Samuel Saiz (left) in action for Leeds against Middlesbrough
Samuel Saiz (left) in action for Leeds against Middlesbrough

Leeds United 0-0 Middlesbrough: Points shared between title favourites


Sky Bet Championship pacesetters Leeds and Middlesbrough will both head into the international break unbeaten after playing out a goalless draw in a frenetic clash at Elland Road.

Marcelo Bielsa suffered his first defeat as Leeds head coach in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday but his record in the Championship remains intact heading into the two-week hiatus.

Middlesbrough boss Tony Pulis would also have been content with a point that leaves them level with early leaders Leeds at the top.

Boro had a flurry of chances but a Leeds team missing key player Pablo Hernandez came closest to opening the scoring in an absorbing first half when Luke Ayling had a header cleared off the line.

Neither side created a genuine opportunity in the second period despite pressure at both ends.

Only goal difference separated the teams - both much changed from their Carabao Cup outings in midweek - before kick-off and there was a big-game feel as the players emerged from the tunnel to a raucous atmosphere.

Bielsa dropped centre-back Pontus Jansson to the bench with captain Liam Cooper fit again and the Leeds defence passed an early examination by negotiating two Middlesbrough set-pieces.

United had the first attempt on goal when Samuel Saiz blazed well over and threatened again as Gaetano Berardi sent a fizzing 30-yard drive just wide.

The opening quarter passed without a clear-cut chance for either side but the game came to life after former Leeds midfielder Jonny Howson forced Bailey Peacock-Farrell into a good save.

Peacock-Farrell had to be alert to keep out Daniel Ayala's header from the long throw-in and then from the corner an unmarked Britt Assombalonga nodded over.

United thought they had taken the lead when Ayling met Barry Douglas' corner at the back post with a firm header, only for another Leeds old boy Adam Clayton to clear his effort off the line.

The hosts ended the first half on the front foot with Jack Harrison seeing a header comfortably saved by Darren Randolph amid penalty appeals from Kemar Roofe before bending a 25-yard shot straight into the Middlesbrough goalkeeper's hands.

Peacock-Farrell pouched a weak Ryan Shotton header and Roofe sent a strike way over at the other end in a lively start to the second period.

Harrison curled an effort wide after Boro failed to clear their lines and after a cagey period Stewart Downing fired high into the stand for the visitors.

Ayala failed to keep his header down from Mo Besic's free-kick as Pulis' side continued to test Leeds from set-pieces.

Jansson came on to replace an injured Berardi and he helped his team survive more Middlesbrough pressure in the closing minutes.


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