Leeds United player ratings as James, Tanaka and Rothwell dazzle in Middlesbrough win

Leeds United returned to the top of the Championship with an impressive 3-1 win over Middlesbrough at Elland Road. The Whites go two points clear at the summit with their win over the play-off contenders.

The first half ended with the Whites deservedly in front. Wilfried Gnonto stuck away from close range after Seny Dieng spilled a cross from Daniel James which was poked on by George Edmundson. United will have wanted to be even further in front with the chances they created.

Middlesbrough rallied after the break and scored through a Max Wober own goal, but James smashed in a top-corner effort before Brenden Aaronson tapped in at the death to seal it.

Leeds United (4-2-3-1)

1 Illan Meslier

A night of suspect kicking from the French goalkeeper, but two very good saves in the second half from Riley McGree and Ben Doak kept Leeds in it as the visitors improved. 7

25 Sam Byram

Really good influence in the first half. Some smart and well-executed contributions created some of United's best first-half attacks. A little quieter in the second period as the visitors improved. Big tackle to get the second goal moving. 8

6 Joe Rodon

Solid night. Had to be on his toes more than usual with Emmanuel Latte Lath lurking off his shoulder. Showed some good pace too. 7

5 Pascal Struijk (c)

Just as solid as Rodon. Some big tackles he had to get right too. Started moves off really well with his passing from deep. 7

39 Max Wober

Very unlucky with the own goal. Got forward to good effect yet again. Touches in the box and helped sustain attacks. Did begin to look a little sluggish in the second half as Ben Doak's agility shone. 7

22 Ao Tanaka

Had his pocket picked in the second half, but showed his class by recovering with an inch-perfect sliding tackle. Array of brilliant passing again. Won back possession high and created chances. Remains a driving force. 8

8 Joe Rothwell

Picked up where he left off from the weekend. Helped Tanaka with bossing the midfield battle in the first half. Took a few matters into his own hands when other team-mates lost out in duels. Some lovely long-range passing. 8

7 Daniel James

A quiet third quarter was the only blot on his copybook. Consistently proved one of the chief threats in the first half with his darts down the flank. Recovered from his quiet spell with one good shot saved, but then another 60 seconds later that hit the top corner. Such an asset and so important to this team now. 8

11 Brenden Aaronson

Keeps finding good pockets and makes a nuisance of himself with the opposition in possession, but still rushing so many of his best openings in the final third. Must be driving himself mad. Will have been delighted with the late goal. 7

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29 Wilfried Gnonto

One of the most dangerous players in the first half. Good instincts with his goal. Dribbling was superb, as was his counter-pressing in winning the ball back. He went a little off the boil in the second half and was taken off before he had a chance to turn it around. 7

19 Mateo Joseph

Work rate and pressing, but struggled to make the ball stick when it went up to him. Needed to show better anticipation with some of the chances that came into the box. 6

Substitutes

26 Karl Darlow

4 Ethan Ampadu (on for Byram 85min)

Late change as Farke shored things up. N/A

9 Patrick Bamford

10 Joel Piroe (on for Gnonto 69min)

Played an important role in the second and third goals. Linked play as he likes to from a deeper post. 7

14 Manor Solomon (on for Joseph 69min)

Still not quite got that fizz the other wingers seem to have in attack. 6

17 Largie Ramazani

23 Josuha Guilavogui (on for Rothwell 90+4min)

Late change as Farke shored things up. N/A

33 Isaac Schmidt (on for James 90+4min)

Late change as Farke shored things up. N/A

50 Charlie Crew