Daniel Farke may have one unlikely man, in one moment, to thank for the win against Middlesbrough… and it’s not Dan James.
Dan James was Leeds United’s Man of the Match against Middlesbrough on Tuesday night, with his electric pace and precision in the final third proving the difference.
He scored Leeds’ second goal of the night. The Whites had taken the lead through Wilfried Gnonto but came back on level terms after an own goal from Max Wober, before James finished neatly to set Leeds up for the win at Elland Road.
Brenden Aaronson scored in injury time as Leeds United cement their spot at the top of the Championship table, with all eyes bound to be on Sheffield United on Wednesday night, when they take on Millwall at The Den.
For the Whites, there were several impressive player performances on Tuesday. Leeds United fans were impressed with Ao Tanaka once again, but veteran defender Sam Byram deserves some plaudits.
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Sam Byram’s crunching tackle sets up Dan James’ goal vs Middlesbrough
James’ goal against Middlesbrough was a very simple one: Leeds won back possession inside Boro’s half, Joel Piroe played through James, and James did the rest.
Looking back at the goal though, it was Byram’s crunching tackle inside the Middlesbrough half that snatched possession off the visitors.
He flew in, winning the ball cleanly and playing it in the direction of Piroe, who came off the bench after Mateo Joseph’s tough performance for Leeds United on the night.
There were a few shout-outs for Byram and his tackle on social media. Inevitably though, all the plaudits went to James for his finish.
Sam Byram is ‘Mr. Reliable’, says former Leeds United teammate
Byram, 31, has now featured 15 times in the Championship this season, with one goal and one assist to his name.
He came back into the XI after missing the last two through injury, putting in another commanding and steady display.
Speaking recently, Stuart Dallas gave his verdict on former Leeds United teammate Byram, explaining how he’s always the reliable full-back, and someone who gets the crowd going at Elland Road.
We saw exactly that with his crunching tackle in the build up to James’ goal. Dallas said: “We know what we get out of Sam Byram when he plays.
“He’s Mr. Reliable. Is he as attacking as Junior when he plays? Of course not. But he gives you more balance in defence.
“He’s aggressive as well, I love the way he plays. He’s not afraid to get rattled into people, which sometimes you need to get the crowd going when games are a bit dull.”
Leeds United return to action away against Preston North End on Saturday afternoon.
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