OPINION
Leeds United should feel inspired about the chances of overcoming Derby County in the Championship play-offs after Chris Sutton was left amused by an over-confident Rams fan.
The outspoken pundit was on BBC 606 on Sunday after it was confirmed that Leeds would face Derby County in the semi-final of the play-offs and this saw a supporter of Frank Lampard’s side call in to brag about their chances of overcoming the Whites.
“We’re actually going to beat Leeds so,” said the Derby fan (BBC Radio 5 Live, Sunday May 5th, 18:51).
Sutton replied: “What makes you so confident about beating Leeds, you’re a 100% sure about that?”
The Derby fan then admitted they weren’t 100% sure and Sutton quickly jumped on them saying that to state “6-1 on aggregate this season, Leeds beat you 4-1 and 2-0” and this just seemed to rattle the Rams supporter.
“Good point Chris but on both occasions, Frank has confirmed this, there was the chap outside our training ground writing down the team pattern, the team shape, free-kicks and all of that and you know as really as I do Chris those things are critical the day before a game,”replied the supporter.
Sutton made it clear he didn’t agree as he repeated “6-1” twice before saying “Really?” to make it clear he thought the Derby fan was barking up the wrong tree and his remarks once again sparked a bold reaction from the Rams fan.
“Yes, Harry Wilson was injured in our last game and spies noted that worked out the team pattern and the way we’re playing now, Wilson, firing on all cylinders, they’ve stopped their spying and are on a downward trend,” continued the Derby fan.
“They can’t even score their penalties, I don’t know if you’ve seen Chris but you need to get down there and coach them how to take penalties, they can’t score and that gives up very good momentum.
“And Frank plays by Queensbury rules as well, we can’t forget this (Sutton laughs) Bielsa, Pochettino, this Argentinians they push the boat out on fairplay but Frank and fair play will always win out.
“And Cloughie when he went up to Leeds, if you remember, he was there for a month or so and first thing he told Leeds players was to put their medals in the bin as they had cheated their way to that success.”
Alistair Bruce-Ball then opted to make it clear they’d heard enough of the Derby fan and cut him off, which just promoted Sutton to laugh and say “what a call.”
Given that Sutton was right to find amusement in the Derby’s fan confidence, as Leeds did sweep them aside twice, Leeds should feel inspired.
The Whites haven’t been in the best form as of late but they know their only a few games away from winning promotion to the Premier League if they play their cards right.
Sutton is right to highlight that Leeds have Derby’s number, their head-to-head results prove that, and any suggestion that spy gate was the only reason they beat the Rams is frankly ludicrous.