Leeds picked up their first Championship win of the season at the third time of asking as they beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 at Hillsborough.
Daniel Farke’s side – beaten by Southampton in May’s play-off final – were held to a 3-3 draw by newly promoted Portsmouth on the opening day and continued their unspectacular start with a stalemate at West Brom.
They came out unscathed from spells of early pressure at Hillsborough to take an iron grip of the game – and established the lead 24 minutes in, when Brenden Aaronson curled home after an exquisite team move.
Within two minutes of the restart, they had another. Mateo Joseph’s pass from inside his own half cut the Owls’ defence to shreds and Dan James raced through on goal before doubling the lead with a cool chip.
Brenden Aaronson put Leeds in front at Hillsborough
A pocket of Wednesday fans thought they had pulled one back when Di’Shon Bernard met a monster throw into the box, though he could only send a header inches wide after connecting with the back of his head.
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Dan James produced a superb finish to extend Leeds United’s advantage over Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough
Wednesday goalkeeper James Beadle denied James and Joseph as Leeds looked to add the gloss, which they were unable to find.
Leeds climb to fourth in the embryonic league table, while Wednesday drop to 13th after a second straight defeat without scoring.
Player of the match – Mateo Joseph
Leeds’ Mateo Joseph speaking on Sky Sports Football:
“Really happy for the team. Good win away. Really happy as we worked hard and well. Was a really good result. We always prepare the games, the pressing and everything. We did it all right and listened to the coach.
“Happy with my performance but not too happy I didn’t score. I will keep training.”
Sky Sports’ Andy Hinchcliffe speaking on Sky Sports Football:
“He was all over the Hillsborough pitch. He’s a young man and there’s a lot expected of him. He had a tough game against West Brom, but he has responded brilliantly here.
“He didn’t score himself, but he affected the game massively with his run off the ball for the first goal and then he hit one of the passes of the season to play in Dan James for the second. He did everything Daniel Farke wanted from him.”
The managers
Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Rohl:
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Leeds’ Daniel Farke:
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