Leeds United have finally returned to winning ways as they edged past Middlesbrough 1-0 in a vital victory.
The pressure on Leeds United to finally turn their struggles around was immense but they responded well with a bright start as Dan James turned in within two minutes.
Daniel Farke’s side appeared to have the fire in their bellies but Middlesbrough fought back into things and had a goal correctly ruled out for offside.
Leeds weren’t as lucky as Ao Tanaka saw a goal chalked off even though he was clearly onside.
The Whites got in at the break in the lead and once again kicked things off on the front foot as they squandered several gilt-edged chances, giving Boro the chance to hit back with their own.
Leeds had another goal wrongly disallowed, this time from Patrick Bamford, but managed to withstand an onslaught to earn a massive three points.
With Sheffield United losing and Burnley drawing, it’s a huge win that suddenly puts Leeds back to the summit of the table.
Here’s how the players rated.
Karl Darlow – 8
Not much to do in the opening half but continued to be the calming presence that Illan Meslier is not. Was on hand to make huge saves after the break and commanded his area.
Jayden Bogle – 7
Reenergised after a difficult weekend. Jayden Bogle was committed to every challenge, was a lot more involved going forward and made some great passes. He was up against a dangerous left side and given trouble by Samuel Iling-Junior but held his own.
Joe Rodon – 9
Set Leeds’ early tempo by pressing really high to win the ball back and maintain Leeds’ pressure. Dug in deep when Boro turned up the heat and was forced to make some vital challenges and interceptions. Made some towering headers as Leeds held on.
Ethan Ampadu -7
Moved back to centre-back in Pascal Struijk’s absence and filled in well, making a lot of clearances with his feet and head.
Junior Firpo – 7
Like his opposite number, Junior Firpo was much more active in attacking areas, starting from the off when his lovely through ball into the channel led to the opening goal.
Created more chances but was given a bit of a torrid time in the second half as Boro attacked in waves and taken off.
Ao Tanaka – 5
Tanaka’s poor form continued with wayward passing and disconnected pressing, as attackers shrugged him off at ease at points as they galloped forward.
Unfortunate not to get on the score sheet, though, when his goal was wrongly flagged. Made a couple of important interceptions.
Ilia Gruev – 6
A lot of fans weren’t pleased to see Ilia Gruev get the nod in midfield – with many wanting Max Wober to replace Struijk – but the midfielder put in his best display since recovering from injury.
It was a selfless performance that focused on covering for the attacking full-backs, winning loose balls in the field and harrying Boro’s midfielders. However, he was passed by quite easily on occasion when Boro got their feet on the ball.
Dan James – 8
The player who is still delivering when Leeds need him most and the instigator for nearly everything positive they did.
James tapped in the opener and was constantly a threat with exciting runs that ended with shots or attempts to set up his teammates.
Forced off with an injury in what could be a humungous blow to the club’s promotion hopes if it’s serious.
Brenden Aaronson – 6
If fans didn’t want to see Gruev in the starting lineup up they were absolutely fuming that Brenden Aaronson was reinstated for Willy Gnonto.
However, the American seemed to respond to the wake-up call and looked a lot sharper in possession, with one lovely pirouette on the ball being a spark of creativity not seen for a while. Wasn’t massively effective despite working hard, though.
Manor Solomon – 7
Under pressure to perform after keeping his place despite his performance levels falling off a cliff but set up the goal two minutes in with a good ball across the box. Manor Solomon looked sharper in general as he linked up well with Firpo and delivered a wicked cross for the disallowed goal. Unlucky to be substituted.
Joel Piroe – 3
A little more involved than he was at the weekend but remains a passenger who is too careless and wasteful on the ball to justify when he is no longer finding the back of the net. He couldn’t even throw himself at a tantalising ball as another golden chance passed him by.
Especially fortunate that the Boro goal his wiffed clearance led to was disallowed and, with Bamford looking sharp, he must now be dropped.
Substitutes
Sam Byram – 7
Brought on to try and reduce the Boro threat down the right and was booked early for an accidental handball. While the home side still came forward down his side, he made some big blocks and headed clearances.
Willy Gnonto – 6
Denied an assist by an incorrect flag with a delightful pass to Bamford. Got back well.
Isaac Schmidt – 6
Great breakaway play to help create Bamford’s disallowed goal. Ran up and down.
Patrick Bamford – 7
Once again offered more threat than Piroe within minutes of coming on and saw a brilliant finish wrongly disallowed. Worked very hard.
Josuha Guilavogui – N?A
Came on in added time.
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