Barnsley 0-2 Leeds United: Late goals send Whites top of Championship
- Published
Eddie Nketiah (number 14) scored Leeds' opener and was fouled for the penalty which wrapped up victory
Leeds United went top of the Championship thanks to late goals from substitute Eddie Nketiah and Mateusz Klich at Yorkshire rivals Barnsley.
With the game seemingly destined to end goalless, Arsenal loanee Nketiah crashed in from a Kalvin Phillips free-kick before Klich slotted home from the penalty spot.
The visitors had created the better of the chances, with Patrick Bamford twice drawing saves from Brad Collins, as well as having an effort ruled out for offside. Pablo Hernandez and Jack Harrison also both missed the target when well placed.
Barnsley, who remain without a win since the opening day of the season, had opportunities of their own but visiting keeper Kiko Casilla made good saves from Mallik Wilks, Luke Thomas and Cauley Woodrow.
Nketiah made the difference for Marcelo Bielsa's side after coming on for Bamford with 20 minutes to go.
The England Under-21 international kept his composure to score his fourth goal in six games before being fouled by former Leeds man Aapo Halme to allow Klich to wrap up the win.
The hosts were competitive throughout and will perhaps think they should have levelled when Halme, who caused Leeds a number of problems at set-pieces, got free in the box from a corner but the Finn headed over.
Leeds, beaten by Swansea before the international break, have now won their past six away games and are top above the Swans on goal difference.
Barnsley boss Daniel Stendel:
"I'm very proud of the players because we played as well as we can, creating so many chances against Leeds.
"They were the better team, but for our efforts we deserved a point. At least we are back to our style of play.
"With the attitude and the mentality we showed today then I know we can score and have big chances to win. I'm sure we can change things."
Leeds head coach Marcelo Bielsa:
"Eddie has different characteristics, and in a match like that he is a good option.
"Some players are involved (in play) a lot before creating chances. Nketiah is more involved at the end of the action but he has good characteristics to combine with his team-mates to give us these options.
"He is a striker who can score goals. For me, he is a complete player."