Leeds a Farke cry from best

RUSSELL MARTIN was ecstatic as Southampton ended their four-match losing streak by blowing Leeds away in the first half.

Daniel Farke’s Leeds had not conceded in four matches in their six-match unbeaten run in the league but shipped three in the first 35 minutes.

Adam Armstrong helped himself to a double, taking his season’s tally to seven, while Will Smallbone scored a first league goal for Saints – with Pascal Struijk’s second-half strike no consolation.

Kamaldeen Sulemana, January’s £22million signing from Rennes, looked unplayable before being subbed by Martin.

The Saints boss said: “Kamaldeen is training like a beast. He was great, though not yet ready physically to play 90 minutes.

“It was a much-needed win and I am really proud of the players. There was a lot more aggression, a great mentality and we scored goals of the highest quality. Hopefully the players and supporters will enjoy that feeling.

“In the second half when you haven’t won for a while it can be difficult, and I didn’t enjoy it. I was disappointed we conceded but we have set the level and need to maintain it.”

Farke said: “I never get used to losing and am never in a good mood after a defeat, and the decisive moments were in the first half.

“Our defensive behaviour was not the same as in recent matches with the clean sheets. We needed to be more aware and sharp.” SOUTHAMPTON: Bazunu 7; Walker-peters 7, Harwood-bellis 7, Bednarek 7, Manning 6; Downes 7, Smallbone 7 (Adams (69) 6), S Armstrong 7 (Bree (85) 6); Sulemana 8 (Fraser (59) 6), A Armstrong 8 (Aribo (85) 6), Alcaraz 6 (Charles (69) 6) LEEDS: Meslier 5; Shackleton 4, Struijk 6, Cooper 4, Byram 4; Ampadu 5, Kamara 5 (Gray (73) 6); James 6 (Bamford (81) 6); Piroe 5, Summerville 5 (Anthony (73) 6); Rutter 6 STAR MAN: Kamaldeen Sulemana – Almost unplayable at times and surprisingly substituted before the hour mark by Russell Martin.

John Brooks 6