Leeds United picked up another vital victory in the Championship promotion race by defeating Preston 2-1 on Saturday.
Though Leeds United finally returned to winning ways at Middlesbrough on Tuesday, the pressure remained intense after Burnley went back to the top of the table on Friday.
Leeds have made a habit of scoring early lately and did so once again at Elland Road, with Manor Solomon bending into the top corner with four minutes on the clock.
However, this time around, Preston North End hit back instantly when Kaine Kesler-Hayden scored his own brilliant goal.
Leeds didn’t collapse after the blow and retook the lead shortly afterwards when Jayden Bogle bundled in Solomon’s excellent cross.
Leeds came out guns blazing after the break as they looked to kill the game off, but Joel Piroe continued to miss great chances to settle lingering nerves.
The Whites didn’t manage to get a third, making it for another nerve-wracking closing stretch, but they got the win and with another defeat for Sheffield United, things are now looking great for Daniel Farke’s side.
Here’s how the players rated on a massive day.
Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty ImagesKarl Darlow – 7
This was a no-nonsense, reassuring performance from Karl Darlow, who was quick off his line and commanding in the air as he claimed high balls, until the 71st minute when he inexplicably punched the ball outside his box.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
Fortunately, the resulting free-kick was blocked by the wall.
A good display, that one moment of madness aside, and the fact Leeds fans cheered every catch like a goal speaks volumes about Illan Meslier.
Jayden Bogle – 9
Was a goal threat with his desire to get forward even before he poked in Solomon’s cross under pressure. A constant presence up the right flank, carrying the ball with the composure of a forward as he was able to make things happen when it didn’t seem possible time and again.
Was beaten a couple of times at the back early on but then provided some crucial defending when Leeds had to dig in.
What a chaotic start this has been!
Leeds United restore their lead courtesy of Jayden Bogle – the game’s third goal in 12 minutes 😳💪 pic.twitter.com/2rh65425Bf
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 12, 2025
View Tweet
Joe Rodon – 8
Leeds’ new undroppable centre-back pairing put in another solid display, limiting Preston to very few shots. Joe Rodon wasn’t only resolute at the back but came forward out of the defence well on the ball to kick-start attacks.
Somehow didn’t score into an open goal from a corner.
Ethan Ampadu – 7
Made a couple of important clearances and marshalled the back-line well as he continues to look at home in the heart of defence,
Junior Firpo – 8
Should have attempted to push Kesler-Hayden down the line as he approached the goal but didn’t get anywhere near the forward as he fired home.
A major piece of bad defending but Junior Firpo made up for it with lots of dangerous, exciting attacking play and would have got at least one assist if Piroe could finish. Didn’t stop running all game.
Ilia Gruev – 8
Ilia Gruev built on his positive performance on Tuesday with another steady display in midfield. There weren’t many thrills but he used the ball really nicely and efficiently, with his simple distribution helping create the opener.
He carried it well and made the right decisions.
Ao Tanaka – 7
A much brighter display from Ao Tanaka, who still struggled on Tuesday when a lot of other players improved significantly. He was all action and moved the ball around nicely.
Willy Gnonto – 7
Back in the side to replace the injured Dan James and was really positive on the right flank. Linked up really well with Aaronson and Bogle, being at the heart of several lovely attacking moves. Missed a great chance to seal it, though.
Brenden Aaronson – 7
Ran with a bit more purpose than has become usual, with good pressing and movement in threatening positions. There was nice interplay with his fellow forwards, but stronger finishing would have landed him a goal.
Manor Solomon – 9
The type of clinical, match-winning performance Leeds have been missing from Solomon. He set the tone with an incredible goal early on and then set up the second with a pinpoint cross. Took on his full-back and was constantly dangerous whenever he got on the ball. Pulled the strings in a maestro performance.
Joel Piroe – 4
You have to wonder what it will take for Joel Piroe to lose his place.
This was a better performance than his recent outings, as he pressed better and looked a lot more lively in attack with committed pressing and good movement.
Yet, he squandered an absurd number of chances, including hitting the bar from four yards. He still hasn’t scored since February 24 and could hardly find the target here.
Substitutes
Patrick Bamford – 6
Loud cheers welcomed his arrival with 11 minutes to go and he worked hard but didn’t get any chances.
Isaac Schmidt – 6
Another bright cameo but no opportunity to show his skill on the ball.
Sam Byram – N/A
Came on in added time.