Leeds United are sitting pretty at the top of the Championship table after Tuesday night’s win over Middlesbrough, proving to be one of the best performances of the 2024-25 season.
Boro are going to be one of the best sides Leeds face this season, and yet The Whites were well worthy of their win aside from a couple of chances and a penalty shout that Tony Dorigo felt the ref got “spot on”.
All eyes turn to Sheffield United’s clash against Millwall, with the Blades requiring a win to go back to the top of the Championship table. Leeds are in good form and here are three things learned from the win.
Three things learned as Leeds United beat Middlesbrough
Leeds United’s January transfer priority identified
It has been something Leeds fans are calling for anyway. Indeed, Leeds fans discussed the Joel Piroe conundrum on social media after the win, but Tuesday’s display showed Leeds still need a new striker.
Piroe came off the bench and laid on an assist, with Neil Redfearn saying Piroe showed “international class”. But why can’t the Dutchman do it when starting? Mateo Joseph was good without being great.
The Spaniard is still stuck on two goals for the season, while Patrick Bamford continues to be overlooked. If Leeds are going to get promoted automatically, a new striker is required in the January transfer window.
“Reliable” star has got to be given new Leeds contract
Having missed the last two matches with a hamstring injury, Sam Byram returned and was thrust straight into the line-up after just one training session. Jayden Bogle is injured, also suffering a hamstring issue.
Michael Bridges deemed Byram as “reliable” after another stunning display in which he lasted 85 minutes. The Thorp Arch academy product played a role in the first two goals, for Wilfried Gnonto and Dan James.
A neat pass set James free for the first, before his tackle allowed Piroe to play in James. The issue with Byram is that he is out of contract next summer but judging by this display, he deserves a new deal.
Unlikely Leeds ace wins nine duels, more than anyone else
Normally, the likes of Ao Tanaka or one of Leeds’ defenders sit top of the list when it comes to duels won. On Tuesday, Gnonto returned to the starting line-up and the Italian played like he had a point to prove.
Farke recently said Gnonto has been better as a sub of late, but given a start against Boro he was superb. He deserved his goal but the stats prove he offered a whole lot more than simply scoring Leeds’ first.
Indeed, Gnonto won nine duels – more than any other player last night. A tenacious display from the Leeds winger, Neil Redfearn said he is “working his socks off” since Farke arrived as Leeds manager.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
