Championship Review: Leeds back on top as Norwich slip up

Leeds United returned to the top of the Championship after a 2-1 victory over Swansea City, Marcelo Bielsa’s side leapfrogging Norwich City – who lost at Preston North End.

Leeds had started Wednesday two points behind Norwich but goals from Pontus Jansson and Jack Harrison were enough to move them back to the summit.

Oliver McBurnie did pull one back for Swansea with a late penalty but it was too little too late as Leeds sealed an 18th win of the campaign midweek.

Leeds have a one-point advantage over Norwich thanks to stunning display from Preston – managed by former Canaries boss Alex Neil – at Deepdale.

Full-Time: #pnefc 3-1 @NorwichCityFC

Outstanding performance from North End tonight to secure a well deserved three points to make it six unbeaten! #ANSWA pic.twitter.com/YzHOs0LwbD

— Preston North End FC (@pnefc) February 13, 2019

CANARIES KNOCKED OFF THEIR PERCH

Preston quickly opened up a 2-0 lead over Norwich as Ben Davies and Paul Gallagher beat Tim Krul. 

Marco Stiepermann missed a penalty before the break and when Sean Maguire scored Preston’s third, Norwich were beaten.

Teemu Pukki grabbed a consolation in stoppage time but it was never going to be enough to stop them dropping down to second position following the 3-1 defeat.

Sheffield United are hot on their heels after a 1-0 win over 10-man Middlesbrough, Richard Stearman’s first goal of the season enough to move the Blades within two points of the automatic promotion places.

LAMPARD LEFT FRUSTRATED

With Middlesbrough losing, Derby County had the chance to move into the top-six but they could only take a point at bottom club Ipswich Town after a 1-1 draw.

Tom Lawrence gave Derby an early lead at Portman Road but Jon Nolan rescued a point minutes after coming off the bench for Paul Lambert’s strugglers.

“The team performance wasn’t good enough,” said a frustrated Frank Lampard. “If there was a natural complacency from going 1-0 up, then we got taught a lesson.”

Frank Lampard has arrived for his post-match press conference.

“It was a perfect start, but if you give possession away too frequently, too easily, you can’t control a game.”#ITFCvDCFC pic.twitter.com/KucYLGDggR

— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) February 13, 2019

SMITH LOSES ON BRENTFORD RETURN

Dean Smith’s first trip back to Brentford ended in a 1-0 defeat as his Aston Villa side conceded in the 91st minute at Griffin Park, Neal Maupay netting his 18th goal of the campaign.

“We are getting further away [from the promotion picture] at the moment because we’re not picking up points,” said a dejected Smith. “We have to take stock of it now and make sure we go and get a result against West Brom.”

Elsewhere, Reading lifted themselves out of the relegation zone with a 2-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers, while Stoke City are four games without a win after a goalless draw against Wigan Athletic.