Javi Grace He settled the ‘new manager, sure win’ theme on his return to the Premier League. Leeds United won direct duel for stay against Southampton (1-0)thanks to a solitary goal by Junior Firpo in the 77th minute. A triumph that momentarily places one point and one square above salvation for ‘The Whites’.
The victory also had a calming effect for Junior Firpo himself. “Sometimes, just sometimes, hard work pays off”the former Betis and Barcelona player wrote on ‘Twitter’ after receiving Harrison’s heel and scoring with his right hand which slipped between Bazunu’s hands. Thus ended 742 days without scoring in the league, from 13 February 2021 in Barcelona’s 5-1 defeat against Alavés.
The change of coach has been wonderful for the Spanish internationalwho missed the first six games with a knee injury and He hadn’t completed a single game with Jesse Marsch in the Premier League this season.
Indeed, Firpo had already shown signs of improvement after the World Cup break. The ‘3’ of Leeds He had just scored on 28 January in an FA Cup win, also with the right, on Accrington Stanley (1-3). Moreover, he was gaining pace and minutes with the arrival of the provisional triumvirate formed by Skubala, Armas and Paco Gallardo to the Elland Road bench.
His winning goal against Southampton came with a “double premium”. The ex of Betis and Barcelona was included in the ‘Once of the Day’ in the Premier League. “He capitalized on his opportunity with a crucial goal and a clean sheet,” said Alan Shearer in justifying his decision.
From England they highlighted Junior Firpo’s ability to act as a repulse: “I think his career should go better than it is going. If he can finish the season well, Leeds will have a revolutionary player who is a real asset.”
Firpo, for his part, underlined the value of victory: “We deserved the victory, we didn’t deserve the defeat. I lived through one of the most difficult moments of my career, but I’ve told the new coaches that this is one of the most beautiful changing rooms I’ve ever known and that we deserve to stay in the Premier League.”
On Elland Road, meanwhile, get ready to enjoy the ‘new’ Junior Firpo.
