Pontus the pilot for Christian’s aid week
LEEDS head coach Thomas Christiansen says his young side are starting to regain the belief that they are Championship play-off contenders again.
United’s season was in danger of spiraling out of control when an impressive start was undone by a run of six defeats in seven league matches.
But Christiansen’s team have responded in emphatic fashion over the last month to collect 13 points from a possible 18 and move one off the top six.
Leeds followed up last weekend’s 3-1 victory over QPR with a hard-fought win over Norwich, which was sealed by Pontus Jansson’s first-half header.
And Christiansen believes a renewed confidence is behind Leeds’ upturn in fortunes.
“I am very pleased with the performance and with the three points,” said Christiansen, who confirmed striker Caleb Ekuban will be sidelined for up to six weeks with another foot injury.
“A victory that gives us more confidence and belief that this is where we belong – close to the top six.”
Jansson scored his second header from a set-piece in as many home games, glancing Pawel Cibicki’s delivery in off the far post in the 41st minute.
And Christiansen puts Leeds’ threat from set-pieces down to the work of specialist coach Gianni Vio, who was appointed by the club in November.
“I believe he is one of the best in his job,” Christiansen added.
Norwich boss Daniel Farke was left frustrated by his side’s failure to score an equaliser.
Alex Pritchard was denied by a fine save from keeper Felix Wiedwald before curling another effort against the crossbar as the match headed for the latter stages.
“It is frustrating and disappointing to travel home without any points,” Farke said.
“I got the feeling it was a really good away performance.
But if I have to criticise, we have to be a little bit more effective.”
SO just who can stop Manchester City?
The answer, almost certainly, is no one. At least not as far as the Premier League title is concerned
Tottenham, conquerors of Real Madrid this season in the Champions League, last night became the latest of the big boys to try – and fail – to stop City.
They can now be added to Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United. All have taken on City – and lost.
The brilliant Blues made it a sweet 16 successive league wins with goals from Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin de Bruyne and two from Raheem Sterling.
And it could have been many more with near misses, chances not being accepted and Gabriel Jesus failing to convert a penalty.
It was all over by the time Christian Eriksen rolled the ball home for Spurs in added time.
City boss Pep Guardiola said: “Spurs have good quality but we played really well to beat one of the strongest teams in the Premier League.
“Without the ball we are a humble team. The performance of Kevin de Bruyne, you cannot imagine how good he plays with the ball, but he runs like a player in the Conference league – it is easier for the manager and the club.”
He added: “Since August we are so happy and I admire the most the way we play without the ball – thank you to the club for providing me with these amazing players.
“We are on a good streak but in three days we have another one.”