Leeds United produced arguably their most satisfying victory of the season with a 3-1 win over Middlesbrough.
Boro are arguably the best side to have come to Elland Road this term and after a rocky period just after half time, Leeds were able to come through and claim the three points.
Wilfried Gnonto was the man to open the scoring for Leeds early on but after failing to double their advantage, were pegged back courtesy of Max Wober’s own goal.
However, Leeds then managed to wrestle back control of the game and took the lead thanks to player of the match Dan James, who finished emphatically after missing a golden chance just moments earlier.
Brenden Aaronson then sealed the win in stoppage time after some unselfish play from Ao Tanaka, helping Leeds move back to the top of the Championship.
Neil Redfearn says Joel Piroe produced moment of ‘international class’
Daniel Farke has often been criticised for his substitutions during his time at Leeds, but no team in the Championship has more goals from the bench this season.
And while none of Leeds’ subs against Boro were on the scoresheet, the introduction of Joel Piroe helped swing the game back in their favour.
Piroe is always better when there is space to play and after picking up the ball in a nice pocket, fed James with a perfectly weighted through ball to score the winner.
Speaking on BBC Radio Leeds post-match, Neil Redfearn hailed Piroe’s assist as a moment of ‘international class’.
He said: “He made a massive difference. What he does is have great awareness, and his touch is good. His weight of pass for Dan James’ goal was international class. I thought he showed a real awareness of what was needed from him when he came on.
“He got hold of the ball, brought players into the game and was aware of the runners in behind. He knew the threat they’d cause and I thought he really played his part.”
Daniel Farke’s striker conundrum continues for Leeds
Mateo Joseph was handed just his second start in two months for Leeds and helped lay the platform for a dominant first half display.
However, he did tire as the second half went on and it was evident as he failed to help the ball stick in attack, allowing Boro to dominate.
Piroe’s introduction then came at the perfect time and as he has done so many times this season, makes a difference from the bench.
It will be interesting to see if Farke sticks with that dynamic against Preston North End on Saturday, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if he went back to Piroe.
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