Leeds captain Ampadu relishes silencing critics as Norwich edge out

Captain Ethan Ampadu was delighted that Leeds United were able to answer their critics by reaching the Championship play-off final thanks to a 4-0 thrashing of Norwich City tonight.

Leeds’ hopes of automatic promotion hit the skids in the final weeks of the regular season, with Leicester City and Ipswich Town claiming the top two spots.

Read our other sports news:
Hummels was excluded from the Germany squad
Leeds 4-0 Norwich City: Farke’s men sweep the Canaries aside
Kante handed France the shock

But after a goalless draw at Carrow Road in the first leg on Sunday, Daniel Farke’s men were back to their best to get past Norwich and set up a Wembley meeting with either Southampton or West Brom next weekend.

Ilia Gruev, Joel Piroe, Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville were all on target in a one-sided encounter to the delight of a raucous Elland Road crowd.

Ampadu told Sky Sports: “Towards the end of the season there was a lot of talk about how we were playing, how we weren’t on the front foot, how we weren’t aggressive or clinical.

“But we’ve always had our belief that on our day, when we shoot, it can be tough for anyone to play against.

“When the front four, five, six play like that, it makes our job a lot easier for the defenders.”

Leeds United go to Wembley! 🏟️ pic.twitter.com/Wndw4BADFc

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 16, 2024

Leeds will go to Wembley full of confidence after that stage, with Ampadu adding: “Whoever we play in the final will be a tough game, but to come in like that, to put in a performance like this, we can take momentum and confidence. in her.

“The fans have been incredible and we’ve enjoyed their support – now we’re gearing up for the big one.”

While Leeds were excellent, the same could not be said for Norwich, who were hopelessly outplayed in every area of ​​the pitch.

Canaries boss David Wagner admitted: “It was a poor performance from us.

“I think tonight, everything you’re not supposed to do, I did. I was second best in the duels and it’s a very disappointing night and an end to the season.

“We knew we had to try to stay in the game, but we did the opposite, conceding three goals in the first half.”

He added: “It’s very quiet in the dressing room at the moment. I haven’t really talked about the game, because at the moment the disappointment is too great.

“It was a very tiring season. It wasn’t a normal season and now it’s over pretty quickly.

“It is important to reflect now. Unfortunately, the fairy tale does not have a happy ending.”