Javi Gracia is 'very optimistic' Leeds United will play 'much, much better' in their next outing at Chelsea after making a perfect start to life at Elland Road. Junior Firpo's late strike sealed a much-needed victory over relegation rivals Southampton on Saturday to lift the Whites out of the relegation zone.
It was Leeds' first top-flight victory since edging a seven-goal thriller with Bournemouth in November, as Elland Road gave Gracia a stunning welcome. The hosts were forced to wait for the breakthrough, and in the end the deadlock was broken by an unlikely source.
Firpo slotted a low effort underneath Gavin Bazunu 13 minutes' from time, and Leeds held on to a clean sheet to ensure Gracia's reign got off to a winning start. Leeds face an FA Cup fifth-round tie at Fulham next on Tuesday night before travelling to Chelsea next weekend, and the newly-appointed boss is hugely encouraged by what he witnessed from his new side.
