Leeds United 2-0 Norwich City: Dan James stars as Daniel Farke’s White again take Championship top spot

Manor Solomon scored the fastest goal in the Championship this season as Leeds beat Norwich 2-0 at Elland Road to regain top spot.

The Tottenham loanee struck after just 31 seconds against the injury-hit Canaries and Dan James' second-half try secured Leeds' twelfth home league win of the season.

Daniel Farke is now unbeaten in six games as Leeds boss against his former club as his side extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 11 games, moving one point above Sheffield United.

Solomon provided a third-minute opener in Sunday's home win against derby rivals Sheffield Wednesday to give Leeds an even earlier lead against Norwich.

Brenden Aaronson combined neatly with Jayden Bogle on the right flank before James broke clear and Solomon fired the Welsh winger's lovely low cross into the roof of the net.

Credit to a depleted Norwich, who did well to deny Leeds further chances until the 19th minute, when Shane Duffy's excellent tackle thwarted Joel Piroe in the penalty area.

Canaries boss Johannes Thorup had just 15 senior players available to play the Championship's top two in four days (they lost 2-0 at Bramall Lane on Saturday) and has been forced to supplement his squad with players from the youth training.

But after their early setback, Norwich posed a few problems of their own. Kellen Fisher hit a volley over and Jack Stacey's dangerous cross just escaped Lewis Dobbin at the far post.

For all Leeds' possession and patient exploration, they only had Bogle's angled volley, deflected away at his near post by Angus Gunn before half-time, to show their dominance in the first half.

Gunn made another good save at his near post to keep out Piroe's low effort early in the second half, but Leeds continued to lack accuracy in the final third.

However, the home frustration was reduced in the 65th minute when Norwich were punished for a poor header.

Solomon fired the ball towards the far post and James hit his seventh league goal of the season into the opposite corner.

Bogle's well-hit effort from outside the penalty area was blocked by Gunn, who then kept out substitute Largie Ramazani's curling attempt before Piroe headed Joe Rothwell's corner narrowly wide.

Norwich, beaten 4-0 in the play-offs on their last visit to Elland Road in May, offered little threat in the second period but remained resolute in their task to avoid a similar scoreline.

The administrators

Daniel Farke from Leeds:

To follow…

Johannes Hoff Thorup from Norwich:

To follow…

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *