Pascal Struijk sends three-word message to Joe Rothwell after Leeds beat Sunderland

18/02/2025 13:30

Pascal Struijk has paid tribute to Joe Rothwell after the pair combined to secure a stunning win for Leeds United against Sunderland.

Daniel Farke’s side went into that clash with their promotion rivals at Elland Road on Monday night (17 February), knowing they could go seven points clear of the Championship play-off places with a win.

However, things did not go well for the hosts to begin with, as Wilson Isidor did brilliantly to hold off Ethan Ampadu and fire Sunderland in front just after the half-hour mark.

With 71 minutes on the clock and Leeds still trailing 1-0, Farke brought both Struijk and Rothwell off the bench to replace Ilia Gruev and Ao Tanaka.

It was a move that paid off emphatically, with Struijk heading Leeds level from a free-kick moments later, with claims the goal should have been ruled out for a push on a Sunderland man dismissed by Keith Hackett.

Then, in the fifth minute of time added on, Rothwell produced another pinpoint cross onto the head of Struijk, who was able to head home from close range to snatch a remarkable late winner for the hosts.

That prompted wild scenes of celebration inside Elland Road, not least from Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier.

Pascal Struijk sends Joe Rothwell message after late winner

After the game, Rothwell was unsurprisingly keen to celebrate that win, and his impact in the game.

The midfielder, who is currently on loan from Premier League side Bournemouth, took to Instagram to give his reaction to that win, suggesting it was one of the sweeter ones for him.

Among those who responded to that post was Struijk, who was clearly keen to recognise the service provided to him by the midfielder.

Commenting on that post from Rothwell, the Leeds defender simply wrote: “On a plate”.

Leeds United win a vital win

Football Insider Verdict

This was an absolutely huge win for Farke’s side, given the confidence and momentum boost striking so late against a promotion rival should deliver throughout the place.

Promotion is of course the main aim for the Elland Road side this season, and they are now seven points clear in the automatic promotion places, so have reason to believe they can succeed with that.

Many Leeds fans have called for the permanent signing of Rothwell after this win, and if he continues to make these sort of impacts, it is hard to see how they cannot at least look into a deal.

Indeed, Struijk in particular would no doubt be keen to see that happen after how he benefitted from the midfielder’s service here.

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