Leeds take top spot in Championship as Burnley and Sunderland falter

Leeds United moved to the top of the Championship and further clear of promotion rivals Burnley and Sunderland in victory over Middlesbrough on Tuesday.

While three of the top four were at home on Tuesday, Daniel Farke’s side arguably had the toughest assignment.

But Boro were swept aside by Leeds despite the visitors benefiting from a Maximilian Wober own goal that cancelled out Wilfried Gnonto’s early opener.

Leeds had to wait until the 74th minute to restore their lead through Daniel James, before Brenden Aaronson’s stoppage-time goal made sure of a 3-1 victory.

SIMPLY SENSATIONAL! pic.twitter.com/dFNGAFTpsd

— Leeds United (@LUFC) December 10, 2024

Elsewhere, Burnley could muster only a goalless draw at home to Derby County, while Sunderland required a last-gasp leveller from Patrick Roberts at home to Bristol City, drawing 1-1.

Although Sheffield United could replace Leeds at the summit on Wednesday, Farke’s side are now three points clear of third-placed Burnley and four clear of Sunderland in fourth.

Blackburn Rovers leapfrogged Boro into fifth after beating Sheffield Wednesday.

At the other end of the table, Portsmouth climbed out of the bottom three on goal difference after a 0-0 draw at home to Norwich City, but there was no respite for Wayne Rooney and Plymouth Argyle.

After back-to-back thrashings at Norwich and Bristol City, Plymouth suffered their first home defeat since August, going down 2-1 to Swansea City in a result that leaves them 23rd.