Leeds United secured their fifth win in a row on Friday night with a 1-0 victory at Bristol City.
Willy Gnonto’s goal just after half-time was the difference between the two sides on a night where Leeds could have won by three or four, had they taken their chances.
Those missed chances, though, handed Bristol City the opportunity to throw some bodies forward towards the end, in which Leeds therefore had to soak up some pressure and hold out.
Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu were once against partnered alongside one another at centre-back in the absence of Pascal Struijk, as Leeds kept their fourth clean sheet in five matches with those two together.
Speaking on BBC Radio Leeds after the match, Jon Newsome believes the two Wales internationals lead by example to the rest of the team with how they conduct themselves onto the pitch.
Newsome hails Ampadu and Rodon displays
He said: “He was a leader out there, I thought Ampadu was the same. They lead from the front and by example. They do their jobs when it is asked of them and when they are up against it, they find a way to come through. Outstanding.”
Leeds’ defence did not have an awful lot to do during the match but it was their effectiveness at the back which meant Bristol City were barely able to get into the final third all night.
It is clear that both Rodon and Ampadu love playing alongside each other, and their understanding in central defence is getting better and better with every game.
Daniel Farke will certainly have some big selection decisions to make once Struijk returns from injury, as Ampadu will be expecting to go back into midfield.
However, both Ilia Gruev and Glen Kamara have also formed an incredible partnership of their own, leaving Farke absolutely spoilt for choice down the spine of his team.
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