As the gale force wind battered Elland Road on Saturday, it was Leeds United who stormed to victory over Derby County.
Leeds United were in need of a big reaction after slipping to a 1-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers last weekend and missing the chance to go to the top of the Championship table.
However, after Burnley drew with Middlesbrough on Friday, Daniel Farke’s side have climbed to the summit with their 2-0 win over Derby County, at least until Sheffield United play on Sunday.
Leeds dominated from the off but were struggling to breakdown a Rams side that were happy to sit deep and frustrate.
The breakthrough came from a set piece when Joe Rodon powered home a header and fellow defender Max Wober added a second with an impressively instinctive finish.
Leeds continued to dominate in the second half but another goal proved elusive
Here’s how the players rated.
Joe Rodon of Leeds United celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United FC and Derby County F...
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Illan Meslier – 7
Had absolutely nothing to do other than collect one cross.
Jayden Bogle – 6
As is becoming a bit of a regular problem, Jayden Bogle used his pace well to lead counterattacks but made the wrong decision when getting to that dangerous position. Some weak defending around the hour mark gave Derby their only half opening.
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Pascal Struijk – 7
With Derby giving him little to do at the back, Pascal Struijk had the opportunity to push the defensive line up and get on the ball to dictate the play. One clipped ball over the top to create a chance was particularly impressive.
On a couple of rare occasions he was on hand to clean up any adventurous Derby ball forward.
Joe Rodon – 8
Missed a great chance from one corner but made up for it by powering in the opening goal when a another chance presented itself, a goal Leeds desperately needed to avoid the game becoming a real slog.
Solid at the back, making one good block to prevent a potentially dangerous cross.
Junior Firpo – N/A
Despite being a big doubt for the match, Junior Firpo made the starting XI but didn’t last long. The left-back made it to the 20th minute before going down and had to be replaced.
Ao Tanaka – 8
An energetic and all-action Ao Tanaka performance was the foundation of the victory. He was making interceptions and attacking through balls, perfect tackles and shots from 30 yards as his influence stretched to both ends of the pitch.
A pleasure to watch when he’s in such elegant form as he makes the game look so easy.
His partnership with Rothwell continues to flourish with their excellent positioning ensuring Leeds always have cover in midfield and extra bodies in attack.
Joe Rothwell – 9
Much more involved than he was a week ago as he got stuck into tackles his distribution after winning the ball was flawless as well. His passing back kept Leeds on top and he was able to keep attacks unpredictable.
His set-piece delivery was also sublime throughout and he should have had more assists than just the one he got for the opening goal.
Dan James – 7.5
Relentlessly positive on the ball by always looking to run at and go past defenders. His final ball let him down on too many occasions but he didn’t let his head drop and his directness created the second goal.
Effort and threat he brings to the side can’t be questioned but his execution can be so frustrating.
Brenden Aaronson – 7
Should have done better with his finish after already doing the hard work of turning his defender in the box but then delivered the cross that led to Wobber’s goal.
Smothered a touch in a crowded central area but never stopped running.
Manor Solomon – 6
A mostly quiet game other than a couple of nice touches after the break and one curling shot that came within a whisker of the top corner.
Joel Piroe – 6
The only thing Joel Piroe did in the first half was a blast the ball needlessly over the bar from 30 yards as Leeds started running out of ideas before the opener.
Needs to be a bit more involved when Leeds are struggling but once they were ahead he looked dangerous, with only a great save denying him a goal.
Substitutes
Max Wober – 8
Replaced Firpo in the unnatural left-back role but was instantly into the action by charging up the left flank and supporting the attack.
It was this desire to get forward that put him in the right place at the right time to slot in the second. You’d have thought he was a striker with his movement in the box.
Wasn’t challenged much defensively but was always on hand for the overlap and it doesn’t look like Leeds will be too impeded if Firpo is out for a while.
Willy Gnonto – 6
Injected a bit more urgency on the left and some exciting pieces of play in place of Solomon and avoided a yellow card that would have given him a suspension.
Mateo Joseph – 6
Put himself about well but didn’t really get a sight of goal.
Joshua Guilavogui – 6
Came on in the closing stages to help see the game out.
Largie Ramazani – 7
Immediately looked to make an impact on the ball with some direct running at the Derby defence. Got the crowd roaring with delight after a cheeky piece of skill in the corner.
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