Leeds United secured an enormous 4-3 win over Middlesbrough to re-ignite their hopes of a place in the Championshiop’s top two but were made to wait for it by an impressive Boro side, at The Riverside.
What promised to be a real Championship heavyweight bout between two of the division’s biggest sides, duly delivered. Leeds had picked up one point from the last three games – automatic hopes were fading.
Meanwhile, Boro came into the game with an unbeaten run of nine matches, winning five. But, they were without Luke Ayling and Sam Greenwood. Boro took the lead, Isaiah Jones scoring on just seven minutes.
Leeds secure massive win to return to second place against Boro
Leeds bit back immediately, Crysencio Summerville scoring a penalty after Georginio Rutter won it brilliantly. Then, Junior Firpo crossed for Patrick Bamford to score his ninth goal of the 23-24 season.
Boro equalised to make it 2-2 but Leeds were 3-2 up before half-time, Summerville finding Willy Gnonto to score. Five goals, inside the first 45 minutes. Leeds made it four, when Summerville cut inside to score.
Leeds looked to kill the game but Emmanuel Latte Lath netted out of the blue, making it 4-3 and a nervy final 10 minutes for Leeds. However, Daniel Farke’s men held on to secure a massive three points.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Bamford – who was reinstated in the side after being dropped for Joel Piroe against Blackburn – spoke of how at half-time, Leeds said they knew that pressure was coming.
What Patrick Bamford said Leeds players discussed at half-time
He said: We said at half time that the way Middlesbrough are playing, we’ve got to suffer a it but make sure we remain compact and hit them on the counter. It was all going to plan until the last 10 minutes.”
Certainly, Leeds suffered – for much of the second half – hitting Boro on the counter. It worked though, as Summerville scored and Leeds really should have had five or six. Dan James missing a golden chance.
The race for the title and automatic promotion goes on. Leicester and Southampton are in action on Tuesdya night, before Leeds take on QPR on the weekend – and then of course, we face Southampton.