Derby County 1-3 Leeds United: Second-half turnaround seals FA Cup progress

Wilfried Gnonto, Ao Tanaka and James Justin scored as Leeds United fought back to beat Derby County 3-1 in the FA Cup third round.

Daniel Farke’s team, who lost 4-3 to Newcastle United in dramatic fashion in their last Premier League outing, ensured there was no cup upset at Pride Park on Sunday.

Ben Brereton Diaz had put Derby ahead in the first half, scoring just two minutes after Joel Piroe had missed a penalty at the other end.

But Leeds showcased their top-flight quality after the break.

Gnonto slammed home with a venomous first-time finish in the 55th minute.

Tanaka then tucked in from point-blank range after Jacob Widell Zetterstrom parried out Piroe’s shot.

Derby failed to test Karl Darlow in the Leeds goal from then on, and Justin added further gloss in stoppage time by side-footing in his first Whites goal.

Through to the next round! pic.twitter.com/Th9KARSm8B

— Leeds United (@LUFC) January 11, 2026

Data Debrief: Leeds roll over Derby again

Derby have now lost seven of their last nine matches against their old foes Leeds in all competitions, suffering four straight defeats.

In fact, Leeds have progressed from each of their last five FA Cup ties against Derby, knocking them out in 1967-68, 1972-73, 1974-75, 1995-96 and now 2025-26.

Despite going behind, it was ultimately a routine day at the office for Leeds, who finished with 2.58 expected goals to Derby’s 0.42 xG.

And if not for Zetterstrom, it could have been worse, with Derby’s goalkeeper making eight saves, which is the joint-most stops he has managed in a match for the Rams.