Leeds United fans on Norwich City display, triple Whites boost and FA Cup prospects

Leeds United booked a place in the draw for the FA Cup quarter-finals for the fist time in 23 years with a fifth round victory at home to Norwich City - but what did the club’s fans think?

Here is what our YEP Jury had to say on Sunday evening’s 3-0 success against the Canaries including a trio’s confidence boost and an off-field win capturing “hearts and minds” of young fans.

MIKE GILL

This was just the tonic that the doctor ordered.

For once almost everything went to plan.

Almost, because United were denied two goals by the dreaded VAR.

The first was a dubious call against Willy Gnonto who was adjudged to have handled the ball before Lucas Nmecha put it in the net.

Gnonto was probably offside for the second one, but it was close.

In between these events, Sean Longstaff scored with a fine volley after a great cut back from Gabriel Gudmundsson.

Gudmundsson then scored his first Leeds goal himself as he toe-poked one home after a Dan James cross from close range.

Although the Canaries staged a brief comeback in the second half, it was short-lived.

The lively Lucas Nmecha latched onto a nice pass from Anton Stach, sending Joel Piroe away.

The Dutchman’s cultured left foot did the rest and the game was effectively over.

A three-goal win, a clean sheet and judging by the smiles and excited chatter from lots of youngsters attending their first game, a great opportunity to win their hearts and minds for life.

Man of the match: Gabriel Gudmundsson.

“A lovely finish”

KEITH INGHAM

Leeds put behind two disappointing results to ease past Norwich City 3-0 to go into the sixth round of the FA Cup for the first time since 2003 – if my memory is correct.

As expected, there were many changes as Daniel Farke gave minutes to players that usually occupy the substitutes’ bench.

Captain Ethan Ampadu surprisingly was included when many thought he might be rested.

Leeds started really well, Gnonto and James trying their best to get behind their full-backs, unfortunately their final ball wasn’t the best.

Leeds had a goal chalked off by VAR for a handball before they opened the scoring with a fine finish from Sean Longstaff.

James also had a goal disallowed before Gabi Gudmundsson made it 2-0 before the break – a lovely finish for his first goal for Leeds.

In the second half, Leeds unfortunately let Norwich back into the game but although they created a couple of half chances, they didn’t take them.

Joel Piroe’s effort was superbly saved and he had another effort blocked before making it 3-0 with a superbly curled finish into the corner of the net. His first goal of the campaign.

I’m so pleased to be in the last eight and while I expect a tough draw in the next round, it’s just good to be in the velvet bag.

Man of the match: Jaka Bijol – won everything at the back as Leeds kept their first clean sheet since Fulham.

“Seemed uncomfortable in possession”

NEIL GREWER

This was a comfortable progression to the FA Cup quarter-finals for the Whites.

After a nondescript 15 minutes, Leeds took control and were two up at the break following a Gabi Gudmundsson cross neatly finished by Sean Longstaff, then Gudmundsson himself stabbing home a loose ball in the penalty area.

Two further goals had been disallowed by VAR and Leeds were in control.

The second half saw Norwich exert more pressure, but Lucas Perri in the United goal made only rudimentary saves whilst displaying a good range of long throws to set Leeds on the offensive.

Late on, victory was sealed when substitute Anton Stach carried the ball some distance before feeding Lukas Nmecha who unselfishly teed the ball up for Joel Piroe to finish neatly.

A much-changed side displayed enough quality to dispose of Championship opposition but unlike the previous round, most of the fringe players put in decent performances, with the exception being Sebastiaan Bornauw who seemed uncomfortable in possession and was substituted at the break.

A pleasing return to winning ways and a Cup run to boot!

Man of the match: Gabriel Gudmundsson (a goal, assist and much more).

“All three needed the individual confidence boost”

ANDY RHODES

After the disappointing result against Sunderland in midweek, it was important that Leeds United got a result in the FA Cup to claw back some confidence.

Against a Norwich City side currently flying in the Championship, this didn’t seem like a straightforward game on paper but, on the pitch, Leeds made it look routine.

All three goalscorers needed the individual confidence boost as well. Sean Longstaff, Gabriel Gudmundsson and Joel Piroe all took their goals very well – they can hopefully continue their form in the league.

It was particularly good to see Piroe get a full 90 minutes and round it off with a finish we’ve seen so many times before in the Championship.

Lucas Nmecha was also superb leading the line in the absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Nine changes could have meant the Whites struggled to find any rhythm but, ultimately, they were excellent.

Leeds should fancy their chances of reaching the semi-finals.

Man of the match: Lukas Nmecha.

“In truth, the Canaries didn’t offer so much as a light peck”

DAVID WATKINS

Well, that was straightforward! With Norwich having such a decent recent record, many thought they’d be a tough nut to crack, but in truth, the Canaries didn’t offer so much as a light peck.

Leeds scored three and were denied two more by VAR calls and sailed into the quarter-finals for the first time since 2003.

Now we all have our fingers crossed for another home draw, especially if we are to face one of the big four still left in the competition.

The fringe players all looked efficient enough, but none really stood out as likely to find a place in a starting XI any time soon.

The finish from Joel Piroe for the third goal was sublime, and the long-range shot that clipped the crossbar also showed he can still play a part this season, while Sean Longstaff’s clever turn and shot for the opener was a touch of class from another player who has the quality to fill in when needed.

But it was a couple of our regular starters who stole the show in Gabby Gudmundsson, who grabbed his first Leeds goal, and 'Captain Fantastic' Ethan Ampadu, who ran the show.

Man of the match: Gabby Gudmundsson.