Here are your Leeds United morning headlines on Monday, February 27.
Shearer and Wright agree over Javi Gracia's first win as Leeds United boss
Gracia got off to the perfect start in his tenure at Elland Road as Junior Firpo's 77th minute strike secured victory over Southampton for the Spaniard's first game in charge. The win stopped a run that dated back to November where the Whites had not picked up all three points in a Premier League match.
And now Arsenal and Newcastle legends Ian Wright and Alan Shearer have agreed on how vital it was that Gracia got off to a winning start in such a crucial first game as Leeds' new manager.
ALSO READ: Javi Gracia made Leeds United less 'predictable' during Southampton win
“For Leeds at home, the manager’s first game, it was important to get off to a good start,” Shearer told Premier League Productions. “To try and generate some confidence for them.
“I don’t think the keeper will be too pleased when he sees this one back. I know it takes a little deflection and the defender might be in his way.”
Wright added: “You look at the two defenders in the corner there, you can’t let him get out there. It’s poor.
“But, at home, Leeds with the Southampton team coming at the bottom of the league, you had to be winning that game.”
Leeds United injury list and return dates as Luis Sinisterra among doubts for Fulham FA Cup tie
Javi Gracia will still be without a number of first-team players for Leeds United's FA Cup clash with Fulham on Tuesday night, as Luis Sinisterra, Pascal Struijk and Liam Cooper are still doubts for the fifth round tie.
Gracia will be looking to follow up Saturday afternoon's victory over Southampton with a repeat performance against the Cottagers. A trip to the capital awaits the Whites, with victory seeing them progress to the quarter-finals of the competition - just one win away from a Wembley clash.
Although those dreams will be put to one side for now, there was some good news on the injury front for Leeds ahead of the game as both Marc Roca and Max Wober recovered in time to feature in the win over Southampton. However, there are still a fair few members of the squad occupying spots on the treatment tables.
Javi Gracia seal of approval as supercomputer boosts survival forecast after Southampton win
Leeds United have been backed by data analysts FiveThirtyEight to finish 16th in the Premier League this season in their latest supercomputer predictions, after beating Southampton 1-0 on Saturday.
Junior Firpo's first goal for the club saw Leeds win their first top-flight match since November. His 77th minute strike got Javi Gracia's tenure off to the perfect start as scenes of wild celebration took place inside Elland Road.
Everton and Bournemouth also lost their respective matches to Aston Villa and Manchester City to cap off a near-perfect set of results in the Premier League for Leeds this weekend.
READ NEXT:
How Leeds United's relegation picture looks as Whites benefit from Premier League results
Leeds United ace Junior Firpo hails Whites performance after scoring winning goal vs Southampton
Leeds United supporters' plea answered in Javi Gracia debut as Jesse Marsch mark already eclipsed
Leeds United 1-0 Southampton - give us your player ratings as Junior Firpo goal seals victory
Leeds United transfer rumours as Tottenham set to 'battle' Whites for £13million Serie A star
