Gary Rowett says ‘one thing’ Leeds United have in promotion battle with Sheffield United and Burnley
Gary Rowett Shares Thoughts on Leeds United After Oxford Defeat
Gary Rowett has shared his thoughts on Leeds United following Oxford United’s narrow 1-0 defeat to them on Friday night.
Despite dominating most of the match, Leeds managed only a slim victory, thanks to a first-half goal from Manor Solomon. However, the three points were vital for Leeds as they continue their push for Premier League promotion.
Daniel Farke’s side is not quite over the line yet, remaining locked in a tense race with Burnley and Sheffield United for the two promotion spots. Leeds could potentially secure their Premier League return on Easter Monday—provided they beat Stoke City and Sheffield United drop points to Burnley.
Should both teams win, the promotion battle would extend into the season’s penultimate weekend. Still, Rowett was full of praise for Leeds’ vibrant attacking line.
Rowett Describes Leeds’ Attack as ‘Electric’
The decisive moment at the Kassam Stadium came from a slick move—Joe Rodon delivered a pinpoint pass to Jayden Bogle, who then set up Solomon for the goal. It was a familiar type of play from Leeds this season, one that has drawn comparisons from Michael Bridges to both Pep Guardiola and Sam Allardyce’s styles of play.
Rowett, who called Rodon “outstanding,” praised Leeds’ sharpness up front.
“It did feel like one moment of brilliance made the difference,” he told Sky Sports. “With Leeds, you can’t lose focus for a second. They’re electric in the final third.
“The goal was classic Leeds—we were well organized, then lost concentration for just a second. The ball gets threaded through, the cross is excellent, and they’re that split-second quicker than us. That’s the kind of quality you have to contend with.”
Solomon Making a Key Impact
Manor Solomon has risen to the occasion recently, contributing goals or assists in Leeds’ last three wins. He was instrumental in their victory over Preston, where he was named Player of the Match.
Leeds remain unbeaten in matches where Solomon has found the net, and Sky Sports pundit Jobi McAnuff believes he’ll receive full credit once promotion is secured.
“By the time they go up, he’ll get the recognition he deserves,” McAnuff said. “It’s been a season of him getting back to regular football at a massive club. It took some time, but his quality has really started to shine.
“It’s incredibly difficult to defend against Leeds’ attack. Solomon, Aaronson, Piroe—all finishing from central areas, while the full-backs stretch the pitch. Defensively, you feel like you’re in control, then a perfectly timed run breaks you down. At that tempo, it’s just relentless.”
