Millwall boss Gary Rowett highlighted the strength in depth available to Leeds United after Joel Piroe and Georginio Rutter inspired Sunday’s 3-0 Championship victory at The Den.
With the transfer window finally closed – and Daniel Farke actually able to make plans knowing which players will actually be at his disposal come kick-off on matchday – Sunday’s crushing win in the capital felt like something of a belated ‘welcome to the party’ moment for Leeds United.
More displays like this – dominant and ruthless away at Millwall – and a top six, or maybe even top two, challenge, may well be on the cards, Joel Piroe once again demonstrating why he could be this season’s most transformative addition with two predatory finishes while Georginio Rutter maintained his recent resurgence with a brilliant strike of his own.
Rowett, meanwhile, believes Leeds’ remarkable strength in depth could prove to be the difference over a long and gruelling campaign.
Leeds United hammer Millwall at The Den
“It’s a tough league the Championship. Against teams like Leeds, who have the ability to bring on players that they have, the likes of (Wilfried) Gnonto, (Crysencio) Summerville, Piroe, Rutter, and then suddenly you can bring on Dan James, you can bring on (Jaidon) Anthony, (Joe) Gelhardt…” Rowett tells the Yorkshire Evening Post.
“They’re obviously going to hurt teams when there’s space on the pitch because that’s what they’re very, very good at.”
James set up Piroe’s second off the bench, while Bournemouth loanee Anthony looked sharp too on his debut. Leeds are now up to tenth. But, with their squad settled and their new signings adapting, do not be surprised to see Farke’s side go on quite the run over the coming weeks.
‘I would say amazing’
“I’m proud of my guys today,” Farke smiles; Leeds winning here for the first time in 11 years. “I’ve played here several times at The Den. I know it’s an unbelievably tough place to go and you have to be on it.
“I would say amazing, amazing team goals. When I think about the first goal you can put it straightaway into a book and sell it, because it’s so wonderful. I’m pretty pleased for this.
“For me the most important topic is to return back from such a tough place with a clean sheet for the dressing room and yes, to score three goals it’s amazing.
“I’m pretty, pretty proud of the performance.”
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