Sam Byram’s brilliant scissor-kick strike was the highlight of 3-0 win over Luton that sends United back top of the Championship.
Daniel Farke hailed “old man” Sam Byram’s wonder goal as Leeds stormed back to the top of the Championship.
The utility player, back in his second spell at Elland Road, scored a brilliant scissor-kick opener as United swept past Luton. It was the 31 year-old’s first goal of the season and it prompted beaming celebrations from team-mates and coaching staff alike.
A smiling Farke said: “Even in training he celebrates his goals with a pistolero or something like this because he’s not that well known for scoring goals. But he’s dangerous out of set-pieces and this goal was a bit special.
“A left/right movement and, normally for this magic, it’s players like Largie [Ramazani] or Willy [Gnonto]. So I like that the old man has shown this today. It was a crucial goal.
“At 1-0, it’s always the most important. And I’m happy as he’s great. He’s so reliable. Whenever we need him he’s there. Sometimes when he’s not playing, he’s never complaining. He’s always there for the team. He’s a cornerstone of our group.”
Joel Piroe and Dan James also netted as dominant United eased home on the night they saluted legendary Gary Speed. It’s been 13 years since the Leeds icon – who wore the No.11 shirt with such grace and distinction – tragically died aged just 42. Clearly, he will never be forgotten here.
Fittingly, Byram’s classy strike came just moments before the Elland Road crowd rose as one to pay tribute to the former Wales ace in the 11th minute. Farke only made one change to the side that twice came from behind to win 4-3 in Sunday’s wild contest at Swansea.
James enjoyed three assists in that game, including an injury-time assist for Willy Gnonto after a last-minute Swansea equaliser. But he was dropped to the bench with Gnonto coming into the starting line-up. In fairness, Italy winger Gnonto was one of Leeds’ liveliest players along with the excellent Ao Tanaka.
But, with Piroe scoring their second in first half injury-time, James made sure of yet another victory in the 81st minute. Not long after replacing Gnonto, he latched onto Jayden Bogle’s brilliant through ball to coolly lob Thomas Kaminski.
The West Yorkshire side dominated the first half, amassing a huge 78.5 percent of possession and, at times, toying with their 16th-placed opponents. But as United fans know, they never make it easy for themselves. After Byram’s moment of magic, Luton arguably had the two clearest chances of the opening 45 minutes.
Captain Pascal Struijk was needed to make a spectacular goalline clearance to deny Victor Moses an 18th minute equalizer. And Reece Burke wasted a gilt-edged opportunity, heading wide when left free from Carlton Morris’ cross in the 42nd minute. United made the most of that let-off with Piroe doubling their lead just before the break.
Joe Rothwell swung in a corner, Struijk’s header forced a Kaminski save but Piroe was on hand to fire in the rebound for his seventh of the campaign. Leeds were relieved given Brenden Aaronson had already bombed one chance, trying to find Gnonto rather than shooting himself. Gnonto had also gone close in one of countless United raids.
Leeds had already threatened plenty before Byram gave them a tenth minute lead. It came from some classy build-up play into the penalty area before the midfielder’s equally classy volley left Kaminski beaten. Luton, who have plummeted since last season’s relegation from the Premier League, arrived in decent nick.
Saturday’s victory over Hull was a second win in three games. But Rob Edwards’ side never truly looked like scoring in the second period until a couple of late chances. And James’ superb finish reminded them how far off they still remain.
Edwards conceded: “The frustrations for us are we made some poor decisions. We couldn’t find our balance. Ultimately, this is probably the most difficult place to come in the Championship at the moment – and it looked like that tonight.
“We don’t see this [lack of confidence] at home but we do away. Clearly it’s a great clearance the first one and then Burkey’s chance was a big one. It’s all ifs, buts and maybes.”
