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March 17, 2024

Gnonto and James Shine as Leeds Topple Millwall to Claim Championship Lead – EFL CHAMPIONSHIP

As the upbeat strains of Status Quo’s “Rocking All Over The World” filled the air, Daniel Farke joyfully bounded onto the pitch, embracing each Leeds player.

With twelve wins and a draw in their last thirteen league matches, the German manager has propelled his side to the top of the Championship for the first time this season, overtaking the once-dominant Leicester on goal difference.

While Ipswich and Southampton remain strong contenders for the two automatic promotion spots, Leeds has hit their stride at the perfect moment with eight games left.

The dramatic reduction of Leicester’s 17-point gap over Leeds at the start of the year highlights Farke’s impressive work at Elland Road. Although Leicester has a game in hand, Leeds boasts 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 rose above Millwall’s streetwise spoiling tactics, refusing to be ­provoked into a series of distracting feuds.

“If we don’t enjoy this moment then, one day, we will ask ourselves why? But we also have to make sure we stay on it and remain in a similar position at the end.”

It took Leeds 33 minutes to break through the wall of Millwall defenders in bright orange shirts. Wilfried Gnonto showcased his incredible change of pace, allowing him to cut inside and, while seamlessly switching feet, deliver a precise left-footed shot between Matija Sarkic and the post.

Equally impressive was Patrick Bamford’s clever decoy move. Despite some lingering criticism in West Yorkshire, anyone questioning Bamford’s talent would have reconsidered after he quickly read Gnonto’s intentions, skillfully moving across a defender to create crucial space for his teammate.

Leeds might have earned a penalty before halftime. Still, referee Stephen Martin, perhaps a bit too lenient, sparked frustration among the locals by dismissing Jake Cooper’s high knee to Joe Rodon’s face.

Cooper had already been booked for a somewhat comical wrestling match with Gnonto and was involved in a few other questionable incidents, so he was fortunate to escape further punishment from the referee.

With Ilia Gruev providing solid control in central midfield, Leeds dominated possession throughout the match but failed to challenge Sarkic’s reflexes as much as Farke would have liked, managing only a handful of clear-cut chances.

Millwall’s well-organized low block explained their unbeaten streak and the impressive 10 points they had accumulated in the last four games since Neil Harris returned for his fourth stint at the Den. Their disciplined defensive structure made it difficult for Leeds to break through, showcasing why they have become resilient.

While the visitors are only four points above the relegation zone, the performance offered reassuring signs that the former Millwall striker can help ease relegation fears and build confidence in the squad moving forward.

Leeds had a fortunate moment when, following Crysencio Summerville’s penetrating run down the left, the impressive Georginio Rutter forced Sarkic into a remarkable double save. However, Millwall made it challenging for Leeds.

Energized by a quadruple substitution, Millwall almost equalized when George Saville’s deflected shot landed at Cooper’s feet. Still, the afternoon’s pantomime villain missed the target from close range. Michael Obafemi also came close, skillfully maneuvering past Rodon and Archie Gray, but faltered under pressure from Ethan Ampadu.

Farke’s players responded to these warnings, and it took a fantastic last-minute clearance from Japhet Tanganga to block Bamford’s goal-bound effort. Eventually, Dan James, who came on as a substitute, secured a second goal for the home side.

Rutter had already orchestrated Geno’s opening goal, and his cross allowed James to trick Joe Bryan before he fired a left-footed effort from the edge of the six-yard box that went through a mass of legs. “I thought Leeds deserved to win,” Harris said. “They are a Premier League team in waiting.”

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