Leeds Reclaim Championship Lead Thanks to Daniel James’ Quick Opener
Leeds has surged back to the top of the Sky Bet Championship after securing a narrow 1-0 win against Middlesbrough. The only goal of the match came from Daniel James, who scored just a few minutes into the game. This marked his second goal in consecutive matches and brought his total to 12 goals in the Championship.
In the first half, both teams had goals ruled out for offside, with Leeds’ disallowed goal sparking some controversy among fans and players. While Leeds displayed a solid performance throughout the match, Middlesbrough picked up their intensity after the halftime break.
They came close to leveling the score, thanks to efforts from Finn Azaz and Delano Burgzorg, but ultimately, Leeds held on for the victory
Leeds thought they had doubled their lead when Patrick Bamford found the back of the net against his former club, but that goal was also ruled out for offside. Regardless, Leeds managed to hold on for the win, securing their position at the summit of the Championship, while Middlesbrough remained in the hunt for a playoff spot.
The visitors struck early, just two minutes into the game, when Manor Solomon made a speedy run down the left and delivered a low pass across the six-yard box. Daniel James was quick to respond, holding off Samuel Iling-Junior to poke the ball home, which deflected off goalkeeper Mark Travers before crossing the line.
Leeds continued to press, with James coming close to scoring again after a clever turn from Brenden Aaronson set him up, but Travers was able to deflect the shot. The winger was in fine form, getting into dangerous positions and forcing another attempt, which sailed over the crossbar.
Middlesbrough started to find their rhythm and had a few opportunities, including a powerful strike from Azaz that was deflected wide, and a close-range effort from Tommy Conway that was called back for offside. Leeds also had a goal ruled out when Ao Tanaka scored from a curling cross by Solomon, despite replays indicating he was onside.
In the second half, Leeds aimed to strike early again, and James was involved once more, making a brilliant run that set up Joel Piroe for a close effort, only for Travers to block it. James continued to create chances, including a dangerous cross that went begging.
Middlesbrough responded with their opportunities, most notably when Iling-Junior spotted Azaz unmarked, but his shot flew over the bar. As the game progressed, Burgzorg threatened again but missed his target, and Hackney’s volley from distance was comfortably saved by Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
The action intensified as Hackney assisted Burgzorg, who forced Darlow into a low save at his near post. Darlow also had to deal with a free-kick from Azaz before Leeds broke forward, with Bamford attempting another shot that was disallowed for offside, a decision that seemed dubious.
In the dying moments, Middlesbrough pushed for an equalizer, with Morgan Whittaker sending a shot over the bar and Leeds managing to clear a dangerous cross from Iling-Junior. In the end, Leeds held on for a crucial win, keeping them at the top of the league.
