Leeds United are in seventh heaven on Saturday evening after crushing Cardiff City 7-0.
The encounter could not have been more different than the slow, grinding, and goalless war of attrition they played against Burnley on Monday, with Leeds United scoring early on.
Brenden Aaronson opened the scoring after five minutes, then Manor Solomon increased the lead shortly after.
Dan James set up both goals and scored himself right after the break from close range.
Joel Piroe subsequently converted a penalty, and replacements Willy Gnonto and Mateo Joseph also scored. Piroe added his second goal in the final stages to bring the score to seven.
Piroe, Solomon, and Junior Firpo all delivered excellent performances, but BBC expert Betty Glover singled out James for special appreciation.
Dan James hailed for ‘masterminding’ Leeds victory.
James was the only player to have a shot on goal in the Burnley game, and he seems motivated to make Saturday’s match more exciting.
Within 30 seconds, the Welsh winger began tearing up the Bluebirds’ defense, setting the tone for the victory.
Speaking on BBC Final Score, Glover was full of admiration for James. She said: “Both teams came into this on unbeaten runs but it is Leeds who will be maintaining theirs – on track to go 13 games without defeat.
“Dominating this one and smashing Cardiff. Dan James tallied two assists and one goal. He’s been orchestrating everything today.
“They’re carding through the Cardiff backline like it’s a roast meal. I can’t see them scoring in this game because Leeds are so dominant.”
Leeds wins big in the Championship title chase.
Such a strong victory will undoubtedly send a troubling message to Leeds’ title contenders.’
Sheffield United are now just two points behind Leeds at the top of the Championship table after defeating Derby County.
However, the Whites currently have a five-point advantage over Burnley after drawing 0-0 with Portsmouth on Saturday.
Furthermore, the decisive victory has improved Leeds’ goal difference, which Aidy White had previously expressed concern over.
Leeds now boast a +41 GD, which is far better than the Blades’ +20, a potentially insurmountable disparity that could come in useful in May.
