Leeds United returned to the top of the Championship table on Tuesday night with a brilliant 3-1 win over Middlesbrough at Elland Road and Michael Bridges is getting “excited”.
The Whites came into the game sitting in second place after the weekend’s matches, but having reduced Sheffield United’s lead at the top by two points. The Blades stayed a point ahead of Daniel Farke’s men.
But Leeds had the chance to go top by beating Middlesbrough at Elland Road and getting revenge on this season’s early exit from the Carabao Cup. That is just what Leeds did, securing a superb 3-1 victory.
Boro are expected to be in the mix for a top-six spot but Leeds dominated much of the game despite Michael Carrick’s side looking dangerous on the counter. Wilfried Gnonto handed Leeds an early lead.
Championship table is exciting Michael Bridges as Leeds sit top
The Italian bundled the ball home after a Dan James cross, which saw Mateo Joseph attempt to slot the ball home and it caused havoc. Tony Dorigo heaped praise on Joseph for his run across the near post.
Max Wober scored an own goal from a Boro corner, but Leeds replied soon after as James slammed a fourth goal of the season into the top corner before Brenden Aaronson tapped in a third in injury time.
Leeds sit top, with Sheffield United playing away at Millwall on Wednesday night. Speaking to LUTV after the win, Michael Bridges says it is “so exciting” to see Leeds at the top of the Championship table.
“Once you see that table, it’s so exciting. At Christmas you want to be top. Really nice to see that against a team like Middlesbrough and Daniel Farke will be praising every one of his players in that dressing room.”
How do Leeds compare to last term, after 20 League games?
So, Leeds have a total of 41 points from 20 Championship matches. 12 wins, five draws and three losses with 36 goals scored and only 14 conceded with Illan Meslier boasting an impressive 11 clean sheets.
| Season | Wins | Draws | Losses | GS | GA | Clean sheets | Points | Position |
| 2023-24 | 12 | 5 | 3 | 36 | 20 | 7 | 41 | 3rd |
| 2024-25 | 12 | 5 | 3 | 36 | 14 | 11 | 41 | 1st |
Incredibly, Leeds have the same points, same wins, draws and losses, and same goals scored compared to last season. But the difference, aside from the defence, is that there are no Leicester or Ipswich ahead.
At this stage last season, Leicester were eight ahead with 49 points after 20 games. Ipswich were second with 48, but this season Leeds are top – albeit, with Sheffield United to play on Wednesday at Millwall.
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