Soccer analysis: Leeds United prevail amidst FA Cup chaos
Leeds United booked their place in the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1987 after a dynamic quarter-final victory over West Ham United on Sunday, April 5.
The game captured everything the competition has to offer: VAR controversy, late goals and a tense penalty shoot-out to round it off.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Matthew Morgan analyses the historic game and what it could mean for Daniel Farke’s side.
Reflecting on the encounter
For much of the game, the result looked settled. In the 26th minute, Ao Tanaka proved why he should be starting for Leeds, by showcasing some quick feet and a tidy left-footed finish.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin then appeared to seal the win in the 75th minute, calmly converting from the penalty spot.
However, the closing stages exposed a familiar weakness. Leeds have repeatedly struggled to see games out this season, and that issue resurfaced again as they conceded twice during a controversial 11 minutes of stoppage time.
Goals from Mateus Fernandes and Axel Disasi, just three minutes apart, completed the comeback and underlined the problem - Leeds have now conceded more goals after the 90th minute than any other Premier League side across all competitions.
By this point, a large number of West Ham fans had left the stadium as their side was down 2-0 in extra-time, but many tried rushing back after the quick succession of goals, with many being denied.
Heading into extra-time, West Ham definitely had the momentum, and believed they had made the comeback, just for VAR to intervene and hand Leeds a lifeline.
Two goals were ruled offside, while Jarrod Bowen struck the post during this contentious part of the game.
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Late hysterics and euphoria
The twists and turns did not stop there. West Ham’s keeper, Alphonse Areola, went off injured late into the game, allowing 20-year-old Finlay Herrick to start in his senior debut.
The fourth-choice goalkeeper, who had been playing non-league football earlier in the season, immediately made his mark by saving the first penalty.
Lucas Perri, with the weight of 37 years on his back, stepped up and made key saves against Bowen and Pablo to turn the favour of the shoot-out.
Pascal Struijk scored the winning goal, securing a 4-2 win on penalties and brought the two-hour showdown to a close.
This result for the West Yorkshire side is monumental. Not only is it their furthest progression in a competition in years, but it will be a great morale booster in their battle to avoid relegation in the Premier League.
Leeds will now move on to face Chelsea at Wembley, entering in as the underdogs, but having taken points off Chelsea this season, as well as their opponents' worsened form, there is a reason for belief.
This result is a major setback for Nuno Espirito Santo’s new team, with their only focus fully turning to surviving in the Premier League, which may turn out to be a blessing in disguise.
Farke’s thoughts on the win
"We still have to win our points in the Premier League, but this will give us confidence and belief and how it feels to deal with pressure - and these experiences are priceless.
"As a manager, even if you are 2-0 up, you know in a split second the whole world can change.
“I never doubted my players and always believe in them. They had setbacks but found a way to celebrate.
"It will be a big night for us. Getting to the FA Cup semi-final is a great step for this club and a great reward for everyone connected with this club.”
Ultimately, this game had it all, having fans chewing their nails until the last moments. However, after everything that happened, Leeds are heading to Wembley.
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