Leeds United faced Portsmouth on Sunday lunchtime at Fratton Park with Daniel Farke’s side continuing to push for automatic promotion back to the Premier League.
Wins for Sheffield United and Burnley on Saturday reduced the gap going into the weekend, which saw Chris Wilder’s side three behind. Their 1-0 win over Preston meant they were level on points with Leeds.
Burnley meanwhile, smashed Luton Town at Turf Moor with a 4-0 win and it meant that The Whites had to beat Portsmouth on Sunday to re-establish their three-point lead. But there rumblings beforehand.
Leeds remain 17 games unbeaten but failed to beat West Brom last time out. Ethan Ampadu is now injured and Angus Kinnear’s departure to Everton had been confirmed – perhaps, not ideal preparation.
Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images
Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images
Dan James incident leaves Leeds players protesting furiously
Brenden Aaronson enjoyed an excellent start to the game and The American’s dummy saw Leeds break into the Portsmouth third. Eventually, Dan James had the chance to shoot, but was denied the chance.
Matt Ritchie went to clear the ball but instead, directly kicked James’ calf. However, ref Rob Jones saw no infringement but Lucy Ward (ITV Sport) and Lee Hendrie (Sky Sports) say it should have been a penalty.
Hendrie told Sky Sports during commentary: I tell you what, Ritchie is very very lucky, by the way. I think that’s a penalty. I really do. once you’ve made contact and not won the ball, for me it’s a penalty.
“He’s very, very fortunate. For me is a penalty,” he added. Ward said on ITV Sport: “That is a penalty isn’t it, i’ve seen it a few times now and the referee is in the perfect position. That’s a penalty.”
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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Where Leeds now sit in Championship table after Portsmouth
A typically tough away game for Leeds with Portsmouth’s high press causing Leeds plenty of issues in getting out and asserting dominance. It was clear that Ethan Ampadu’s presence in the side was missing.
Leeds were always set to stay in first place given their goal difference but the loss sees Sheffield United close the gap for a second successive week, with 10 Championship games still to play this term.
Position Games played Wins Draws Losses Goal difference Points
1. Leeds 36 22 10 4 49 76
2. Sheff Utd 36 24 6 6 24 76
3. Burnley 36 20 14 2 39 74
4. Sunderland 36 19 11 6 21 68
There are two games left before the March international break, with Leeds set to host Millwall at Elland Road on Wednesday night. Then, a trip to London to face QPR at Loftus Road – a banana skin for Leeds.