Javi Gracia begins Leeds reign with 1-0 win over Southampton

Leeds United secured a crucial win over fellow strugglers Southampton with a 1-0 victory, as new manager Javi Gracia marked his debut with a win.

The win was Leeds’ first since Dec. 26 and it lifted them out of the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Southampton’s defeat leaves them rooted to the bottom of the English Premier League.

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The game was devoid of clear-cut chances until Junior Firpo struck the only goal in the 77th minute. The left-back shot low under Southampton goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu to score his first league goal and secure the much-needed win for his team.

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In an interesting note, three American players – Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, and Brenden Aaronson – started for Leeds in the match. They became the first trio of Americans to start for a club in the Premier League since Kasey Keller, Clint Dempsey, and Brian McBride for Fulham in May 2008.

It is also worth noting that they are the first outfield players to do it since Dempsey, McBride, and Carlos Bocanegra for Fulham at Middlesbrough in May 2007.