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