Thanks in part to two ex-Bundesliga players, Leeds United won the semi-final second leg against Norwich City 4-0 to book their place in the final for the last remaining promotion place in the Premier League
Leeds United became the first club since Sunderland in 1998 to miss out on direct promotion with 90 points (or more) and have won just one of their last seven games (1-2-4). The first leg in Norwich ended goalless, but at home the Whites, with manager Daniel Farke bringing on Piroe in place of Byram, were at their best. Leeds piled on the pressure from the start and fired the first warning shot through Summerville (4′).
The speedy attacker then played an important role in making it 1-0: Summerville cleverly faked a free-kick and drew the two-man wall apart. Gruev profited from this, slyly flicking the ball into the short corner from around 22 meters on the right for a lightning start (7th minute).
It was the former Bremen man’s first goal (62 appearances) for Leeds, who followed up a little later: Gnonto crossed perfectly from the right in front of goal to the advancing Piroe, who headed in perfectly from five meters against the direction of goalkeeper Gunn – 2:0 (20′).
Meslier pulls Sargent’s nerve
Almost on the counter-attack, Sargent, also a former Werder player (11 goals in 70 Bundesliga games), had a great chance to tie the scores, but the American’s lob failed to beat Meslier (22). That was apparently the goal that did the trick for Norwich, who then slumped their shoulders and looked visibly dismayed.
Leeds had an easy game – and in the 40th minute they were also lucky that Duffy’s failed attempt to clear the ball landed with Rutter. The ex-Hoffenheim man (11 goals in 57 Bundesliga games) smashed the ball into the net to make it 3:0. That was also the score at half-time, partly because Giannoulis thwarted Rutter’s brace with a save from the line (45.+2). There was no question that the lead was well deserved. The goal statistics of 10:1 alone spoke volumes
The second half started with a great chance for the home side, but Piroe was denied by Gray (46′). The duel was then a clear-cut affair. There was no real sign of Norwich putting up any real resistance, although they made an effort but ultimately remained harmless. Leeds, meanwhile, controlled the ball and their opponents – and left nothing to chance.
Summerville robbed the Canaries of their last shred of hope with his goal to make it 4-0 after 68 minutes. In the end, the Whites played out the last 20 minutes or so in a composed and routine manner
The final game at Wembley on May 26 will now be against the winner of the second semi-final for the last remaining place in the Premier League. Southampton and West Bromwich Albion will face off on Friday evening (9pm), with the first leg at West Brom ending goalless.
