counter attacks, you need to find a good balance and that is what we did. I like our game management when we scored the second goal. Yes in the last 15-20 minutes you could feel it was a bit party atmosphere in the stadium.
There were lots of players we had to substitute because of load and minor injury problems in the last weeks, but this period is about bringing it over the line and that is what we have done in the last 20 minutes. We will celebrate once it is mathematically done of course, but we will stay greedy for these types of performances."
On the goalscorers: Anton [Stach] has this quality, also from the set pieces. He is a key player for us and we missed him a lot in the last weeks and it is a sign of the quality in the group that we have delivered without him.
"[Okafor] his fitness level and work load has improved immensely, his work against the ball. He is a player with big potential and talent, which was always obvious to see throughout his career.
"Even in the last weeks sometimes his [Calvert-Lewin] goals from open play were not that impressive, I always liked his work load against the ball. His pressing ability to win headers, be physical and hold up the ball. Fantastic. The inspiration of the second goal with the backheel kick, he also deserves the goal, sometimes you have to fight for it. It's like a bottle of ketchup, all comes out at the same time, I hope it does for the upcoming games."
Did you know?
- Since the start of February, Leeds United's Noah Okafor has six goals in seven Premier League appearances, with only Morgan Gibbs-White (8 in 11 apps) scoring more in the division in this period.
- Leeds United have scored 3+ goals in eight different Premier League matches this season, with only Manchester City (12) and Brentford (9) doing so in more different games in the division this term.
