24 January 2024 , 23:07
771
0
Daniel Farke labelled Patrick Bamford’s goal “fantastic” as the Leeds striker helped create history.
His 16th minute headed winner from Dan James’ cross was his fourth goal in five games. Bamford’s confidence has looked fragile at times this season. The one-time England international, 30, didn’t score in any of his opening 16 matches, all of which he started on the bench.
However, since earning back a starting spot and netting in the 3-0 New Year’s Day victory over Birmingham, he’s been inspired. And Bamford’s goal delivered Leeds a fifth straight win - the first time they have ever started a calendar year in such fashion. With his side now just two points behind second-placed Ipswich, boss Farke enthused: “I’m really pleased with that win.
“Credit to Norwich. They were one of the best sides we’ve played here this season. I expected a complicated game. Norwich were unbeaten in January and came here with freedom.
"They have many technical players and they played bravely so I’m more than happy with this win. But Patrick scored a fantastic goal and it was great to get another victory.”
Transfer news live - Fernandez flying in for Chelsea and Man Utd land Sabitzer
Bamford did make a mess of a second half effort as Leeds, unbeaten at home since last May, failed to find another goal to ease tension around Elland Road. But Norwich keeper Angus Gunn also saved smartly from Georginio Rutter and the excellent Junior Firpo after Jaiden Anthony blew another glaring chance.
Still, United were thankful to Archie Gray, the 17 year-old who produced a brilliant and crucial 82nd minute tackle on Adam Idah as Norwich broke with numbers chasing the equaliser.
He did limp off in the final moments with a knee injury but Farke hopes it’s not serious. James also departed at half-time with a hip flexor issue. Norwich, who lost in-form winger Jon Rowe to a hand injury, could have gone into the break ahead. Captain Kenny McLean blazed one effort over the bar and Gabriel Sara fluffed his lines, too, scuffing a shot in first half injury-time.
It meant their five-game unbeaten ground to a halt and boss David Wagner bemoaned: “The result was frustrating but we gave Leeds a real game. We were absolutely competitive and these games get decided by small margins.
“We should have defended the goal better and we weren't ruthless with our chances like in previous games. We got punished. But we’ll learn from it. There was a period where we pinned them back in the second half without having the final punch.”