Good Morning. It's Wednesday 9th April, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road That's more like it Daniel Farke and his Leeds United side showed their mettle, securing a vital 1-0 victory at high-flying Middlesbrough. This win not only halted a worrying run of form but also propelled the Whites back to the top of the Championship, overtaking Burnley on goal difference and extending their lead over Sheffield United to two points. The game's solitary goal arrived early, a mere two minutes into the match. Dan James connected with Manor Solomon's inviting cross, forcing the ball over the line for his 12th goal of the season. This early breakthrough proved to be the shot in the arm that Farke's team desperately needed, swinging the promotion race momentum back in Leeds' favor. The goal, however, was not without controversy. Leeds saw two subsequent goals disallowed for offside, decisions that replays suggested were incorrect. Adding to the irony, James's decisive opening goal itself appeared to be offside, a call that the linesman seemingly missed. Despite these contentious decisions, the goal stood, ultimately proving sufficient to secure the vital three points. Middlesbrough, notorious for their fluctuating performances this season, pressed hard for an equalizer. However, their efforts proved fruitless, and the defeat resulted in them slipping to sixth place, a mere point clear of Coventry City. This loss could represent a significant setback for the Teesside club's aspirations for a top-six finish, especially after enjoying a positive run of form with five wins in their last seven games. For Leeds, this victory served as a timely reminder of their potential. While the performance might not have been their most dazzling of the season, there were glimpses of a shift in momentum that they can hopefully carry forward into their upcoming match against Preston. As they approach the final stretch, Leeds needs to adopt a strategy of focusing on one game at a time – the finishing line is now within sight; let's relish every moment of the journey! please log in to view this image James injury 'doesn't look too good' Leeds face a worrying setback by the news that Daniel James sustained a hamstring injury during Leeds 1-0 victory at the Riverside Stadium last night. The 27yo Welsh International was forced off the pitch during the second half, casting a shadow over an otherwise polished performance. This injury comes at a crucial point in the season, as Leeds look to maintain their promotion push. James has been an instrumental figure for Leeds throughout this campaign. Having started every league game in 2025, his consistent presence on the pitch speaks volumes about his importance to the team. Some have suggested that this relentless schedule may have contributed to burnout, potentially playing a role in this unfortunate injury. His stats alone tell the story of his impact: 12 goals and 9 assists demonstrate his crucial role in the final third. James' blistering pace, clever footwork, and keen eye for goal have made him a nightmare for defenders and a firm favourite for the club's Player of the Season award. His ability to consistently spark attacking moves and find the net has been the driving force behind Leeds' recent successes, directly contributing to four vital points in their last two matches alone. Daniel Farke confirmed in his post-match press conference that James will miss Saturday’s fixture against Preston but won't know more until he is properly assessed by the Thorp Arch medical team, admitting 'it doesn't look good'. Losing a player of his calibre for any period would be a significant blow. But James' injury is not an isolated incident. Leeds are facing a growing injury crisis, with the treatment room becoming increasingly busy. Joe Rothwell is already sidelined with a thigh injury that will keep him out for the next four games. Adding to the defensive woes, Pascal Struijk was spotted arriving at Thorp Arch yesterday on crutches, his foot encased in a protective boot, further depleting the squad's options at the back. Concerns also linger over Ethan Ampadu's knee, with worries about whether it can withstand the rigours of the remaining games. With attacking options dwindling, Farke will need to reshuffle his pack. While Manor Solomon has been in a dip of form recently, and there appear to be some internal issues with Largie Ramazani, other players will need to step up. Isaac Schmidt, who replaced James when he went off, could be in line for more game time. please log in to view this image
Morning all The outfield starting 11 yesterday have played four won four next to their names according to Sky so I’ve no problem with Ampadu and Rodon starting together and Gruev and Tanaka in the middle. I read one report it might have been YEP who scored Ampadu 9/10 and gave him MOM James is a huge loss and it was strange that Schmidt came on for him. Looking at the positives, we have Gnonto as cover and Largi, we are playing lesser teams from here on in and and Bamford looked good when he came on Huge bonus that Burnley still have 0-0s in them and Sheffield are falling apart and they have to play each other
Morning all. Great battling performance against all the elements. Looks like Willy is going to have to stand up and be counted for the last five games if we've lost our player of the season Dan. For anyone still saying were better off without var then last night should have cleared it up. It's not perfect but clearly far better than last nights potential fiasco. If Boro had their shooting boots on Farke could have been facing the sack after those two ruled out goals. That linesman that's ruled out three Leeds goals recently needs investigating. All his matches this season should be checked and if there's more than the three, then sack him. Otherwise Leeds must insist he doesn't officiate any more of our games
Can't say what it looked like on tv but at the game last night, it looked like James v Boro. He was a proper handful. Both centrebacks played well. The much maligned Aaronson was good in the first half. Everyone else was so so. Bamford good when he came on, Schmidt looked alright. Tanaka is a full on passenger at the moment. Think his legs have gone for the season. Boro are a big strong side who can play, and once we tired they won most of the physical duels excepting with our CBs. Last 20 minutes was like the alamo once we retreated to hang on for the draw.
