Leeds United claimed yet another vital win in the Championship, with a 2-0 home victory over Millwall. Scoring in each half, Daniel Farke's side controlled the game, adding three more vital points to their bid for the top of the table.
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Millwall tried to assert themselves in the early going and even tested the Leeds goal, but the home side quickly responded with a goal. Joe Rothwell gained the ball in midfield, went on a forward run, and played a quick pass to Joel Piroe, who sent it back with a good one-touch pass. Manor Solomon broke down the left, crossed, and had his cross deflected into his own goal by defender Jake Cooper.
In pursuit of the objective, the game was now a gritty midfield battle, with both teams struggling for the ball. Millwall's defense closed down spaces well, but Leeds kept looking for chances. Brenden Aaronson created the half's best chance when he received a pass from Piroe and shot low, forcing Lukas Jensen to make a solid save.
Leeds has a goal disallowed before halftime
Around the 30-minute mark, Millwall brought on an early substitution. Billy Mitchell came in to replace the injured George Honeyman, who altered the shape of the visitors' midfield.
Leeds thought they had doubled the lead before half time, but their goal was ruled out for offside. The attack started with quick, penetrative passing. Aaronson backheeled the ball with an excellent backheel to Piroe, who smashed it into the top corner of the net. But the assistant referee waved the flag and ruled Aaronson to have been in an offside position when the attack materialized.
Millwall had a last chance before the whistle. Cooper made space in the box and leaped well for a powerful header, but his attempt went wide.
Leeds pushes forward and hits the crossbar
The second period started off with Leeds pushing for a second. Solomon was given a great chance early on, he made a good run down the left wing, cut back inside, and let go with a strong shot, the ball struck the crossbar, leaving Jensen with no hope.
Daniel Farke's men dominated the lion's share of possession but Millwall was secure, cancelling out clear shooting opportunities. Set pieces were the chief weapon used, with Leeds looking to utilise the advantage of free kicks and deflections wherever possible. But Millwall's height advantage proved invaluable to sweep the majority of threats away.
Leeds went on till the very end. Solomon, Aaronson, and Rothwell took turns probing the defense but saw their attempts come to naught or go astray.
Late strike seals win
Leeds sealed the victory with five minutes remaining until the whistle. Manor Solomon set Junior Firpo free in the box, who was quick to release Ao Tanaka. The midfielder took charge of it and kicked with his boot into the top corner, making it 2-0.
This win takes Leeds United to 79 points and retains its top spot in the Championship table. Daniel Farke's team keeps performing well, being consistent in the promotion bid and taking another big step towards the Premier League.