Leeds moved five points clear at the top of the Championship as they beat Coventry 2-0.
Joel Piroe and Jayden Bogle did the damage in the first half to secure the three points at the Coventry Building Society Arena on Wednesday night.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Illan Meslier made two stunning saves to keep a clean sheet in Leeds United’s 2-0 win over Coventry City in the Sky Bet Championship.
It means Leeds are now five points ahead of both Burnley and Sheffield United, albeit the latter have a game in hand this weekend when Daniel Farke’s side are in FA Cup action.
Coventry had the chance to make it five wins in a row and move level with sides in the play-off places, but instead Frank Lampard’s side remain 11th, three points off the top six.
Coventry errors smooth Leeds path to victory
Leeds cruised into a two-goal lead at half-time without barely having to break a sweat. The first came after Ellis Simms’ stray pass found its way right to Manor Solomon, who then teed up Piroe to slide his 13th of the season into the back of the net.
The second was helped by another error, however it came after fine work from Bogle. The right-back drove from deep into the Coventry box, before being gifted the ball back via Oliver Dovin’s spill, and he took the gift to finish.
Both sides had chances in the second half, but goalkeepers came out on top. At one end Dovin made some fine saves to deny Piroe, Solomon and Largie Ramazani.
While at the other Illan Meslier, who has had some critics this season, made two sensational saves. The first was particularly brilliant as he got down low to his left to deny Ellis Simms.
The managers
Coventry’s Frank Lampard:
“They deserved to win the game and sometimes you have to accept that, they are top of the league for a reason.
“We shouldn’t be too negative about it because we’ve been on a good run but today showed a bit of a different level.
“We knew we came into a tough game today, you want to win but Leeds are in a good moment and there will be things we can do better for sure. One game we have to take on the chin.
“They’re a fantastic team, lots of talent, lots of speed, Premier League experience and I’m really impressed with them. Sometimes you have to praise a team that come here and play well.”
Leeds’ Daniel Farke:
“Happy with many details. Also with the three points, also with a fifth clean sheet in a row but also we have to speak about how we were wasteful in using the chances.
“We have to be much more efficient, when you play such a strong home side you can’t waste too many chances. I want to be respectful, the 2-0 win is great.
“I’m a bit critical of our cutting-edge because we missed too many one-on-ones. Against a good side it can be costly.
“This was a top-class performance from my boys so compliments for that. We were far away from a perfect performance. I can’t be too moody but far from perfect.”
