Leeds pounce in promotion race

Leeds thrashed Swansea 4-0 to move into second place in the Championship after Southampton’s 25-game unbeaten run came to an end with a 3-1 defeat at Bristol City on Tuesday. Leaders Leicester moved 12 points clear at the top of the table thanks to a 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday. Southampton had not tasted defeat in any competition since September 23.

Russell Martin’s men finally came undone at Ashton Gate as second-half goals from Sam Bell, Rob Dickie and Harry Cornick boosted the Robins chances of making the playoffs. Leeds took full advantage to continue their brilliant form with a seventh consecutive league win. Early goals from Crysencio Summerville and Joel Piroe on his return to Swansea put the visitors in command. Italy international Wilfried Gnonto added two more either side of half-time to take his tally to four goals in as many games.

“In terms of how we executed the game plan, it was the most disciplined and spot-on performance of the season,” said Leeds boss Daniel Farke. Leeds move two points ahead of Southampton, but Saints have two games in hand to edge back in front in the battle for a return to the Premier League. All three relegated sides from last year are in pole position to bounce straight back up with Leicester closing in on automatic promotion. The Foxes struck twice in the first 36 minutes through Abdul Fatawu and Jamie Vardy to see off second-bottom Wednesday at the King Power.

West Brom remain in fifth as new signings Mikey Johnston and Andreas Weimann were on target in a 2-0 win over Cardiff. Norwich climbed into the playoff places as late goals from Gabriel Sara and Christian Fassnacht beat Watford 4-2. But victory for the Canaries was marred by a bust up between manager David Wagner and some of the Norwich support. Wagner’s decision to substitute Onel Hernandez and Josh Sargent drew chants of “you don’t know what you’re doing” and the edgy atmosphere played a part in Watford battling their way back from 2-0 down to 2-2.