Leeds United 3 Middlesbrough 1 – Dan James the Centurion. Dan James celebrated his hundredth appearance for Leeds United with a thunderbolt of a goal. Tanaka continues to impress with his tackling and calm assist to Aaronson for the third goal. And Meslier made a rare couple of interventions to keep a determined Middlesbrough at bay.
Leeds do step up a gear against the tougher opponents like in-form Middlesbrough. The intent was clear from the beginning with James and Aaronson having a shot on goal. And whilst Middlesbrough came at Leeds in the second half they had their worst XG this season so far. This was Leeds at their most formidable – timely defending and surging on goal at the other end.
It was another three match week with Farke rotating on the wings and attack. Joseph had a rare start with Gnonto and James on the wings. Fans had recently been singing Bielsa’s name and voicing their frustration with Farke’s slow patient play. Mddlesbrough scored the biggest hit against Leeds at the beginning of the season in the Carabao Cup. So we knew this match could have banana skins and was going to be anything but quiet.
The first half was full of jeopardy. Once Leeds went ahead Middlesbrough started to attack and the match became entertaining end to end stuff. At first Middlesbrough sat deep and looked to counter. But that plan went out of the window when Leeds showed their team spirit – Byram threaded to James who crossed to Joseph to shoot for Gnonto to score with the loose ball.
Middlesbrough then played Leeds at their own game with periods of possession, playing the better football in the second half. This pressure paid off with high pressing forcing the first save from Meslier. Wober then headed the ball from the corner into his own net.
But Middlesbrough were still in with a chance of winning with Leeds nearly conceding another goal from Tanaka getting pick pocketed but Meslier saved the day. Leeds responded valiantly but James could only tamely shoot. Within seconds Tanaka pressed high and again the ball was threaded to a free James who made no mistake this time and hammered the ball home.
Tanaka was the hero for the third goal dispossessing in the midfield with Piroe running forward to give it back to Tanaka to pass it to Aaronson in front of the keeper. Aaronson had one of his better games showing he does have bite. Wober also improved as a Leeds player with his forward darting runs. But Joseph looked off the pace when James fed him crosses.
This time the fans stayed behind to celebrate with a proud Farke and players as Leeds cemented their place at the summit of the table. Both the fans and the DJ joined in singing “Leeds are falling apart again” or was it “Leeds are winning at home again.” Elland Road is becoming a fortress again.
Man of the Match: Dan James for his thunderbolt goal.
