Leeds open up five point gap in the crazy league that is the Championship

Leeds United’s performance against Reading didn’t feel anywhere near as comprehensive as that against Bristol City the previous week. But a moment of magic from Pablo Hernandez and a crucial late save from Kiko Casilla gave Leeds the victory, and at this stage of the season that’s all that matters. Having capitulated a twelve point gap to third built up before Christmas Leeds fans can breath a sigh of relief as back to back victories give them a five point cushion over third placed Fulham.

For the second week in a row results went the way of Leeds. Last weekend saw West Brom and Forest share the spoils whilst Brentford dropped points to Birmingham City, Fulham were comprehensively thrashed by relegation candidates Barnsley and Preston were beaten by Millwall. This weekend as Leeds took all three points yet again Brentford had to make do with a draw with Blackburn, Fulham were held by Derby and Forest were held by QPR. West Brom managed a comprehensive three nil victory but it was at the expense of Bristol City so all in all another good result for Leeds.


Pablo Hernandez gives Leeds victory over Reading


The Championship is certainly living up to it’s unpredictable best this season and with the top seven teams set to face off against other in several key fixtures during the run-in the top six is by no means final. Fulham have the toughest run in facing Preston, Bristol City, Brentford, Leeds, Forest and West Brom, they may be third at the moment, but they will be unlucky to get out of that run unscathed. Preston face five teams in the top seven whilst Bristol City, Forest and West Brom all have three games against other teams in the top seven. Leeds have the most favourable run-in only facing Fulham.

But in a crazy league where only Leeds and Barnsley have managed to win back to back games in the last two weeks anything could yet happen. Who knows, Birmingham City back in fourteenth only eleven points of the play-offs but with some of the best form in the league could make a late charge. Anything is possible in the Championship but with so many fixtures between the top seven Leeds will have a bit of confidence in the fact that they will all take points off each other.