Leeds United v Cardiff City

A Fast-Paced Start

It had been a whopping 53 years since Leeds United last scored seven goals in a single match, and they chose February 1st 2025 to break that long awaited occurrence. On this historic day, Cardiff City found themselves on the receiving end of an emphatic performance, that will resonate with fans for years to come. From the very beginning, it was clear that Leeds were set to make a statement.

Things kicked off quickly for Leeds United just six minutes into the match, a slick move featuring a pinpoint cross from Dan James to Brenden Aaronson, saw the home side take the lead. The early goal set the tone for a match in which Leeds would dominate the field. By the 13th minute, James was back at it again, whipping in another cross, that resulted in Solomon doubling their lead to 2-0. It was clear that the visitors were struggling to handle Leeds' relentless pace and precision.

Second Half & Goals Galore!

The second half saw no let-up from Leeds United. Just five minutes after the break, Solomon found Firpo, and his low cross was smashed in to the roof of the net by the impressive James for Leeds third goal. Cardiff had no answer against the best forward line up in the Championship, and were paying the price for Leeds United's 0 -0 drab draw earlier in the week against Burnley away.

Meslier was feeling the cold chill as Cardiff very rarely asked any questions of him, so he was thankful to save a long range effort 55 minutes in, but it didn’t take Leeds long though to get back in the goal scoring mood, thanks to a clumsy Callum O'Dowda foul on James, giving the referee no option but point to the spot. Up stepped Piroe and executed the penalty with the coolness we have become accustomed to, making it 4-0.

Daniel Farke had the team purring and just after the fourth goal, decided to twist the knife further, by bringing on the first wave of subs. Gnonto hasn’t seen much game time recently, but within a minute of been on the pitch, he scored what was probably was the best goal of the day, collecting the ball over 20 yards from goal, he twisted and turned and unleashed a low left foot shot, which flew into the bottom corner to make it 5-0, he too was enjoying the party!

We as fans are not used to seeing Leeds unleash their full potential, but today they did, in what would be described by now as a carnival atmosphere at the historic Elland Road ground. In the 88th minute, Firpo delivered another superb left-wing cross, which Joseph fired high into the net to make it 6, you could feel the sense of relief from the young striker, who is undoubtedly a big talent for the future. Piroe was having one of his best games in a Leeds shirt, and finished the trancing with a clinically low, left-foot deep into added time from yet another Firpo assist, to complete the magnificent seven.

Memorable Performances

There were stand out performances all across the pitch, Tanaka running the midfield, James and Firpo on the wings, Piroe firing on all cylinders and Aaronson as lively as ever, they all contributed. The defence was impressive as ever, with just three goals getting passed them in the last 15 games, now there's a stat!

Can we dare to believe?

Could this result be the catalyst that takes the team forward for the rest of the season, having played in second gear for the majority so far, does this result gives us the confidence to take it up a notch, and finish off the season in style, I hope so!

Chiltern Whites Man of the Match: Dan James

Attendance: 35,810

Goals: Aaronson (6), Solomon (13), James (50), Piroe (65,95), Gnonto (67), Joseph (88)