James Justin says 'resilient' Leeds United need another win in Premier League relegation battle
James Justin praised Leeds United's resilience and a big save from goalkeeper Karl Darlow for seeing them through a game where he felt they were "a bit rubbish" for long periods on Saturday.
Justin's verdict was a harsh one but the Whites were undoubtedly lacklustre in killing the game off after a flying start saw him and Noah Okafor put the team 2-0 up.
But although Wolverhampton Wanderers can be relegated from the Premier League by a West Ham United draw on Monday, it was still a test for Leeds, who recorded their first back-to-back league wins and first league double of the season.
"It was a really difficult game, especially the expectation coming into it after what we did on Monday," said centre-back Justin. "So it was nice to get off to a good start.
"We started pretty well, putting them under pressure, had a few chances. Luckily, we put one in the back of the net and then Noah followed up to make it 2-0.
"After that, it was just about seeing it through."
As for how Leeds did that, he was more critical, although he did put it in context.
"I just thought we were playing a bit rubbish," he commented. "It happens in football.
"You can't play great all the time for 90 minutes. You have to go with the flow and just stay resilient.
"In the big moments, you need big players to step up. Karl did that with a massive save (from Ladislav Krejci after 62 minutes) to keep it at 2-0. We're thankful for him."
Justin's goal was an overhead bicycle kick after Ethan Ampadu had a shot blocked.
"I've actually scored quite a few decent goals, you'd be surprised," he said. "I'm not even sure it rates in the top three. But it was a great goal at a great time and set us up on the right footing.
"The win gives us a nice cushion. But I think we might need another win to keep us safe."
Okafor has scored four goals in his last three league starts, spread out by injury.
"I think he has improved his all-round game during the whole season," said manager Daniel Farke.
"He's better with his back to the opponent's goal, stronger in the duels, keeps the balls better, his workload against the ball is better.
"If you're willing to invest a lot, you will get rewarded, it's no coincidence that we spoke about that. You always have to invest everything to be there, to arrive in the box at the right time, so instead of jogging into the box, (show) the big will to invest into a 20- or 30-yard sprint.
"If you then get such a top-top class delivery of Brenden Aronson, he arrives at the right moment in the key area and he has the quality to finish the situations off.
"I'm delighted for Noah because he proves his worth and shows his skills and a great attitude. Long may it continue, we want him exactly in this mindset."
Leeds are eight points above the relegation zone with five games to play, the next at Bournemouth on Wednesday.