Leeds United really had to dig in to come away with a dramatic three points against Middlesbrough last night.
The Whites ran out 4-3 winners at the Riverside but it would be fair to say they had to soak up their fair share of pressure in the closing stages as the home side piled men forward.
Having gone behind early on, Leeds showed their powers of recovery to get themselves in front quickly thanks to goals from Crysencio Summerville and Patrick Bamford, before Emmanuel Latte Lath equalised.
Willy Gnonto put Leeds ahead for a second time just before the break having got onto a Summerville through ball he was practically ‘begging’ for.
Summerville then looked as though he had put the game to bed with a stunning strike just after the hour mark, but Boro had other ideas as Latte Lath’s 87th minute header set up an incredibly nervy finish.
Firpo had his best game for Leeds last night
Leeds may have actually conceded three goals on the night, but it certainly took a couple of monumental defensive displays to ensure they left with three points.
Summerville, Gnonto and co will understandably steal the headlines for their performances in the final third, but there is someone who certainly went unnoticed.
Junior Firpo has constantly had defensive question marks against him at Leeds, but there can be no complaints about him at the back last night.
While on paper it was the assists for Bamford and Summerville which will win him praise, it was his interventions at the other end which were actually crucial.
As per Sofa Score, Firpo won all three of his aerial duels, including an incredible back-post header in the final minute of stoppage time, while also keeping Boro dangerman Isaiah Jones quiet, aside from his early goal.
The £12.8 million man was also just one of four Leeds players who had a pass completion rate of over 80 per cent, as he provided a really calming influence down that left-hand-side.
Firpo has enjoyed superb Leeds redemption arc
After relegation from the Premier League almost 12 months ago, the majority of supporters would probably have been happy to see the back of Firpo. It also looked likely at one stage.
Though it is in a lower division, Firpo has enjoyed a brilliant redemption arc in the eyes of Leeds supporters. He has improved defensively, and also has an impressive seven assists.
The 27-year-old now even has his own song from the fans and he must be enjoying every minute of his football at the club at the moment.