Anton Stach can emulate Leeds United icon Ian Harte already after latest reveal
Anton Stach has a chance to join Ian Harte in the record books at Elland Road this season, with the Leeds midfielder’s free-kick prowess on full show.
Stach has been an excellent signing for Daniel Farke in the Premier League, and against Aston Villa, he produced a moment of magic.
His long-range free kick left Emi Martinez scrambling before it nestled into the top corner, leaving his teammates in shock during the 1-1 draw.
However, that goal has also left him one step closer to being written into the history books for the Whites, alongside Harte.
How Anton Stach can break Leeds record set by Harte
Harte was known for his excellent quality on set pieces, with the Irishman scoring plenty during his eight-year spell at Elland Road.
In the 2000-2001 season, the left-back was at the peak of his powers in the Premier League. In that season, he enjoyed his highest-scoring period for the Whites.
Harte ended the campaign with seven Premier League goals in just 29 appearances, four of which were from free kicks.
Back then, it set a club record for most free-kick goals scored in one top-flight season, and that could now be equalled or broken after 25 years.
After his goal against Villa, Stach has scored three direct free kicks this campaign, leaving him one off Harte’s record in a Premier League season.
- Read more: Manchester City is next for Stach and Leeds, and Roberto Martinez has issued a surprising prediction
Where do Leeds rank for free-kick goals this season?
Stach’s total of three free-kick goals has given Farke a weapon that most Premier League sides do not have.
The Germans’ trio of strikes has put the Peacocks at the top of the table for this goal type, and when he scores, Leeds tend to come out with a result.
When Stach has scored a free-kick for the LS11 club, they are yet to lose a game, with two wins and one draw as a result.
- Games in which Stach has scored a free-kick:
- Wolves 1-3 Leeds United
- Leeds United 4-1 Crystal Palace
- Aston Villa 1-1 Leeds United
With Man City up next, Stach may be watching back clips of Dominik Szoboszlai’s recent dead-ball effort and viewing it as proof that Gianluigi Donnarumma is susceptible to conceding another this weekend.
If he does score from one, he will be notched into the Elland Road folklore.
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