Leeds United eventually advanced to the fifth round of the FA Cup Friday night.
It may have taken 210 minutes of play, but Leeds’ talent eventually shined through against Plymouth Argyle, as they cruised to a 4-1 victory after extra time.
Leeds were held to a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes of play, but the strength in depth off the bench was the difference, with Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter the standouts, each with a goal and an assist.
Daniel Farke did not bring Summerville on from the bench until the 90th minute, and while Leeds came close to victory in stoppage time after his entrance, his extra-time performance was outstanding.
In his post-game press conference, Farke stated that he chose not to bring Summerville on earlier because he had been playing with’some strains’ previously.
Summerville plays past the pain barrier.
He said, “I wasn’t tempted to put him in earlier.” He has been under a lot of load in recent weeks, which has caused some muscle strains.
“We knew extra time could be a factor, so we waited until the final minute to throw him in against fatigued opponents. If they are fatigued, they may be unable to follow his movements. This was the plan for that.”
This is some good, thoughtful management by Farke, since fans will undoubtedly have been clamouring for his inclusion earlier in the game. He actually missed the first game at Elland Road owing to an injury.
However, Leeds have some far more significant games coming up later this month that they just cannot afford to be without Summerville, especially one against Leicester City.
Summerville was a little wasteful in front of goal against Bristol City on Friday night, so getting back on the scoresheet in a brief cameo from the bench should boost his confidence again.
