Leeds United put Sunday’s defeat against Portsmouth firmly behind them last night, winning 2-0 at Elland Road against Millwall – strengthening their Championship title ambitions.
Ao Tanaka registered his fourth league goal of the campaign, adding a second goal after an own goal from Jake Cooper in the first five minutes opened the scoring in Yorkshire.
The result cements Daniel Farke’s side’s place at the top of the table, edging them closer to ending their two-year exile from the Premier League after relegation in 2022/23.
With just nine games remaining this season, the Whites remain in pole position to end their recent spell in the second tier – hoping to avoid a repeat of last season, which saw them fall at the final hurdle.
However, despite claiming a 23rd league win of the season, numerous players failed to deliver, potentially putting their place in the starting eleven at risk going forward.
Leeds’ poor performers against Millwall
Jayden Bogle has been a phenomenal addition for Leeds since his £5m move from Sheffield United in the summer, cementing his place at right-back after his arrival.
However, last night he was disappointing, having a rare off day – failing to complete any of his three dribbles, whilst winning just one of the four tackles he entered.
Midfielder Brenden Aaronson has struggled massively in recent months, unable to match his early-season form, which saw him notch two goals in his first four games of the season.
He’s since only registered one goal or assist in 2025, failing to deliver once more last night, losing possession nine times during his display – often being wasteful in the final third when the chances arose.
However, despite the performances of the aforementioned duo, one other first-team member failed to impress, looking tired and leggy, potentially needing to be dropped to give him a needed rest.
The Leeds player who dropped a 2/10 against Millwall
The Championship is one of the most competitive divisions in world football, with any team able to pull off a victory – as seen for Leeds in the clash at Fratton Park last weekend.
Fixtures are relentless, especially during the closing months of the season, with the managers needing to rotate to prevent any players from burning out.
However, winger Dan James looked as though he was shattered last night, struggling to produce his best display of 2024/25, having an impact on the stats he produced against Millwall.
The Welshman featured for 89 minutes before being replaced, completing just 55% of the passes he attempted, often being wasteful and unable to create any chances for his teammates.
Minutes played
89
Touches
39
Passes completed
11/20 (55%)
Duels lost
11
Possession lost
17x
Dribbles completed
1/2 (50%)
Crosses completed
0/2 (0%)
The 27-year-old also lost 11 duels, giving possession away 17 times – the most of any Whites player – highlighting how disappointing he was in the victory, with tiredness likely playing a part.
James is often known for his blistering pace and direct playstyle, but was only able to complete 50% of his dribbles, often unable to get the better of the opposition backline.
As a result of his display, the attacker was handed a 2/10 match rating by Football Insider journalist Harri Burton, who labelled the attacker as “awful” after his performance.
James has been a superb player for Farke in 2024/25, registering 10 goals and nine assists to date, but last night was undoubtedly a game to forget for the forward.
Tiredness will have certainly played a factor, with the German boss needing to withdraw him from the starting eleven ahead of Saturday’s trip to face QPR, giving the Welshman the rest he desperately needs.
84 touches, 90% passing: 9/10 Leeds star is now as important as Tanaka
Leeds United extended their lead at the top of the Championship with a 2-0 win over Millwall.
ByEthan LambMar 13, 2025