Even VAR would have said we were offside for those two perfectly good good goals, we are Leeds, they are corrupt
Rollercoaster central. We're top but possibly no James. Who's wrting the script for this season - its getting like Squid Games except the best performers are getting shot.
3 left at home. Two more travels away Oxford and Plymouth.Burnley still to entertain the Blunts. Back in our own hands lets enjoy the rest of the week.
Good morning everyone Just finished watching the highlights and what a fabulous result last night a real effort by the team as a whole, the defense looked more solid/confident than they have for a long time, Darlow apart from one or two little blips (which with match experience will iron out) looked as solid a keeper as we have had in a while now and that possibly filtered through the team, as for the disallowed goals you have all, rightly commented on, were poor at best or deliberate at worst and need looking into by the EFL. But as always with Leeds, With every positive step forward ie Darlow we seem to get one back ie the James injury, christ I’m praying he will get over it quickly. Just to summarize I am more hopeful now of a top two finish than over the last few weeks, But this is Leeds were talking about and anything can happen over the next five games .
Just on the VAR, I said to Ben during the game, if they put a time limit on checks of, say, 30 seconds it would be a really good thing. Ref's have been doing the job for over a hundred years without a second look so it must be possible. Also, with technology today, couldn't the ref: just have it on a watch without someone having to sit in a room somewhere? Would make it all much more "live" for the fans in the stadium. Oh and, morning all
They need to make it a bit like cricket, if they can’t decide in 30 seconds without silly “where to draw lines” then it’s linesman call, if he gave it offside it’s chalked off, if he didn’t it’s allowed
Yes VAR would have given us two goals Eire, but I hate VAR. It's ruined the game and ruined gambling. Just my opinion.
Sheffield away to Plymouth won't be easy for them either. If we start at home the way we did at Midds, we should win well against Preston. But we are Leeds, who knows what might happen.
I read the other day that without promotion, the 49ers would have to scrap plans to buy Rangers. Where it would be acceptable under PL rules, it wouldn’t be under EFL. If correct, that could be a huge problem should we get relegated after promotion, I think the 49ers could be ready to sell a controlling stake to Redbull should we go up
I also think the VAR mob try to answer the wrong question - is the player onside? It should be is the player offside and if you can't tell without getting a microscope out then the player is onside.
Happy enough this afternoon. Got over the 2 shockingly inept “disallowedgate”, soon as the 2nd one happened I’d resigned myself to us getting at best, a draw. So delighted once the game ended to see we were top. A few observations, I was one of those absolutely delighted we got Solomon on loan, as soon as the news was announced. However I’m having 2nd thoughts about his more recent contributions, and whether he’d be a good acquisition should we go up. For all his skill, he seems to be treading water at the minute (I know he got the assist last night). In recent games he’s given possession away on a number of occasions on the edge of our box, trying stupid tricks or passes (what Jack/Norman and Billy would have made of it - would be telling). I do wonder about his football brain, perhaps he’s had a part transplant with Aaronson, who suffers similarly. On a positive thought Paddy and Schmidt did well in cameos. Thought we played well for 60 ish minutes, until we were forced deep. Lots to be pleased about, as it stands it’s in our own hands. What could possibly go wrong .
