Leeds 'greedy to go to the next step' as Wembley awaits
Having not been able to celebrate an FA Cup semi-final appearance for 39 years, Leeds United supporters are now dreaming of their side lifting the trophy for the first time since 1972. They were put through a range of emotions in a breathtaking quarter-final at West Ham on Sunday. Daniel Farke's men led 2-0 going into the third of 11 minutes of injury time, only to then concede twice as the Hammers forced extra time at London Stadium.
The hosts then celebrated what could have been winning goals twice, only for them to both be ruled out for offside. Leeds also missed first in the penalty shootout as 20-year-old reserve goalkeeper Finlay Herrick replaced the injured Alphonse Areola for his West Ham debut and blocked Joel Piroe's spot-kick. But Brazilian goalkeeper Lucas Perri saved from Jarrod Bowen and Pablo, before Pascal Struijk kept his nerve to help Leeds win 4-2 on penalties and book a Wembley last-four tie against Chelsea .
"It was a bit of a crazy game, lots of excitement and in a quarter-final both teams are fighting to make history for their club," said Farke, who was only 10 when Leeds lost 3-2 to Coventry City in a dramatic 1987 semi-final that also went to extra time. "I'm just proud of my boys, how we dealt with so many setbacks, not just the two late goals but injuries. We missed the first penalty but we stuck together and wanted to win.
"We have rewarded our fantastic fanbase with the first semi-final in decades so it's a great night for Leeds United . " Leeds beat West Ham on penalties to reach semi-finals Leeds draw Chelsea, Man City face Southampton in FA Cup semis Was 11 minutes of stoppage time at West Ham excessive? Tanaka puts Leeds ahead at West Ham after some 'fancy footwork' Leeds have only won the FA Cup once in their history, beating Arsenal 1-0 at Wembley through Allan Clarke's diving header 54 years ago, but they have lost in three finals, including to Chelsea after a replay at Old Trafford in 1970.
They were beaten in the semi-finals by Manchester United in 1977 and Coventry a decade later, while losing in the quarter-finals in 1996, 1998 and 2003. With Manchester City taking on Championship side Southampton in the other last-four tie, Leeds have the task of toppling eight-time FA Cup winners Chelsea . But the Blues will hold no fear for Farke's side after this season's Premier League games, having beaten Chelsea 3-1 at Elland Road in December and drawn 2-2 at Stamford Bridge in February.