Leeds United returned to the top of the Championship with an eighth successive home victory — this time a 3-1 win against Middlesbrough.
Michael Carrick’s side promised to be a tough test after knocking Leeds out of the Carabao Cup at Elland Road earlier in the season and when Max Wober’s own goal cancelled out Willy Gnonto’s opener, it looked like a repeat was looming.
But goals from Daniel James and Brenden Aaronson eased any home nerves as Daniel Farke’s side edged closer to a perfect nine-point week in the league.
The Athletic breaks down the key talking points from the game.
Ampadu is back — so who must make way?
Ethan Ampadu has been sorely missed after spending an extended period on the sidelines with a knee ligament injury.
Originally predicted to return in the new year, Ampadu was named in the match day squad in the weekend’s 2-0 win over Derby County and played 13 minutes off the bench against Boro.
Few would have predicted that his return would come at right-back but Leeds’ full-back shortage has necessitated stop-gap solutions. Ampadu slotted in well having spent most of last season at centre-back and got valuable minutes as he builds towards a full return. When he is ready to start it will give Farke a headache — current defensive midfield pair Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka have been performing well, with both registering assists in the past two games.
He offers different qualities in the role to the current pair as a more defensive option capable of breaking up play and playing passes into the final third. But it is inevitable that, as club captain, he will return to the starting line-up and take back the armband from stand-in captain Pascal Struijk.
His return is welcome, particularly for a squad still missing Junior Firpo, Jayden Bogle and Ilia Gruev. But whoever is dropped can feel unfortunate. Tanaka’s selfless pass to Aaronson for Leeds’ third capped off another impressive performance, while Rothwell’s all-action display helped his side control the middle of the pitch.
The moment that summed up Wober’s woes
Wober is a largely maligned figure at Elland Road but this looked like being the night when those doubts were banished.
The last time Leeds played Middlesbrough in August, the 26-year-old put in a shaky display at centre-back as he sought redemption from fans who had booed his return to the club in pre-season. As a member of United’s ‘loan squad’ who opted to activate a clause in their contracts to leave the club rather than take on the challenge of the Championship post-relegation, winning favour has not been easy.
Since that frosty reception in the summer friendly against Valencia at Elland Road, Wober has played as much football for Austria as he has for Leeds while spending time on the treatment table for a knee injury.
But having covered for the injured Firpo last weekend against Derby to great effect, he was given a start at left-back against Middlesbrough and oozed confidence, serving as a useful outlet playing high up the field.
Tasked with keeping lively Liverpool loanee Ben Doak quiet, Wober did well and was able to get forward and latch on to Rothwell’s long balls to cause problems with deliveries into the box. His early crosses made for a different type of delivery than Firpo offers and his goal against Derby was a surprisingly clinical finish.
But just when Wober must have hoped his fortunes were turning, he scored the own goal that restored parity — heading in at a corner nine minutes after half-time.
It summed up Wober’s Leeds career. Since joining from RB Salzburg in January 2023, Wober has offered a mixed bag of performances. This one was largely effective and entertaining, but ultimately the own goal will be the moment that many fans remember.
James the pressure releaser
Sign Dan James up to shifts with Royal Mail in the run up to Christmas because this is a player who delivers.
Time and again in the past two seasons the 27-year-old has popped up with a goal to release the tension when Leeds have been chasing a result. At 1-1 against Middlesbrough and with the visitors causing problems, James came through with a crucial finish to put United in front.
The Welsh international’s goal was a trademark finish from the right, striking across the ball and into the side netting past Seny Dieng. Moments before he had a tame effort from a similar position saved but he made no mistake when the chance arose again.
Farke’s rotation of his wide players has proven successful in ensuring they are fresh and able to contribute with goals and assists and James has been as reliable as ever in recent weeks. His pace and ability to take the sting out of the game with well executed goals is a special skill in Leeds’ arsenal that sets him apart from the other three wingers competing for starting positions.
James’ influence on this type of game is so important to Leeds as they chase promotion. With some of the pressure relieved, his fellow creative players were able to stream forward and find a third in the dying minutes.
What next for Leeds?
Saturday: Preston North End (12.30pm UK; 7:30am ET; live on Sky Sports).
(Top photo: George Wood/Getty Images)
