Despite a raft of postponements across the Premier League and EFL on Saturday, Leeds United had the chance to move top of the Championship with a home game against Derby County that survived Storm Darragh and wind warnings in the UK.
The Whites trailed leaders Sheffield United by three points before kick-off and had a superior goal difference on Chris Wilder’s side.
High-flying Sunderland were also in action in the early fixtures, while Sheffield Wednesday hosted Preston North End in a meeting between midtable teams.
Here are the results from Elland Road, the Stadium of Light and Hillsborough, including goals, scorers and the implications for the table.
Absolute CHAOS between Sheffield Wednesday and Preston…
In a matter of moments, a water bottle stops play, a penalty is awarded from the resulting drop ball, and the penalty is missed! 😲 pic.twitter.com/LjQ9kElpEK
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 7, 2024
Leeds vs Derby: Rodon, Wober goals
Derby started five points above the relegation zone and arrived at Leeds on a run of one win in 10 games. Their resistance lasted 39 minutes before Joe Rodon headed in Leeds’ opener.
Max Wober then struck a minute before half-time as Daniel Farke’s players leapfrogged the Blades, who visit play-off hopefuls West Bromwich Albion on Sunday (3pm GMT).
Derby were 15th before the matches starting at 3pm on Saturday in the division, five points above the relegation zone.
Joe Rodon heads Leeds United in front! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/O2TdZQWd36
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 7, 2024
Sunderland vs Stoke: Black cats keep pace
There was ample entertainment at Sunderland, where Lewis Koumas responded to his shot being saved by goalkeeper Anthony Patterson after a fine run by producing an excellent finish for the sixth-minute opener.
Patterson’s pass then set up a passage of interplay between Tom Watson and Jobe Bellingham, ending in Watson firing in to ensure Stoke’s lead lasted to in less than 60 seconds later.
Watson, who also sent a strike against the crossbar after the break, hit the winner four minutes from tie with an effort that was deflected by Michael Rose.
Sunderland are now two points behind the leaders in fourth, extending their lead over fifth-placed Middlesbrough to five points after their nearest rivals drew 1-1 at Burnley on Friday. Stoke are 14th, four points off the top half of the table.
An electric start at the Stadium of Light! ⚡
Lewis Koumas put Stoke City in front after six minutes before Tom Watson equalised barely a minute later 💥 pic.twitter.com/LioUiZZFEs
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 7, 2024
Sheffield Wednesday vs Preston: Smith goal levels
A Danish duo combined to give North End the lead after 14 minutes at Wednesday, Emil Riis meeting Mads Frokjaer-Jensen’s cross to give the visitors hope of a first win in 10 games.
Josh Windass’ second-half penalty for the hosts was saved by Freddie Woodman but the Owls earned a point through Michael Smith’s 76th-minute finish.
Wednesday were points off the play-off places before the afternoon games. Preston rose four points above the relegation spots.
Leeds go 🔝 of the Championship table after their 2-0 win against Derby County ✅#BBCFootball #LUFC pic.twitter.com/zKnwmpUru9
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) December 7, 2024
Championship table
With sixth-placed Watford’s game at Cardiff City postponed because of weather conditions, the top four now have a cushion over the rest of the division.
Third-placed Burnley are a point behind the top two and a point above Sunderland. Outside of the play-off places, seventh-placed West Brom and Blackburn Rovers in eighth are two points behind Watford.
Bottom side Portsmouth started the day four points behind fourth-bottom Plymouth and two behind the two teams above them in the relegation zone, QPR and Hull City.
Coventry City, Oxford United, Luton Town and Cardiff were also within three points of the relegation places.
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