A look at how the national media covered on Leeds United’s 2-0 Championship win over Millwall, which took Daniel Farke’s club to the top of the league for the first time this season.
Leeds United climbed to the top of the Championship table, passing Leicester City, thanks to a 2-0 home victory over Millwall. Goals either side of half-time from Wilfried Gnonto and substitute Dan James handed the Whites their 12th victory from 13 matches this calendar year.
United now lead Leicester on goal differential after playing one more game than the Foxes, with Ipswich Town behind by a point in third place. Southampton are fourth in the table, nine points below the automatic promotion positions, but have ten games remaining following the international break.
Here’s how the national media handled the Whites’ recent victory.
Daily Mail, Ross Heppenstall
Tasting the lofty air at the head of the Championship for the first time this season will not be enough for Leeds.
They want more, and for manager Daniel Farke and his players, not to mention an expectant public, that means securing an immediate return to the Premier League and, possibly, the title.
It will take some effort, but this new accomplishment has fueled expectations that automatic promotion is within reach.
It took Leeds 38 games to climb to first place, but their comfortable win over a tenacious Millwall side eventually dethroned Leicester.
In late December, the Foxes led Leeds by 17 points, but they have since stumbled, winning only one of their last five games. Farke’s team has now drawn level, albeit after a game more.
Where Enzo Maresca’s team has struggled, Leeds have gone unbeaten in 13 league games since the turn of the year.
They’ve won 12 games in a row and conceded only three goals during that span. Farke’s men are making a significant charge.
Do not overlook Farke’s role in stabilising the ship at Elland Road and transforming Leeds into a formidable Championship team.
When he joined last summer, the club was in upheaval due to relegation, player departures, and a change of ownership.
Farke managed Norwich to promotion from this tier after winning the title twice. He understands what it takes to escape and has fostered a strong team spirit among his brilliant young team.
The Guardian’s Louise Taylor
As the jubilant, full-volume strains of Status Quo’s Rocking All Over The World greeted the final whistle, Daniel Farke jumped onto the pitch and embraced each Leeds player.
Twelve victories and a tie in the last 13 league games have propelled the German team to the top of the Championship for the first time this season, surpassing one-time leaders Leicester on goal difference.
With Ipswich and Southampton still vying for the two automatic promotion spots, nothing is guaranteed, but with eight games left, Leeds may have just gotten ahead at the opportune time.
The loss of Leicester’s 17-point lead over his squad at the start of the year highlights Farke’s obvious efforts to develop something really unique at Elland Road. Although Leicester have a game in hand, Leeds has the best defensive record in the second tier.
“I’m very proud of the boys, they have so much unity in the dressing room,” Farke said after his players stood up to Millwall’s streetwise spoiling tactics and refused to be drawn into a series of distracting feuds.
“If we don’t enjoy this moment now, we’ll wonder why later. However, we must also ensure that we keep on track and finish up in the same place.”
With goals from Wilfried Gnonto and Dan James, Leeds moved to the top of the Championship for the first time this season after defeating Millwall 2-0.
Leeds extended their league unbeaten streak at Elland Road to 19 games, and they have now won 12 of their previous 13 Championship games, overcoming a 17-point deficit to second-placed Leicester since New Year’s Day.
Gnonto’s magnificent opening put the hosts ahead at half-time, and substitute James added the crucial second with 11 minutes remaining to take them above the Foxes on goal difference.
