Leeds were at times irresistible in the second half at Elland Road on Thursday evening as they swept Stoke City aside 5-0. Whether it was the patient and precise play at the back, Pablo Hernandez picking up fantastic areas in which to get the ball and bewitch or it was Patrick Bamford’s fine goal which was the cream on top of the cherry on top of the icing on top of a pretty tasty cake.
Yet, it is still tight at the top with four fixtures remaining as West Brom and Brentford both won.
We take a look at key stats from the midweek Championship games involving teams vying for promotion.
1. Bristol City 2 - 1 Hull City - Robins lucky?
The Robins could perhaps count themselves fortunate to defeat struggling Hull City. Despite scoring twice their xG was just 0.77 compared to the Tigers’ 1.26. They were also out-shot. Photo: Michael Steele
2. Millwall 0 - 2 Middlesbrough - Lions struggle to create
Manager Gary Rowett would have been left frustrated against Boro. Millwall had more possession (56.71), more shots (11) and enough passes into the final third (53) but didn’t create enough clear cut chances. Photo: Warren Little
3. Cardiff City 2 - 3 Blackburn Rovers - Armstrong imperious
Adam Armstrong was instrumental in the win in Wales. Not only did he score a wonder goal from far out but he also provided an assist. He made 5 progressive runs - way above his 1.96 average for the season - and was largely accurate when playing into the final third. Photo: Ross Kinnaird
4. West Brom 2 - 0 Derby County - Definition of toothless
The Rams were the definition of toothless in their defeat to the Baggies. They had an xG of just 0.04, attempting three shots all game, none failing to hit the target. Photo: David Rogers
5. Sheffield Wednesday 1 - 3 Preston - Possession isn't everything
Alex Neil’s men didn’t need much possession to get all three points against the owls. They had less than 42% of the ball and made nearly 130 fewer passes. They were wayward with their passing forward compared to their opponents but were clinical shooting more often and more accurately. Photo: Lewis Storey
6. Birmingham City 1 - 3 Swansea City - Swans not at their best but did enough
The win for the Swans was one of those which falls into the ‘the type of win which gets you promoted’. They weren’t at their best. While they dominated the ball they scored all three goals from nine shots. Birmingham had 19. Photo: Ross Kinnaird