Leeds kept their fabulous home record intact, edging a five goal thriller against Michael Carrick's Middlesbrough at the weekend. Fresh from their victory over Leicester City, and demolition of Preston (4-0), the Smoggies were always going to be a tough challenge. Their Championship standing doesn't give a true reflection of the threats they possess. We must remember they were rock bottom after seven games, with just one point, so have had to play catch up!

Three goals in the opening seven minutes gave fans an insight into the chaos that would ensue. Emmanuel Latte Lath's third minute opener was soon cancelled out by Dan James rising highest at the far post to nod Leeds level. At 5ft 6', the Welsh International did well to outjump both Boro centre-backs. Two minutes later Leeds were ahead. Archie Gray's deep cross (into the Boro penalty area) was flicked away by McNair, but fell invitingly to Summerville at the back post. His header was too powerful for Dieng, who despite getting a hand on the ball, was unable to keep the effort out.

Rutter should have made it three on 15 minutes, only for Dieng to save well with his legs. He was however instrumental in giving the Whites a two goal advantage after being bundled over in the box, six minutes before the half-time break. Piroe stepped up, and duly bagged his eighth of the season. Despite the scoreline, Carrick's men were far from done. They created further chances of their own, and narrowed Leeds advantage deep into first half injury time when Lath grabbed his second, following a well executed corner.

There were no further goals in the second half, but there was plenty to talk about. The visitors were reduced to 10 men on the hour mark after Dijksteel picked up his second yellow card of the afternoon; but despite being a man down, created the best chance of the half when Jones rattled the woodwork. There were some nervy moments, but Leeds held firm to pick up their seventh home win of the season, and keep the pressure on the top two.

	Line Up		Nat	Match Events
	1	Meslier, Illan Goalkeeper
	22	Gray, Archie Midfielder
	14	Rodon, Joe Defender
	21	Struijk, Pascal Defender
	25	Byram, Sam Defender
	4	Ampadu, Ethan Midfielder
	8	Kamara, Glen Midfielder
	20	James, Daniel Midfielder
	7	Piroe, Joel Forward
	10	Summerville, Crysencio Midfielder
	24	Rutter, Georginio Forward
	Subs		Nat	Match Events
	9	Bamford, Patrick Forward
	29	Gnonto, Wilfried Midfielder
	44	Gruev, Ilia Midfielder
	12	Anthony, Jaidon Midfielder
	6	Cooper, Liam Defender		Unused Sub
	17	Shackleton, Jamie Midfielder		Unused Sub
	27	Poveda, Ian Midfielder		Unused Sub
	26	Darlow, Karl Goalkeeper		Unused Sub
	39	Spence, Djed Defender		Unused Sub

	References
	LEEDSTATS: Leeds United Season 2023/2024
	Sheridan Dictates: Season Statistics 2023-24
	Leeds United Programme Guide: Season 2023/24