A 1-0 victory away at Nottingham Forest was already a strong result, but the performances of three summer arrivals made the afternoon even more encouraging.
The new additions all made their competitive debuts and quickly looked at home in Daniel Farke’s side. With a massive season ahead, seeing the trio settle so quickly will have pleased everyone around Leeds.
Farke delighted with debutants
Daniel Farke admitted before the game that he expected a tough test at the City Ground. Leeds managed to handle that challenge, keeping Forest out and leaving with three points.
Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Farke said: “I expected a difficult game away at Forest. I’m very happy to come away with a clean sheet and compliments to the players. “Sometimes the second year is more difficult. Last season, we picked up many points with draws. On the road, we want to be competitive and be more effective.”
The Leeds boss was particularly pleased with how the three new players adapted. There were plenty of questions around how quickly they could fit into the team, but their opening performance gave Farke plenty of encouragement.
“I am very happy because they have big boots to fill. Trafford is a good player but he hasn’t played that many Premier League games, Tarik too. Wilson too was excellent. The vibe and mood is good around the place,” he added.
Leeds’ captain Ethan Ampadu shared the same compliments for the debutants, who has seen the new arrivals settle into the squad during pre-season.
“From the very first minute they walked into the building, they have shown their quality. They have shown why they have been brought in to try and help us get to the next level. They’ve shown that hunger and drive to take Leeds to a better place so that has been very good.”
Leeds already showing signs of progress
Ampadu was also pleased with the way Leeds United approached a difficult away fixture. The captain explained that the squad had spent weeks preparing to make a positive start.
“We’ve been working the last six, seven weeks to make sure we get off to the best start. We can’t complain with a 1-0 away from home. We knew it was going to be a difficult place to come. We wanted to make sure we could put our stamp on the game and start the game well.”
Leeds United have now won five of their last eight Premier League matches, drawing two and losing one. Only Arsenal have earned more top-flight points since the start of April.
Attention now turns back to Nottingham Forest, with the two sides meeting again on Tuesday. Farke hopes Leeds will head into the fixture in positive spirits.
“It’s what happens in football, at least we can travel in a good mood.”
