Daniel Farke praised the quality of forward Georginio Rutter after he played a part in two goals in Leeds’ 3-0 Championship victory over Watford at Elland Road.

Second-half goals from Joel Piroe, Sam Byram and Jaidon Anthony sealed three points for the hosts, as Rutter put in perhaps his best performance in a Leeds shirt.

Piroe gave Leeds the lead midway through the second half as he volleyed home to finish off a fine move by Farke’s side.

Byram capped his return to the side as he headed in from a corner and Anthony’s late goal sees Leeds move up to sixth in the table, as they saw off a Watford outfit who rarely threatened.

Farke said of Rutter after the game: “I think we can be absolutely happy with him today, his work ethic. He is great in linking the play.

“He is still a relatively young lad, it’s important that we were concentrated on scoring the first goal.

“He had great assists, it was a top-class performance. He deserves all the praise today.”

Despite seeing his side score three goals, Farke claimed he was most pleased with keeping a clean sheet.

Farke explained: “It was an exciting game, especially the second half. That we were able to return to the dressing room with a clean sheet was pleasing.

“We created so many chances in the first half. In the second half we were able to turn our domination into goals.

“The focus was very pleasing for me and I am very pleased with the clean sheet.”

Leeds could not find a way past Watford goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann until the 67th minute when Piroe volleyed in at the far post from a Dan James cross, after Rutter’s strength on halfway had seen him release the winger down the right.

Leeds made it 2-0 within four minutes as the unmarked Byram got on the end of James’ corner to power a header past Bachmann.

When Watford did get into the Leeds area, half-time substitute Vakoun Bayo steered his shot off target which said a lot about the lack of quality shown by Valerien Ismael’s side.

Substitute Anthony sealed the win as he was released by Rutter on halfway before steering his shot past Bachmann with a minute remaining.

Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier was finally called into action in stoppage time when he tipped over a rising shot from Giorgi Chakvetadze.