Credit: Imago

Leeds United create surprise FA Cup history in comeback win vs Derby County

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11 Jan 2026, 11:10 am

Leeds United booked their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup with a comeback win over Derby County on Sunday afternoon.

Ben Brereton Diaz opened the scoring at Pride Park, but Wilfried Gnonto, Ao Tanaka and James Justin netted to give Leeds a 3-1 win over Derby.

It was not all good news for Leeds, with Sebastiaan Bornauw suffering an injury, but the Whites ultimately did what was needed to advance.

And in doing so, Daniel Farke's side did something they have never previously managed before in the proud history of the FA Cup.

Leeds seal the win against Derby and a place in the FA Cup 4th round in style 🤝

📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/m1KkDK09CU
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 11, 2026

Leeds comeback win vs Derby special for more reasons than one

Leeds' win over Derby was not without its controversy, but the right team came out on top in the end.

It looked like it might be one of those days for Farke's men when Diaz opened the scoring with 35 minuted played.

Thanks to Gnonto, Tanaka and Justin - the latter sealing things with a 93rd-minute goal - that was not the case.

And as per Opta's Jonny Copper via X, it marks the first time Leeds have trailed at half-time in a cup tie but come back to win the game by more than one goal.

Derby 1-3 Leeds.

Today was the first time in the club's entire history that Leeds United trailed at half-time in a cup tie but came back to win the game by more than one goal.

Our fortunes in the FA Cup about to change? You never know... #lufc pic.twitter.com/ilRQfIe0id
— Jonny Cooper (@JRCooper26) January 11, 2026

That is pretty remarkable on the face of it given how many cup ties Leeds have played down the years. In that regard, Justin's last-gasp sealer helped create some history.

Read more: Farke wants to seal bargain Danilho Doekhi transfer now as Leeds timeline revealed

Jack Harrison matches own unwanted return in Derby win

Jack Harrison was handed a start at Pride Park and looked the make the most of the opportunity afforded to him.

But Harrison, who has been linked with a Leeds exit in the winter window, was pretty woeful against Derby.

Derby		Leeds
1	Goals	3
6	Shots	21
1	Shots on target	10
33%	Possession	67%

Indeed, as per Jonny Cooper once again, Harrison was unsuccessful from 10 of his crosses against the Championship side.

Only in one other match this season has that happened for a Leeds player - also Harrison in the EFL Cup loss to Sheffield Wednesday in August.

While others stepped up for Leeds, Harrison did little to suggest that Farke should be using him more often.

James Justin