Leeds United picked up an absolutely vital three points on Tuesday evening with a 1-0 win away to Middlesbrough—a result that may prove to be one of the most important of their season. After a shaky run of form that saw the team lose momentum at a crucial point in the campaign, Daniel Farke’s men showed resilience, tactical discipline, and no shortage of character to grind out a win at the Riverside Stadium. It wasn’t pretty, but it was effective—and it’s taken Leeds back to the top of the Championship table with just five games remaining.
While the win has momentarily calmed fears at Elland Road, the game wasn’t without its flashpoints. One particularly telling moment came when Jayden Bogle, Leeds’ January signing at right-back, appeared to lose his cool with Ao Tanaka following a frustrating sequence of play. According to Leeds Live’s Graham Smyth, Bogle “went mad” at Tanaka after the Japanese international lost several duels in quick succession, forcing Bogle into a desperate foul on the right flank which gave Middlesbrough a dangerous free-kick opportunity. The heated reaction wasn’t just frustration—it was a clear demand for higher standards.
That incident underlines two key things. First, the level of intensity and internal accountability that exists within this Leeds squad. And second, just how far Tanaka’s form has dipped in recent weeks. Despite being one of the most consistent and impressive players in the Championship for much of the season, Tanaka has struggled to hit those same heights during Leeds’ recent wobble. Whether it’s fatigue, pressure, or a dip in confidence, his performances haven’t been as influential—and players like Bogle, who know how crucial these moments are, aren’t afraid to call it out.
But if there’s a silver lining, it’s that moments like this can be galvanizing. This isn’t a team falling apart under pressure—it’s a squad holding each other accountable, pushing for better, and refusing to let standards slip. With five matches to go and everything on the line, those qualities could make all the difference.
Looking at the bigger picture, Leeds now have five “cup finals” left. The mentality they take into each game will be every bit as important as tactics or individual performances. They’ve clawed their way back to the top thanks in part to Sheffield United’s back-to-back defeats, but the margin is razor-thin. A single poor result could see them tumble out of the automatic promotion spots once again, such is the competitiveness of the top end of the Championship.
The fixture list, on paper, looks manageable—but nothing can be taken for granted in this division. Every opponent will be fighting for something—whether it’s promotion, playoff places, or survival. Leeds need to show the same resilience they did at the Riverside, but also rediscover some of the fluid attacking play that made them such a force earlier in the season. Players like Dan James are stepping up at just the right time, delivering big moments when it matters. Now it’s time for others—Tanaka included—to rise to the occasion again.
The run-in is going to be a test of nerve, character, and unity. But based on what we saw against Middlesbrough—even with the flare-ups—it’s clear this squad still believes. And if they channel that passion into performance, there’s every reason to believe they’ll be celebrating promotion come May.
Want me to break down the remaining five fixtures or take a deeper look at how Bogle’s arrival has impacted the team?