Leeds United 2-0 Millwall: Wilfried Gnonto and Dan James goals put Whites top

Leeds United moved to the top of the Championship for the first time this season after they beat Millwall at Elland Road.

Georginio Rutter should have doubled their advantage after the break when he forced a save from Lions keeper Matija Sarkic, before his rebound was deflected on to the post.

Second-half substitute Dan James wrapped up the win with a close-range finish as he worked on to Rutter’s fantastic ball across the face of goal with 11 minutes remaining.

The result lifted Leeds above Leicester on goal difference, having played a game more than the Foxes, while Ipswich are a point behind in third place.

Enzo Maresca’s side were not in league action this weekend, losing 4-2 at Chelsea in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Millwall remain in 16th and four points clear of relegation, having seen a four-game unbeaten start under returning boss Neil Harris come to an end.

Leeds dominated the first half and were rewarded for their pressure when Italy forward Gnonto received the ball in the 33rd minute and took a turn before firing home left-footed from distance past Sarkic.

Sarkic kept the visitors within reach when he pulled off a fabulous diving save to deny Crysencio Summerville, but Leeds arguably should have been awarded a penalty soon after.

Already on a booking, Jake Cooper went in high with his knee and appeared to catch Joe Rodon in his face, however referee Stephen Martin did not point to the spot.

Daniel Farke’s side largely dominated proceedings as the Lions had Sarkic to thank for keeping them in contention.

Rutter’s quick-fire pair of chances on goal, during which he was denied by Sarkic, was the closest Leeds came to padding out their advantage.

Michael Obafemi did weave his way into the Leeds box as the visitors made a rare foray forward late on, but his solo effort finished with him firing high and wide while under pressure from Ethan Ampadu.

Patrick Bamford also went close at the other end, and would have finished coolly were it not for some impressive defending from Japhet Tanganga.

But James showed composure to confirm the home side’s 12th win in the last 13 games.

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke told BBC Radio Leeds:

“I’m pretty proud of the boys because it was a different challenge. In recent weeks we’ve had to play every two or three days.

“Now we’ve had nine or 10 days between the games, we’re not used to it, so it’s not easy to start such a game against such a competitive side.

“It was two fantastic team goals. Dan James could have scored a few more but it was important not to give anything away, because they are so dangerous. All in all it was a pretty mature performance.”

Millwall head coach Neil Harris told BBC Radio London:

“I thought Leeds deserved to win the game, I thought they were the better team over the 90 minutes.

“We had spells where I was really pleased – the application, attitude, belief of players was really good.

“I thought we stood up to the challenge of Leeds United, not just on the pitch and bench but the fanbase as well.

“My only disappointment is that we conceded goals at poor times, I thought we were on top in both halves when we conceded.”