Largie Ramazani of Leeds United celebrates after scoring the team's second goal against Sheffield WednesdayRex Features

Largie Ramazani launched into an acrobatic celebration after scoring Leeds' second goal against Sheffield Wednesday

Ian Woodcock
BBC Sport England at Elland Road

Leeds United went back to the top of the Championship with a deserved win over Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday.

The home side made the dream start when Manor Solomon slammed home on three minutes after Owls keeper James Beadle saw the ball squirm from his grasp as he looked to cut out a pass to Brenden Aaronson.

Wednesday, who could have cut the gap to the top six to just one point with a win, competed well but, playing without a number nine, the closest they came to a leveller was when Illan Meslier got down to turn Djeidi Gassama's low 20-yarder round the post.

Substitute Largie Ramazani made sure of the points late on with a thumping low finish from the edge of the area after making space for himself and Ao Tanaka's wonderful improvised flick from Ramazani's shot added some gloss to the scoreline.

The Whites remain unbeaten at home since a 1-0 reverse by fellow promotion chasers Burnley in September and are now three points clear of the third-placed Clarets.

The Owls stay four points off the play-off places in 10th.

Defeat marks a tough end to what has been an awkward week for the South Yorkshire side.

On Wednesday night owner Dejphon Chansiri, who was at Elland Road on Sunday as some Owls fans protested against him, talked at length at a fans' forum and revealed that he had not spoken to boss Danny Rohl this month.

Rohl then said he was "surprised" by the Thai businessman's comments and urged the club to come together, with defender Di'Shon Bernard admitting the atmosphere was "tense".

They got off to a terrible start as Leeds scored with their first attack. Joe Rothwell's clever pass bisected the Owls defence but keeper Beadle looked to have it under control only to fail to retain the ball and Tottenham loanee Solomon showed composure to score with two Wednesday defenders on the line.

Thereafter the away side did grow into the game and home defender Ethan Ampadu did brilliantly to slide in and stop Josh Windass getting a shot off after being played in on goal and Yan Valery hit a low shot into the side-netting.

It looked like that early goal would be enough for Leeds after a largely uneventful second period but Ramazani's fine shot made the last few minutes comfortable and Japan international Tanaka flicked home an impudent finish in the final moments.

Leeds are now unbeaten in their past 18 matches against teams from Yorkshire.

They welcome Norwich on Wednesday, while the Owls host Bristol City the same night.

Leeds 'the best team in the league' - reaction

Leeds boss Daniel Farke:

"I'm pretty happy with the game today. They're a brave side who play with intensity.

"It's a well-deserved win because we returned to our best defensive play.

"When you score your second goal late then it's always a close game and we had to be turned on.

"Overall, it was a convincing win and a return back to perfect defensive behaviour. It was a mature performance.

"It's our 15th clean sheet this season and I expect us to defend well."

Farke: We were 'switched on' against a good side

Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl:

"We had a proper performance between the first and second goal.

"The reaction from my team from the first goal was good.

"We changed the pressing at half-time, small details but it worked well.

"When you see the scoreline 3-0 it looks like a huge gap but when you play against the best team in the league they can do this.

On situation with owner Dejphon Chansiri: "I think a meeting with the chairman will come soon. I know when it will be.

"I think we should stop with stories [about Rohl's future]. For me it is not helpful, my focus is on the team."

Danny Röhl reacts as Leeds beat Owls

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