They didn’t do it the easy way, but Leeds are in an FA Cup semi-final for the first time since the 80s after eventually defeating West Ham on penalties at the London Stadium.
It looked as though Daniel Farke’s side were on their way to Wembley in the most routine fashion after goals from Ao Tanaka and Dominic Calvert-Lewin handed them a 2-0 lead.
Mateus Fernandes’ goal soon changed that, however, and after halving the deficit in 11 minutes of stoppage time, the Hammers quickly scored a shock second goal to level things up.
From that point on, the Whites had to hold on during extra-time before redeeming themselves in the penalty shootout.
Farke, perhaps relieved at full-time, told reporters: “At least I’m old enough that I was already born when there was the last semi-final for Leeds United in the FA Cup in the 80s.
“It was a crazy game and it has cost lots of energy, but in the FA Cup quarter-final both teams are able to fight for quite another piece of history for the club.
“To reach, for the first time since a while, the semi-final, the game should be like this with ups and downs and setbacks.
“We could have made our life a bit easier after an excellent start to the game. But West Ham is also a Premier League side who is of course giving everything and trying everything to come back into the game.”
Alas, it was still a victory that came at a cost and Leeds are now facing a major injury concern ahead of facing Manchester United next Monday.
Stach could be “out for a while” after injury
Before the drama could commence, Anton Stach was forced off through injury in the first-half and the midfielder is now a doubt to face Man United, plus more.
According to ex-Premier League scout Mick Brown, Stach could be “out for a while” after a “major” injury concern against West Ham. He told Football Insider: “Those injuries are going to be a major concern for Leeds.
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