Leeds returned to winning ways after a comprehensive victory over Birmingham City on New Years Day. Prior to kick-off Daniel Farke had made the brave decision to drop Joel Piroe to the bench, in favour of outcast Patrick Bamford. Since the beginning of the 21/22 season, the one time England ace had netted a grand total of six times, but his faith was repaid when the 30 year old rose highest in a packed penalty area to power past Ruddy, opening the scoring from six yards out.

Up until this point, bearing in mind their recent performances, Leeds had been more than a little tentative, but after going ahead on 34 minutes, took the game by the scruff of the neck, and never looked back. They doubled their advantage in first half stoppage time, when Dan James, the provider for Leeds opener turned goal scorer, after being beautifully tee'd up by Junior Firpo.

The former Barcelona defender gained a further assist two thirds of the way through the match, helping Crysencio Summerville to his twelfth of the season. Last ditch defending and sturdy woodwork denied Leeds an opportunity to rack up a cricket score, but it was a comfortable afternoon for the Whites, who narrowed the gap on Ipswich and Southampton above them.

	Line Up		Nat	Match Events
	13	Klaesson, Kristoffer Goalkeeper
	22	Gray, Archie Midfielder
	14	Rodon, Joe Defender
	6	Cooper, Liam Defender
	25	Byram, Sam Defender
	4	Ampadu, Ethan Midfielder
	8	Kamara, Glen Midfielder
	20	James, Daniel Midfielder
	24	Rutter, Georginio Forward
	10	Summerville, Crysencio Midfielder
	9	Bamford, Patrick Forward
	Subs		Nat	Match Events
	3	Firpo, Junior Defender
	12	Anthony, Jaidon Midfielder
	27	Poveda, Ian Midfielder
	29	Gnonto, Wilfried Midfielder
	7	Piroe, Joel Forward
	40	van den Heuvel, Dani Goalkeeper		Unused Sub
	39	Spence, Djed Defender		Unused Sub
	44	Gruev, Ilia Midfielder		Unused Sub
	49	Joseph, Mateo Forward		Unused Sub

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