Leeds United moved up to second in the Championship as they ended Sheffield Wednesday’s four-game winning and promise to carry championship
Just before halftime, Junior Firpo’s excellent left-wing delivery found Patrick Bamford, who tapped in at the far post to give the visitors the lead.
Leeds’ second goal came after a quick attack by Wilfried Gnonto, who again took the Owls defense off guard.
After Bamford’s opening goal, second-bottom Wednesday could not build on their excellent recent play to escape the drop zone, so it was a challenging night for them. They did not provide much of a response.
Watch Leeds win the Championship at Sheff Wed.
Leeds’ victory moves them two points behind leaders Leicester and one point ahead of the Tractor Boys, who play Cardiff on Saturday. They also leapfrog Ipswich Town into second place.
But the hosts’ winning streak was abruptly ended, and they now find themselves level on points with Stoke and Huddersfield in a close battle to survive in the Championship in 23rd place.
In the sixteenth minute, Wednesday came dangerously close to taking the lead when Djeidi Gassama’s close-range shot was blocked by Leeds keeper Illan Meslier’s incredible block. Marvin Johnson had the corner.
For the visitors, Georginio Rutter went close twice. Firstly, he attempted to lob Wednesday goalkeeper James Beadle, and then he curled a shot just wide of the net.
Following a collision between Joe Rodon and Firpo, four extra minutes were given to the first half; nevertheless, Leeds was in the lead at this point.
When Firpo put a lovely ball into the box in 2024, Owls defender Akin Famewo failed to pick up Bamford, who went on to score his seventh goal in 10 league games.
After Meslier fired a free kick upfield, Leeds doubled their lead in the 58th minute when Rutter ultimately sent Gnonto through to finish easily.
After forcing a strong save from Beadle after going clear, Crysencio Summerville gave Daniel Farke’s team even more reason to celebrate.
Nevertheless, they persevered to win their 11th league game in a row, a resolute triumph against their Yorkshire rivals.
Danny Rohl, the Owls’ manager, stated on BBC Radio Sheffield:
“I believe we put up a strong fight. You have to play excellent defense in order to defeat an opponent like this, and we didn’t play well in these two goals we gave up.
“The first goal scored prior to halftime, which was crucial, was a bit of a blow, particularly emotionally.
“This is football; we have to accept it and grow from our errors. There were several enjoyable times we shared.
“I think we showed that we have weapons – all in all a bit disappointed, but we have to keep going and we showed this in the last weeks.”
Daniel Farke, head coach of Leeds, stated to BBC Radio Leeds:
“Winning was well-earned. It was a well-managed show. They played with confidence, and it was evident that they were enjoying themselves.
“We had complete control over the game, particularly in the first half, but they are always dangerous on the counterattack and on set pieces.
“Maybe we gave them a couple too many corners in the first half. I can only find fault with just one thing.
Junior Firpo’s cross was excellent, and Patrick Bamford’s strike was spot-on. We were in complete control and scored the second goal in the second half. Maybe we ought to have scored a third.
“They didn’t really have one chance and it was a very controlled performance, especially keeping in mind it was our fourth game in 10 days.”
