Oxford v Leeds United moment hailed live on Sky Sports — ‘Sensational’
Leeds United face Oxford in the Championship on Friday, with Will Vaulks impressing live on Sky Sports.
Kassam Stadium hosts Daniel Farke’s team on 18 April as they look to pip Burnley to first place in the league table.
The U’s have given the West Yorkshire outfit a tough time in the first half, but the visitors go into the break with a 1-0 lead.
Manor Solomon opened the scoring for Farke’s team in the 33rd minute after an impressive assist from Jayden Bogle, but it was an Oxford player who caught the eye earlier in the game after what happened.
Vaulks impresses after blocking Ao Tanaka shot in Oxford first half v Leeds United
Vaulks was sensational as he blocked Ao Tanaka’s shot in the first half as Leeds face Oxford, Andy Hinchcliffe says.
The former England international was impressed by the 31-year-old defensive midfielder as he helped his goalkeeper out after stopping a shot at the edge of the box.
| Competition (2024/25) | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Championship | 42 | 1 | 1 |
Hinchcliffe feels that while Jamie Cumming would’ve saved it, the Wales international did the right thing.
Speaking on Sky Sports (18 April), the ex-defender said: “We heard it [the sound of the block]. This is what Oxford are going to have to do, put their bodies on the line time and time again, sensational from Vaulks.
“It’s on target, the keeper’s probably going to deal with it, Vaulks doesn’t know that, does the right thing and gets in the way.”
Farke needs victory to calm nerves at Elland Road
Farke will be hoping for automatic Championship promotion this season after missing out last season with their loss to Southampton in the play-offs final.
The Whites had a massive scare after three back-to-back draws and dropping to third in the league table.
Sheffield United’s misery against Plymouth on 12 April strengthened the West Yorkshire outfit’s chances of finishing in the top two.
Leeds fans want their team to return to the Premier League, and failure in the current campaign could potentially lead to questions around Farke’s future.
The German manager has had to deal with several fitness issues this season, but he arguably has the best squad at his disposal.
Farke will undoubtedly ask his players to seal the victory against Oxford in the second half.
With just three more league games to go after this, three points will be massive for the Whites to calm the nerves around Elland Road in the upcoming fixtures.