Leeds boss Daniel Farke hailed a “perfect” performance after a 1-0 win at Derby ensured they finished 2024 top of the Championship.
The visitors dominated the contest from start to finish but looked like they would be frustrated thanks to an inspired home goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, who denied Leeds four times.
United continued to come forward and sealed the win through a moment of team magic as they strung passes between the County defence before Joel Piroe’s touch opened the door for Brenden Aaronson to stroke home from close range.
Following Sheffield United’s draw with West Brom earlier in the day, Leeds did not pass up the opportunity to move two points clear.
Farke said: “Fully deserved win in a tough away place.
“We missed too many clear-cut chances to win such a difficult away game. Normally you can’t miss so many chances to win points in such a difficult place but for me we scored the goal of the season.
“I love this goal, on such a difficult pitch, perfect team move.
“Perfect team performance, perfect away performance. These nights are the best. Tight win, late goal, clean sheet and is perfect for the mood and spirit.”
Farke knows there is a long way to go in the season.
“To be honest it isn’t that important where you are after 24 games,” he said.
“You need to be right there where you want to be after 46 games.
“It was 90 points last season but of course heartbreak finish at Wembley then we had to rebuild again. We lost many of our key players.
“We had to rebuild in the summer perhaps more than we wanted. To show consistency, it is amazing. Fifty one points is an amazing effort, we are pretty happy but in the new year we have to keep going.”
Derby boss Paul Warne was proud of his side, who beat West Brom on Boxing Day.
He said: “I was really proud of the effort the lads put in.
“The first 10 minutes we showed them too much respect and looked like it would be a long evening but after that we settled in OK.
“It just looked like we were beginning to fatigue in certain areas and they’re bringing on players of a certain ilk and we then make changes to try get the elusive goal but it fell to them. It looked like a well worked goal at the time.
“It felt like it could be a 0-0 where we get one from a set-piece, it didn’t look like we would score from open play if I’m honest. But two really tough home games in three days, I’m really pleased with the group.”