Leeds turn the screw on Spurs as Daniel Farke finds blueprint for Premier League survival

Much like their manager, they have answered questions about their suitability for the top flight. When Leeds only scored one goal in their first four games, there was a theory they lacked sufficient firepower. Yet now they have 47 goals, as many as Aston Villa.

Dominic-Calvert Lewin scores Leeds' third goal in the victory (Getty)

Perhaps paradoxically, they have become more potent after swapping to what is nominally a more defensive system. While Farke’s preferred formation remains 4-2-3-1 but, if it looked like Leeds had overloaded on defenders in their summer buying, it was always with the thought they might play a back five. The turning point in their campaign came with Farke’s switch of system mid-match against Manchester City in November. Since the start of December, they have only lost four of their last 22 league games; only the Manchester teams and Bournemouth have been beaten fewer times in that period.

Leeds have had tactical nous, a side whose physicality was an illustration they learned the lessons of previous promoted teams who got outmuscled, and an asset in their atmosphere. They are specialists under the lights, with an excellent record in evening games. Elland Road delivered on another rousing occasion.

Undaunted by FA Cup semi-final defeat, Leeds looked a side intent on grasping their opportunity. They soon struck.

After Calvert-Lewin, Stach arguably ranks as the best signing Leeds made this season. The German illustrated why, driving in a 25-yard shot. A powerhouse of a midfielder with the ball-striking ability of a craftsman, he has been a bargain.

But it was an indication, too, of why Burnley are going down. In the opening 10 minutes of league games this season, they have conceded 10 goals and scored none. On this occasion, they at least had the mitigating factor that Parker had left the day before the game, Mike Jackson was plunged into caretaker charge and Burnley began looking shell-shocked.

They regrouped only to concede twice more at the start of the second half. Okafor swept in a volley from Jayden Bogle’s cross. It was Okafor’s sixth league goal in seven appearances. Signed from AC Milan, the Swiss has delivered in the run-in. But it was a move started and then garnished by Calvert-Lewin, with a lovely backheel to find Bogle.

Leeds fans celebrate their third goal of the game (Getty)

The centre-forward got his goal with a simpler touch, providing the close-range finish after Ao Tanaka’s low drive from parried by Dubravka. It was his 12th Premier League goal of the season to support Farke’s decision to make him his main top striking target last summer; for Calvert-Lewin, who rejected Champions League football with Bayer Leverkusen, this has been a reward for signing for Leeds.

Loum Tchouna was to hook in a consolation goal for Burnley. He was a fourth summer signing to strike, but Leeds’ recruitment was both better than Burnley’s and more coherent as their paths diverged. They were promoted together with 100 points apiece but Leeds have more than double Burnley’s haul in the Premier League.

In contrast to a full Elland Road, When Burnley’s fate was sealed last week, Turf Moor was emptying. There is already a vacancy in the dugout. Parker’s departure on Thursday may have only fast-tracked the inevitable.

Now Burnley have to work out what, and who, they want. There has been no contact yet with Steven Gerrard or Craig Bellamy, two obvious candidates, though their former assistant manager is likely to want to stay at Wales anyway. Rewind a year and Leeds faced a choice. There were suggestions that they should dismiss Farke, that he was hired to win promotion and incapable of keeping a team up. But he has, and how.