Derby County boss makes Leeds United survival assessment after FA Cup tie goes Farke's way
Leeds United fought back from a goal down to beat their old Championship foes on Sunday.
Derby County boss John Eustace was delighted with the effort of his side in an FA Cup loss to a 'top' Leeds United outfit he believes can avoid relegation from the Premier League.
The Rams went a goal up in the first half but were unable to really trouble the Whites after the break as Daniel Farke's men took full control. Goals from Willy Gnonto, Ao Tanaka and James Justin sent Leeds into the fourth round, but Eustace took positives from the run out for players who needed game time.
"First half I thought we were really good, good value for money," said the Derby boss. "We made a lot of changes. It was great to see the captain Lewis Travis playing his first 60 minutes in 11 weeks, debuts for two players was a great positive. Players needed time on the pitch and we were really competitive."
The first half in particular delighted Eustace. Leeds hit the post and missed a penalty but the Rams went ahead through Ben Brereton Diaz and took that lead into the interval.
"It was a great first half," he said. "Up against a top team with top players, their squad is an excellent squad, they've improved on that from last year. It was always going to be difficult. The most pleasing thing is we got minutes into players who needed to.
“We made a couple of changes, Travis coming out second half, he was always going to start slowly. Some as Blackett-Taylor. It was always going to be difficult to maintain the first half energy but we're up against top players. They can smell when you're just a little bit off it, if you don't start as bright as you want to then they'll punish you.
“You look at Leeds' squad today, the majority probably played in the Championship last year so that's how strong they are. I wanted us to be competitive, the bigger picture is there's five or six who desperately need minutes. We managed to be very competitive and we got minutes into some players who really needed it."
Eustace, who was unable to continue his fine record against Daniel Farke's sides, believes the German and his Leeds players have what it takes to stay up this season in the Premier League.
"I think there's already a big points margin," said the Championship veteran boss. "I think Daniel has adapted to the Premier League and changed his style a little bit. It's great management. They've been picking up points now. They have an awesome squad and a very good manager, I'm sure they will [stay up]."