Brenden Aaronson's late strike helped Leeds go two points clear at the top of Sky Bet Championship as they secured a 1-0 victory over Derby at Pride Park. The Rams were happy to invite Leeds pressure and failed to register a single shot in the first half while Mateo Joseph came close on three occasions for the visitors in a goalless first period. Leeds piled on the pressure in the second half but Derby stood firm largely thanks to Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, who made four saves including Dan James' one-on-one effort.
Leeds were not to be denied though and it was Aaronson who was the hero with his seventh goal of the season 11 minutes from time, finishing a fine team move. Daniel Farke decided to bring Largie Ramazani in for his first start since October alongside Joseph, Ao Tanaka and Wilfried Gnonto, while Derby remained unchanged from their Boxing Day win over West Brom. The home faithful made their feelings known to their former right-back Jayden Bogle, with his run unlocking the Rams defence but his cross unable to be turned home by Joseph.
Zetterstrom was brought into action for the first time as he got down low to deny Joseph's low drilled effort from distance. Derby chances were very rare throughout the first half an hour, with Kayden Jackson's intended cross looping marginally wide of the goalframe and having goalkeeper Illan Meslier scrambling for a moment. Some neat link-up play between Gnonto and Joseph fashioned an opportunity for Aaronson, who sliced harmlessly ove.
