Leeds top spot with win past Oxford United after Solomon 2025
Leeds United climbed back to the top of the Championship table with a win over Oxford United, keeping pace with earlier victories by Burnley and Sheffield United on Friday. Manor Solomon’s first-half goal proved decisive, putting Leeds ahead of Burnley on goal difference with only three matches remaining. Sheffield United remains five points behind in third place.
Oxford United Slipped
Leeds now turns their attention to the Easter Monday match against Stoke City at Elland Road. A win there, combined with Sheffield United failing to beat Burnley later that day, would be enough to confirm their promotion to the Premier League. Nonetheless, Leeds can guarantee promotion on their own by collecting five points from their final three games, regardless of how their rivals perform. Meanwhile, Oxford United slipped to 19th in the table, remaining five points clear of the relegation zone but still needing results to secure their Championship survival for the next season.
Championship Survival
Prior victories by Scott Parker’s Burnley at Watford and Sheffield United against Cardiff City had increased the pressure on Leeds United before their match. Back-to-back victories over Middlesbrough and Preston North End had helped calm nerves after a shaky period in which Leeds managed just one win in six matches-evoking memories of last season’s late collapse that ended in a playoff defeat at Wembley.
On their first league visit to Oxford since March 1990-a season that ended with promotion to the top flight under Howard Wilkinson-Daniel Farke’s team faced a disciplined and spirited Oxford side.
Championship in 2025
Early on, Cameron Brannagan forced Karl Darlow into action with a powerful strike from 20 yards. Leeds gradually took command, with Jamie Cumming making a sharp save after Brenden Aaronson broke through while Ben Nelson made a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Willy Gnonto a sure finish.
Leeds broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute, showcasing their offensive quality. Joe Rodon played an excellent ball to Jayden Bogle, who sent in a low cross that reached Manor Solomon at the back post, enabling him to tuck away the crucial goal.
Crysencio Summerville to Premier League
Manor Solomon’s goal marked his ninth of the season during his loan spell from Tottenham Hotspur, contributing to his 12 goal involvements in the Championship in 2025-six goals and six assists-highlighting his growing influence during the season’s critical stage.
His impact has proven to be a smart acquisition, especially after the summer departures of Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville to Premier League sides. Jayden Bogle had an early opportunity in the second half to double the lead but fired wide, while Japan’s Ao Tanaka was unfortunate not to seal the victory later on, striking the inside of the post with a long-range effort.
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Oxford Launched
With no second goal to cushion their lead, Leeds had to endure a spell of pressure as Oxford launched a series of long throws into the box in search of an equalizer . However, solid defending-particularly from Joe Rodon-kept the home side at bay. Gary Rowett’s team is now preparing for a challenging away fixture against second-from-bottom Cardiff on Monday.
Championship
The victory boosts Leeds’ points total under Daniel Farke to an impressive 181. from 89 league games. With 91 points so far, they have already surpassed last season’s total of 90, with three matches remaining.Leeds have also scored 83 goals this season-20 more than any other team in the Championship-and recorded 23 clean sheets, a testament to the balance and strength of Farke’s squad.
Now, it’s simply a matter of maintaining composure and finishing the job to secure a long-awaited return to the Premier League after two seasons away.
Leeds showed ‘steel and resilience’ – post-match reaction
Oxford United boss Gary Rowett spoke to NewsFastTv Radio Oxford following the match:
- “They’re incredibly sharp in the final third, and if you lose focus even briefly, they capitalize with that extra bit of pace,” he said.
We had difficulty finding our rhythm in the first half, but we managed to stay in the match. We knew it wasn’t the kind of match we could afford to chase too early.” In the second half, we increased our intensity and energy, and for the final 20 minutes, we applied significantpressure on the top team in the league.
- “We can’t dwell on the frustration. We’re proud of the effort, even if the outcome was disappointing, and now our focus has to be on recovery.”
- “If we bring even half of that intensity into Monday’s game, we’ll give ourselves a strong chance of getting the result we’re looking for.”
Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke spoke to NewsFastTV Radio Leeds:
This was an extremely tough match, so I’m really pleased because we faced a very strong Oxford team. We maintained a lot of control throughout, but Gary’s teams are always well-organized and difficult to break down.
When you don’t manage to score that second goal, it’s crucial to show grit, resilience, and solid defensive discipline-and we delivered that today at the highest level. Securing this kind of win with a clean sheet, especially at this point in the season, is the most satisfying type of victory.”
